The battle against toe nail fungus continues. . .

[Bateluer]

Alright, a little over 30 days on Ciclopirox now. The fungus has refused to lay down its arms and surrender. A few nails have signs of clean nails, but there's still a lot of fungal crud. I've been using Goldbond powder in my socks to soak up any sweat from the day, which I think may be helping.

The Ciclopirox is nearly gone though, I wonder if the brand name stuff would be more effective?

 

[coldmeat]

pics?

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: coldmeat
pics?

No.

Also, my digital camera isn't really of a high enough quality to get a solid picture. Its over 7 years old now. 2Mpixel Kodak DX3600.

Also 2, I've been soaking my feet in Equate(Listerine) mouthwash. Its supposed to have strong anti-septic properties to kill bacteria and fungus. I definitely feel it burning when my feet are soaking in it. At 3 dollars a bottle though, with each bottle lasting two soaks, its a little pricey. 1.50 every soak adds up.

Also 3, if I call the podiatrist up, what are the odds I could get a prescription over the phone for the brand name lacquer? A visit would probably cost me another 65 dollars just to walk in the door, if not more because I think my insurance may consider it cosmetic.

 

[MadAmos]

try using Vicks Vapo-Rub work it into the nail and nail bed twice a day, it should show improvement in 4 to 6 weeks

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: MadAmos
try using Vicks Vapo-Rub work it into the nail and nail bed twice a day, it should show improvement in 4 to 6 weeks

I tried that before the Ciclopirox. Aside from making my toes smell minty, it did nothing.

 

[Redfraggle]

I don't think it would be cosmetic. A fungal infection can spread and become systemic, a very unhealthy situation. You may need to go to your GP and get a referral to the podiatrist.

 

[crt1530]

Bleach?

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
I don't think it would be cosmetic. A fungal infection can spread and become systemic, a very unhealthy situation. You may need to go to your GP and get a referral to the podiatrist.

They prescribed the cicolopirox. I am uncertain if I ate the cost for that consultation though, the bill just lists the total amount due after the insurance paid their part.

 

[StageLeft]

I know you're running a lot. I imagine that it's not helping having your toes stuck in a damp environment in shoes for long periods of time. Probably you want to air them out as much as possible, for one.

 

[conorvansmack]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
Also 3, if I call the podiatrist up, what are the odds I could get a prescription over the phone for the brand name lacquer? A visit would probably cost me another 65 dollars just to walk in the door, if not more because I think my insurance may consider it cosmetic.

My wife had toenail fungus a couple of summers ago. The doc prescribed a lacquer for her, but you're right, it's considered cosmetic. It's worth looking into though.

You must have the mintiest foot around and will never have to worry about gingivitis.

 

[soccerballtux]

Have you tried Tinactin or Lamasil spray? You can get a combo-deoderant-powder spray with those that functions the same as gold bond in keeping your feet dry.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I know you're running a lot. I imagine that it's not helping having your toes stuck in a damp environment in shoes for long periods of time. Probably you want to air them out as much as possible, for one.

Believe me, I do. I'm usually barefoot at home.

While at work, its not exactly convenient to remove my shoes, change my socks, and re-apply foot powder, unfortunately. Some people would probably take offense.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Have you tried diet change? Garlic and onion are fungicides and are secreted from the body after eaten. If you're willing to smell a bit when you sweat, I've heard it helps a lot.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
I don't think it would be cosmetic. A fungal infection can spread and become systemic, a very unhealthy situation. You may need to go to your GP and get a referral to the podiatrist.

They prescribed the cicolopirox. I am uncertain if I ate the cost for that consultation though, the bill just lists the total amount due after the insurance paid their part.

I would go back to the doctor.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Have you tried diet change? Garlic and onion are fungicides and are secreted from the body after eaten. If you're willing to smell a bit when you sweat, I've heard it helps a lot.

I have not heard that. Might be worth a look.

 

[Sealy]

apple cider vinegar or listerine are supposed to work I was told today.

 

[Blain]

I always turn my work shoes upside down over one of my heating/air vents.
This allows the shoes to be dried out thoroughly before I wear them next. The shoes never "smell", because they are kept dry.
Dry environments are not friendly to bacterial or fungal growth.

As far as the fungus goes, it wouldn't hurt or cost much to try foot baths of witch hazel, vinegar and warm water. Nails are very permeable and will allow absorption of the solution.

 

[GasX]

I recently gave up on a 6+ year battle with toe fungus. No more L Great Toenail...

 

[Batmeat]

I recently gave up on a 6+ year battle with toe fungus. No more L Great Toenail...

This.

Toe nail fungus is dang hard to treat. The reality is that it can take years to resolve because all the topical stuff you put on your nails has poor penetration through the nail. The only way I've seen it resolve quick was to remove the nail, then hope it grows back. I don't recommend that route of treatment.