DEAR READER:
Thank you for the information. Those individuals with nail fungus now know what ingredient to look for. I do know Miranel, Vicks and Wal-Mart’s methol rub contain thymol. Miranel’s active ingredient is miconazole nitrate that penetrates the nail to get to the site of the fungal infection. Vicks lists camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. And, you’re right. The thymol is listed as an inactive ingredient. Good pickup!

DEAR READER:
According to my readers, Vicks or a comparable mentholatum rub does work. Simply rub the product over the top around the sides of the nail twice daily.

Other products include Miranel, an anti-fungal that contains miconazole nitrate to penetrate the nail faster, tea tree oil, and vinegar poured over the affected nails. Check with your local pharmacist for his or her suggestions.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR READER:
I believe that part of the problem with Vicks for nail fungus lies with how people are using it. I have repeatedly told my readers to trim the nail as much as possible without causing pain before applying the Vicks to the skin surrounding (and under) the nail. From some of the letters I have received that claim Vicks doesn’t work, it appears that the individuals have not bothered following the proper procedure.

Having said that, since I first started recommending Vicks for nail fungus, a new product has come on the market. Miranel is a Vicks-like salve that has an added ingredient that allows more of the active ingredients to penetrate the nail reaching the skin underneath. Since nail fungus is actually an infection of the skin under the nail, it is important that this area have the most treatment. This is why the nails needed to be trimmed before applying the Vicks, but Miranel has further enhanced the effect.

I have mentioned the product in the past and have since received many letters from readers who have had great success using it. It is available in most pharmacies and Wal-Mart.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Others readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR READER:
Thanks for yet another solution to this problem. There are several homeopathic remedies such as vinegar or bleach, some through prescription, and some over-the-counter such as Miranel. It’s great we can achieve success in a variety of ways for this annoying condition.

DEAR READER:
The packaging information specifies “Do not apply Miranel Antifungal Treatment over the previous application…remove with alcohol…wash affected area (before new application)”. Are you are applying the product twice daily without cleansing, causing the buildup? If so, the miconazole nitrate ingredient cannot penetrate properly when a barrier is present.

Unlike many medications, Miranel does not damage the liver. The FDA monograph is written for skin treatment, yet the product works for nail fungus. Manufacturers of anti-fungals must include a disclaimer indicating their products are not effective on nails since there has been no formal research done.

DEAR READER:
As we age, our toenails grow more slowly and thicken, making them susceptible to infection and causing difficulties in cutting. Regular trimming can be made easier if you soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the nails first. Then, with the use of toenail clippers that are more heavy duty than regular nail clippers, trimming is easier. Be sure to clip the nails straight across. If this process doesn’t work because you are not agile enough to bend down that far, a trip to a podiatrist might be in order.

If the nails are yellow, a sign of infection, I recommend the use of Miranel, a topical antifungal that is safe, effective, and available without prescription.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I stopped using acrylic nails about 15 years ago. I now do my own manicures with tools that are sterilized weekly. Despite these precautions, I have nail fungus on at least 5 of my nails. I understand that until I treat the skin under the nail, the fungus will continue. A year ago, a black/green mold appeared on my right thumbnail. The nail than fell off. When it started to grow back, so did the fungus.

This black/green mold concerns me. It is slowly spreading to more nails and is very unsightly. What is causing this to happen? How can I get rid of it?

I don’t have my hands in water excessively and when I do, I wear rubber gloves. I have tried every over-the-counter product including tea tree oil.

DEAR READER:
Nail fungus is a common disorder that leads to thick, yellow misshapen nails.

I tell most of my readers with this condition to try Vicks VapoRub. However, you may have more success using a new product, called Miranel. This product was introduced after the date of your letter. Miranel is specially designed to penetrate the skin and nail. This allows the product to work faster and more effectively than does Vicks.

Black/green “mold” is not typical for nail fungus. While you may wish to try to treat it yourself, I urge you to consider seeing your primary care physician. Ask for a nail culture. This involves taking a scraping of the nail fungus and “mold”, then analyzing it in the laboratory. The lab technicians can then determine what type of organism or organisms are present and the best way to treat them. You may have two or more types of fungus necessitating the use of prescription medication.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Can you please advise me about what else I can do? Do I still have non-medication options? Should I now consider using those expensive anti-fungal pills?

I am a 60-year-old female, 50 pounds overweight and take metoprolol, simvastatin, Wellbutrin, L-tryptophan (for my depression, it works great), and several vitamin supplements. I try to eat healthfully and exercise by walking, meditating and doing Tai Chi. I have a stent but a recent stress test and echocardiogram show no blockages. I used to smoke a pack a day for 25 years but quit (which is when the extra weight came on).

I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me.

DEAR READER:
Toenail fungus can be especially difficult to treat. You appear to have unsuccessfully tried several home remedies.

Only one of your medications, simvastatin, lists changes to hair or nails as a side effect but I doubt that this is the cause of your nail problems. Interestingly, both simvastatin and metoprolol list depression as a side effect. With your history, I wonder if these medications are appropriate choices for you. Another fact to consider is that Wellbutrin can cause cardiac problems. Because you have a stent, perhaps this is also not the best choice. L-typtophan is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body. It is a precursor to serotonin, which may be why you have had success using it for treatment of your depression.

Now to your nail fungus, there is a new over-the-counter ointment that you may wish to try called Miranel. It works similarly to Vicks but has the added benefit of being able to penetrate the skin and nails more easily, allowing it to work more effectively. Remember to keep your nails trimmed short for faster results. The kit which contains a nail file for easy nail trimming, a brush for a less messy application and the ointment is available at Wal-Mart and most pharmacies. You can also purchase it online at www.MiranelBrands.com.

In my opinion, however, now is the time to consult a podiatrist. This specialist will be able to take samples of your nail fungus and determine what type it is. This will also then allow him or her to give you treatment options. Not all nail fungus is the same. You may have a particularly resistant or uncommon type. That being said, a pharmacist recently wrote to me saying that those “expensive anti-fungal pills” were available as a generic at Wal-Mart for $4. So while the medication may not be as expensive as it once was (if you live near a Wal-Mart, at least), it still is not my top choice. You must have blood work before starting the treatment to ensure there are no problems with your liver, and both during and after treatment to ensure that your liver was not adversely affected by the pills. Nail fungus is not harmful, it is simply ugly. I recommend you avoid medication until you have exhausted every other option.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”, “A Strategy for Losing Weight: An Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Consumer Tips on Medicine”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Would you recommend that I see a podiatrist? How safe are the drugs used to treat nail fungus? What are the side effects?

I am 77 years old and take a few medications for high blood pressure, arthritis and glaucoma.

DEAR READER:
Vicks VapoRub does not work for all types of fungus or people. In most cases, it will take several weeks to several months before improvement is seen (depending on how fast your nails grow). Since you have been applying the rub for more than a year now, I fear you are one of the unfortunate few for whom this treatment does not work.

I recommend you now see a podiatrist. He or she will most likely culture the fungus to determine what kind it is and what medicine it is sensitive to.

As far as medications, they are frightfully expensive and most need to be taken for extended periods (usually three to six months) before results can be seen. The most common side effect is liver damage. Be sure to tell your physician what medications you are taking to ensure that the fungal medication will not adversely interact with them. He or she may have other options, such as topical ointments that can be used. Make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and discussion. You do not need to make any medication decisions at that appointment. Remember, nail fungus will not cause any ill health; it is simply “ugly”.

If you do not wish to see a podiatrist, however, there are several more home remedy and over-the-counter options. Some of my readers have had success by soaking their affected foot or feet in a tub of pau d’arco tea. Simply steep the tea and then soak your feet in it twice a day until improvement is noticed at which point you can cut back to once a day. It can be found in most health food stores and online. Other readers have had success using white vinegar. This is simply applied with a cotton ball or swab to the affected nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day. A final option is a product called Miranel. It is an ointment brushed onto the nail twice a day. The product includes a nail file to thin the nail and the application brush as well. It is available at Wal-Mart and most pharmacies.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR READER:
“Fungal” infections under and around nail beds can be caused by yeasts, molds and various fungi. Most are caused by the same type of yeast that causes athlete’s foot. The average healthy individual should not be affected by an infection, other than from an aesthetic view point. Problems arise for diabetics, those with weakened immune systems, and many individuals as they age.

According to many of my readers, Vicks or a store brand mentholated chest rub equivalent takes several months, but has shown promise in controlling fungus for many people. If you aren’t among those reporting success with this product, there are alternatives.

Speak with your primary care physician to determine if prescription medication might appropriate for you. Two better known anti-fungals he or she might prescribe are Lamisil and Penlac. Determine insurance coverage, since some medications can cost in excess of $10 per pill per day and must be taken for three months. This translates to more than $900 with no guarantee of success. A downside is the potential for side effects including skin rash and liver damage. Therefore, if you and your doctor determine prescription medication is appropriate for you, I urge you to have a liver test before beginning and on completion of the course of the drug. Should a rash develop, report to your physician.

Some people have had success with vinegar. There is no scientific or direct evidence that the infection will be eradicated, however, vinegar has been known to inhibit the growth of certain organisms. Experts suggest soaking the affected foot or feet in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts warm water for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the feet and pat them dry. The process should be performed once or twice a week until the infection is under control.

Still another solution is Miranel Anti Fungal Treatment, a new product available over-the-counter, that kills fungus around and under nails. It is also recommended for control of athlete’s foot and ringworm. While similar to Vicks in that it contains camphor, eucalyptus and menthol, it also has the addition of tea tree oil and miconazole nitrate. This latter ingredient inhibits the growth and reproduction of fungal cells as well as being more easily absorbed through the damaged nail. Unlike standard over-the-counter remedies, Miranel uses natural properties that provide safe yet effective treatment for eradication of nail fungus. With no ingestion of medication, there is no worry of liver damage, and to the best of my knowledge, there have been no reports of skin rash.

While test studies report astonishing success, I again am asking my readers to report their findings with Miranel found at Wal-Mart, but understand it is available at most pharmacies. If it isn’t, ask your pharmacist to order it for you or visit www.MiranelBrands.com.

Since I have mentioned prescriptions and alternatives for control, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.