DEAR READER: Perhaps something other than a fungus is going on. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether the nails will fall off freely or need to be cut back, and whether a fungal infection persists or an unidentified issue remains.

DEAR READER: The article to which you are probably referring can be found on my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com/nail-fungus-home-remedies.

There are many home remedies for nail fungus, some more successful (based on reader input) than others. I believe one of the products you are referring to is Miranel, which is available over-the-counter at Walgreens. It is applied directly to the toenail and surrounding skin daily using the applicator brush provided.

Another product that has been successful is decolorized iodine, also known as white iodine. This product may also improve weak, brittle nails.

As for soaking agents, I have received several letters regarding white vinegar. Some people soak a cotton ball and then apply it to the affected nail several times a day, while others simply dilute the vinegar with warm water and soak the whole foot. This may also help with athlete’s foot.

Others have chosen to use diluted bleach in a similar manner.

Many years ago, I recommended a foot soak using Pau d’Arco tea. The feet have to be soaked several times a day. I have since stopped recommending it because the above remedies appear to be readily available, easier, less expensive and provide better results.

DEAR READER: Lysol sells and distributes disinfectant sprays, wipes, no-touch hand soap, all-purpose cleaners, mildew remover, kitchen, bath and toilet-bowl cleaners, but nowhere did I find plain Lysol. Upon calling the company, they indicated they discontinued the original “scent” in January 2010. They have a 12-ounce concentrate, but it is not intended for use on the body; nor is any of their other products. So I guess you will have to improvise. Sorry!

DEAR READER: Home remedies include soaking the toes or fingers in warm water to make the nails softer and easier to cut. Trim the nails, and remove as much of the debris as possible. Apply a petrolatum/menthol salve around the top and under the tip of the nail twice daily. The process may take a month or more but is worth a try.

Apply decolorized iodine to affected dry nails twice daily. Again, this will take some time but offers another option.

Oregano oil applied to affected clean, dry nails once or twice daily with a cotton swab has been purported to work.

Consider purchasing over-the-counter Miranel, an antifungal remedy that permeates nails and promotes faster eradication of the fungus.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

I live in the upper northwest section of the country, and I have the start of another fungal infection. This is the first time this has happened during the winter, and I am totally confused as to why. Our pool is closed until warm weather returns, and I’m in my home, which I thought was safe from the problem. I was wrong. Can you shed some light on this annoying problem?

DEAR READER: You’re not the first person with this complaint. We tend to forget that damp, cold weather can also trigger just such an infection. I’m sure you have already pulled your winter boots out of the closet and have worn them when grocery shopping, taking your children to functions, or when walking and hiking to keep in shape. It’s cold. We don’t stop to think that our feet are cozy and warm — sometimes sweating — when we have the heat on in the car during travel or when simply walking around the block. The warmth and moisture combine to set the stage for such a problem to occur.

You might consider trimming your nail and applying a petrolatum menthol salve to the top and underside twice daily. The process may take a month or more, but a healthy nail should ultimately grow out, replacing the yellow discoloration you are likely experiencing.
Some people achieve success by either dabbing a cotton ball with white vinegar or simply pouring the liquid over the affected area twice daily. Again, patience is necessary for results.

If you would like to investigate another avenue, there are a number of over-the-counter remedies, including Miranel, found at Walgreens pharmacies. I personally know people who have used this over-the-counter antifungal successfully for the specific problem you are experiencing. It contains miconazole ointment, tea tree oil and a host of other effective ingredients. Miranel can also be used to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot and the irritation that can appear between the toes.

Consider one of my recommendations and be sure to follow up with treatment in the future at the first sign of infection.

To give you related information on methods for treating toenail fungus and other home remedies, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order made payable to Newsletter and forwarded to PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.

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:
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:
I have seen a HUMCO brand of decolorized iodine that can be used for split and shredded nails. There probably are other brands available, but the regular bottle on pharmacy shelves is red and leaves a stain when applied to the skin. Because iodine is used as an antiseptic, it probably does work on nail fungus as your pharmacist suggested. Thanks for the tip.

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.