Persistent toenail fungus

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 64-year-old female with toenail fungus. I am sure I got it from trying on a pair of shoes without wearing socks or nylons about two years ago. Initially I went to my family doctor, who dismissed it as cosmetic and chose not to give me any treatment.

I have since tried over-the-counter treatments applied to the nail and skin around the nail and home remedies including vinegar soaks and iodine application. All have had some initial success, but then the effects seem to level off and the fungus remains.
[Read more...]

A review of home remedies

DEAR DR. GOTT: In a recent column, you referred to two possible cures for toenail fungus other than menthol salve. One was an over-the-counter product, and the other was a soaking agent. Could you please relate what these two potential cures are?

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

Lysol for fungus

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am looking for plain Lysol. I can’t find it anywhere. My mother used it to control fungus, ringworm and other contagious skin outbreaks. Where is it available?

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!

Winter toenail fungus

DEAR DR. GOTT: I often have a problem with toenail fungus in the summertime, but it’s understandable because I spend a lot of time at our town pool and in the locker room afterward so I can change out of my bathing suit. This I have learned to accept.

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. [Read more...]

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been using Miranel for toenail fungus. It leaves so much white powder on my nails that I can’t tell whether they are healing or not. It is interesting to note that in the directions it says “not effective on nails”. Would you please reply?

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, [Read more...]

Sunday Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have had toenail fungus for 15 or 20 years. It has spread to all my toes despite my attempts to cure it. I used tea tree oil for about six months with no change, iodine for about four weeks with little change and soaking my nails in Listerine nightly for six or eight weeks with no change. I have used Vicks VapoRub twice now, the first time for six months with change only in one toe but it didn’t last. My most recent experience with it has not shown any results, despite using it twice a day for one year. I put it on liberally and then put on socks.

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).

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
For the past two and a half years I have had a fungus on one of my big toes. It appeared after a staph infection on the same toe. I have since been slathering it with Vicks VapoRub twice a day. I have not seen any improvement.

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.

Sunday Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have suffered for a long time with a fungus under my toenail. I’ve read through your column of success with Vicks therapy, but it isn’t working for me. Is there anything else you can suggest?

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.