Well, I’m now grown with a family of my own and can‘t believe how history repeats itself or that I am actually asking this question. Is it safe to use this same treatment on my own children?

DEAR READER:
It depends on the age of your children. All menthol products, including Vicks, have the capability of causing breathing problems, eye and lung inflammation, liver damage, airway constriction and allergic reactions in some infants and children. These products don’t actually clear congestion or help reduce a cough; they simply increase the production of mucus and inflame their airways that are narrower than those of adults.

In fact, Dr. Bruce Rubin writes for CHEST, an official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. After hearing of an infant who developed respiratory difficulty following a home-treatment of Vicks placed under her nose, Dr. Rubin began his studies with ferrets, whose respiratory systems are similar to those of infants. Following his studies he recommended “never putting Vicks in, or under, the nose of anybody — adult or child. Some of the ingredients in Vicks, notably the menthol, trick the brain into thinking that it is easier to breathe by triggering a cold sensation, which is processed as indicating more airflow. Vicks may make you feel better, but it can’t help you breathe better.”

Beyond Dr. Rubin’s studies, in 2008 the FDA was requested by a group of pediatricians to revise the standards for over-the-counter cough and cold remedies for children under six years of age, citing a lack of evidence they even work. There is mounting evidence the remedies can cause seizures, difficulty breathing, cardiac problems, and more. In fact, even the Vicks packaging recommends asking the advice of a physician for use on children under two years of age.

It has been noted that manufacturers are not voluntarily removing cough and cold remedies for children from pharmacy and grocery store shelves, since they do provide relief to older children when taken according to package inserts. Americans spend about $300 million every year on the plethora of products offered, despite warnings.

I am sure it will take a considerable period of time before the FDA takes a stand on whether or not to modify their present standards. In the interim, infants and young children should be under the care of their pediatricians and parents should be guided by their medical recommendations. Should any question remain because of repeated respiratory ailments, request a referral to a pulmonologist who specializes in pediatric medicine.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Pulmonary Disease”. 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:
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!

The next day while reading your column I saw something about using Vicks to treat psoriasis. I figured I had nothing to lose so I tried it on a small section of my scalp. I massaged it in and wore a shower cap for a few hours. The buildup disappeared so I then applied it to my entire scalp, massaged it in and put the shower cap back on. About five hours later the psoriasis seemed to have dissolved!

My only complaint was the Vicks was very hard to wash out but I found that if I rubbed baby powder into my hair before shampooing it was easier to remove. Recently I found a new product called Vicks cream which is Vicks without the petroleum.

I showed the results to my doctor who agreed to let me cancel the dermatologist appointment.

Because the psoriasis is persistent, I continue to use the Vicks cream. Whenever I feel a spot I just rub a little onto it and it disappears. Thankfully I have only had to do this twice since my initial “treatment”.

DEAR READER:
I am amazed at how quickly the Vicks worked for you. Congratulations on your success. I am passing on your letter in the hopes others can benefit from your experience.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “Eczema and Psoriasis”. 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).

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.

I do have cats and one dog. I’ve tried several things at home and even bought something at the drug store for athlete’s foot. Please give me some advice.

DEAR READER:
This contagious fungal infection is difficult to prevent. It can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact of an infected person or pet or contact with an object or surface either has touched.

Eradication is often achieved through the use of topical antifungal creams applied directed to affected areas or with oral fungus-killing medications.

I recommend you take your pets to a veterinarian to be checked and treated if they are the culprits. Then return to your physician for appropriate medication. In the meantime, you wish to try Vicks VapoRub (or the store-brand equivalent). It has proven its antifungal properties with toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and jock itch. I recommend you give it a try while waiting for the results to come back from your veterinarian.

DEAR READER:
Nerve damage is a common consequence of joint surgery. In most instances it is minor and short-lived. Your husband, however, appears to have severe damage with resulting pain. His doctor has taken appropriate steps to help him but nerve pain can be very difficult to treat. Also, your husband needs to return to his physician to report the side effects of the medications.

I have received many letters from individuals with nerve pain in their feet due to diabetes who want to know what they can do. I often recommend Neurontin. However, your husband is currently taking it and would prefer a non-prescription. Therefore, I recommend Vicks VapoRub rubbed onto the affected area as often as needed. Many patients have had stunning success but as I always say, it doesn’t work for everyone. If this is the case, I recommend you return to the surgeon for further advice.

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).

DEAR READER:
Absolutely. It works just as well and it is cheaper. Go ahead and use the store brand.