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Daily Column

April 2, 2008 By Dr. Gott

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.

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Daily Column

March 28, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have received information from a friend that you have a theory that spraying nitroglycerin on the hands and feet of a neuropathy patient may be of some help. I’d like to know where I can get this spray.

My husband has peripheral neuropathy. He is not diabetic and the pain is mild. He needs a cane to keep his balance when walking and is losing function of his hands. In November 2006 he was in hospital for treatment with massive IV steroids and IV immunoglobulin. Each treatment lasted four hours. Unfortunately, they made him very sick and he was forced to stop.

We are willing to try anything to improve the function of his hands. Where can I get nitroglycerin spray for him?

DEAR READERS: Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication. Most pharmacies carry it but without physician approval you cannot purchase it. Speak with your husband’s neurologist about this possibility.

He may also wish to try prescription Neurontin which has been proven useful in lessening the pain of neuropathy.

A final option is Vicks VapoRub or similar store brands. Many of my readers have had amazing success by simply rubbing the product on the affected areas two to three times a day. It is also inexpensive, safe, easy and best of all, doesn’t require a prescription. I recommend your husband give this a try first and move onto the other options should it not work.

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.

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Sunday Column

March 9, 2008 By Dr. Gott

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.

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Daily Column

March 6, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My husband has been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis. It’s our understanding that this condition can be controlled, but not cured. Medication has been very ineffective. We have been using Neosporin and antiseptic powder on the open areas and aloe vera on his chest. These have helped some. Do you or your readers have any other suggestions?

DEAR READER:
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition that causes white or yellowish flaky scales. These form on oily areas of the skin such as the scalp, inside of or behind the ear, creases of the nose, eyebrows or lids, along skin folds in the middle of the body and lips. It may also cause the skin to redden (mildly) in those areas. It can have long inactive periods between flare-ups but can generally be controlled with treatment.

Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families. Oily skin, infrequent shampooing or skin cleaning, stress, fatigue, obesity, use of lotions with alcohol, weather extremes and skin disorders, such as acne, can worsen symptoms and may increase the risk of developing this condition. It can also be associated with Parkinson’s disease, head injuries and strokes. It is a common cause of dandruff and infants and children (up to age 3) can develop a temporary version called cradle cap.

Diagnosis is reached through physical examination of the lesions as well as their location. A dermatologist is best choice for diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.

There are several at home treatment options. For lesions in the scalp, over-the-counter medicated or dandruff shampoo is often effective. It should be used daily and vigorously scrubbed in for five minutes then rinsed. The shampoo may also be effective when rubbed into the lesions on other areas of the body. Look for shampoos that contain salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, or ketoconazole. Because of its similarity to psoriasis, some of my readers have tried Vicks VapoRub with success. Others have had success rubbing a banana peel onto the affected area once or twice a day.

If the affected area(s) drain fluid or pus, become painful or very red or form crusts, call your physician. This can be a sign of infection that may need antibiotic treatment.

Close attention to skin and hair care and reducing risk factors can aid in prevention of outbreaks. If over-the-counter or home treatments do not work, a visit to a dermatologist for further advice or prescription medications may be appropriate.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Eczema and Psoriasis”. 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.

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