Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
For the first time in my life I have developed toenail fungus and I am not happy about it.
I can not imagine why it happened b/c I always take care to bathe and dry my feet well.
I heard that tea tree oil was a good treatment for this problem, but it is not working. Does anyone else have other recommendations?
Also, is there any connection between Lyme, co-infections and tonenail fungus?
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
I'm having the same problem, and have been trying tea tree oil and some over the counter stuff, with a little improvement, but it's slow. My llmd suggested using the tea tree oil and wrapping it in a bit of saran wrap to give it a chance to soak through the toenail, still need to try that.
Then I heard an ad on the radio for some medical clinics that use laser treatment to get rid of it, so now I am tempted to try that instead for a quick fix. http://www.barefootlasercenters.com - this place is in CA, but there might be someplace similar near you. Might be worth a try..
Posts: 205 | From northern california | Registered: Apr 2008
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springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
My doctor prescribed Ciclopirox. You paint it on like nail polish.
You got to stay at it consistently and I also use tea tree oil.
My problem is that once I make good progress I stop trying to hard and that little amount left grows quickly.
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
Along with the toenail fungus, I had an overgrowth of yeast in my gut (and the rest of me, I suppose). So we treated with fluconazole for that and the toenails cleared up - took a year, but at least I can wear flip flops now!
-------------------- dx: MS in 1998 2007 - Lyme suspected 2009 - Positive Lyme, MS worse. Now: Copaxone shots for MS gall bladder out 7/09 Ceftin, Zith, Septra LDN Acyclovir Monolaurin, DHEA, Pregnonelon, Curcumin Posts: 243 | From New Mexico | Registered: Feb 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Yeah, I've had that for years.
I've tried various things for it too, and nothing seems to work very well.
Tea tree oil is good, but slow.
I haven't heard about vinegar, but I did hear that if you soak in Listerine daily it will clear it up too.
I know I always see those stuupid Lamisil commercials, with that little beasty thing taking over under the toenail.
When I looked up Lamisil online, there were all these warnings about liver damage, etc.
I figured I'd rather live with the fungus...
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
My husband took sporonax for it.
It works against yeast too.
Just have to watch liver enzyme levels on it.
I took sporonax for yeast once or twice.
His toenails cleared. He has Lyme.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
It's very difficult to get rid of toenail fungus with topical products. You have it because of toxins being released from within the body, therefore you need an oral prescription to get rid of it.
It's very persistent and difficult to get rid of.
You need to see a podiatrist as they will scrape away any black stuff and treat the toe nail, etc, and usually they put you on lamasil. Topical products will help if you are on a prescription medication but very rarely will a topical product fully resolve it on it's own.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
quote:Originally posted by Abxnomore: It's very difficult to get rid of toenail fungus with topical products. You have it because of toxins being released from within the body, therefore you need an oral prescription to get rid of it.
Wow! That explains it! I developed this problem about a month after starting abx.
Thank you for the explanation.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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lymewreck36
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4395
posted
Sporonox is the best fungal treatment for toenails,, but it takes a long time.
To increase effetiveness of ANY treatment, do the following:
GEt a foot file with a rough and a soft side. Use the soft side to file down the toe nail as much as possible, thinning the surface. Keep the nail thin and trimmed as short as possible.
This give the fungas less area to work in, and enables medications to penetrate under the nail bed better.
Worked miracles for my funal nails!
Mary
Posts: 1034 | From North Carolina | Registered: Aug 2003
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
A good podiatrist will do all the work you described on the required toenails with the proper knowledge and tools and with follow up to maintain proper treatment.
Toenail fungus is very difficult to get rid of. It's a very long process and he/she will know the right anti-fungal to use. I've always known lamasil to be the first choice but given that it is so resistant I'm sure they use others, such as Sporonox.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I got rid of mine with 20-minute daily soaks in very hot water to which I dumped LOTS of epsom salts. After about 6 weeks, went to every other night. Then maybe twice a week. Within a few months, it appears to be gone. A natural remedy which WORKS.
I had tried the Lamisil Rx, it did not work.
-------------------- Sick since at least age 6, now 67. Decades of misdiagnosis. Numerous arthritic, neuro, psych, vision, cardiac symptoms. Been treating for 7 years, incl 8 mos on IV. Bart was missed so now treating that. Posts: 765 | From nw ct | Registered: Sep 2008
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
paulieinct,
I had been wondering if Epsom salts might work for me too. I have been debating whether or not to try them, but it was just something I "thought up" myself not realizing it was an actual treatment.
I will go ahead and try that remedy beginning today.
Others suggested filing my nails and keeping them clipped short. I have started doing that as well.
I appreciate all the input and ideas everyone has offered.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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