Has anyone successfully treated a very serious toenail fungal infections?

[2021hastobebetter]

I’ve had over 30 years of crappy athletes foot and this became a serious toenail infection about 10 years ago or longer. Athletes foot doesn’t clear up with Lamisil or other steroid: antifungal creams from the GP. Washed daily and clean socks or powder. The toenails are disgusting and my feet regularly split between the toes and cause major issues with pain. In the summer I try to keep them clean, dry and out with flip flops and it is slightly better. But they stink and always have done. I have been depressed about it since about the age of 12.

Last gp didn’t do a lot as fungal paints etc on toe nails do nothing and creams do little. I wash daily with tea tree oil, dry well, powders etc and nothing works.

Just moved to a new gp and she said - you can’t live like this. All 10 nails are yellow, thick, crusty and foul. So she got me to cut them all yesterday and has sent them off as a sample for testing. She then says blood tests and a high dose of tablet anti fungal tablets - but these can cause damage hence blood tests.

I do feel hopeful as my feet make me cry and I have to throw shoes away so often - my slippers for examples had them a few months and need to bin them as they stink and are rank.

Has anyone ever successfully treated a serious fungal infection? New GP says it’s a long treatment but worth a go?

Any success stories out there.

Speak to a podiatrist too. Expert knowledge and advice.

Thanks I think this is what they are planning. The previous GP was very paint this on all the nails for a year and it made no difference. I wash daily with tea tree oil and dry carefully, clean socks, powder, antifungal and steriod cream and have done for years -and it make no difference. This time last year it was so bad -it had literally practically I had no skin between my toes -just absolutely raw and deep itchy cracks.

Sounds like an oral treatment is the way to go -GP looked (pictures sent in) and said -no that's serious and needs samples taken and oral drugs. But seems to imply it mights be up to a year on tablets with regular blood tests. It is not my diet. Although I have an autoimmune diease and failed thyroid.

@ReluctantHomeschooler

I can’t believe no one has mentioned Vics Vaporub! It works like a dream on fungal nail infections. Just apply a few times a day, especially under the nail.

Tried it and tried neat tea tree oil -literally I've spent 30 years with it -so tried everything going.

Really interested to read this thread. I’ve just been prescribed Terbinafine and got myself into a bit of a state about having to have blood tests. Good to hear it’s work for so many!

Ff

Is any of this suitable for kids? 10 year old DS has a horrible big toenail, should I take him to the podiatrist?

I was prescribed Terbinafine and had huge changes in neutrophil level. It took 18 months for the levels to return to normal. It did however stop the fungal infection on my toe.

Make sure that you have the blood tests. I was lucky I was not ill over the 18 months.

Lamisil cream! Takes 6 months to a year depending how bad the infection is because you keep applying it as the nail grows out. But it works very well.

Aside from your fungal issues - which sound horrendous and need something very prescribed, IMO - I had years of skin cracks in my knuckles and between finger joints. I remember being miserable, especially every winter (I am not in the UK)

Went for a good regular dose of fish oils - x4 caps a day, at least for a bit. And have kept it up for probably 10 years.

Has made it go away entirely. Not saying it will cure your toe thing (and GPs might scoff), as that sounds rather more - but I have vitamin D/thyroid/immune/PCOS issues. It might be a cheap, harmless way to build some immunity behind it all.

Good luck!

The only thing that has helped my toenails is the pills. The topical treatments never did anything.

I too have struggled with fungal toenails for years. I’ve had the medication - didn’t work, laser treatment, didn’t work. I go regularly to a podiatrist who cuts and files them, and I file them myself every other day. I rub anti fungal oils in daily. This has taken over a year but they look tons better and I can now wear sandals again. Also try cutting out sugar as it feeds fungus. Years ago I went on a very strict low carb diet and my athletes foot cleared up. I’ve now stopped all sugar again to try and speed the fungus on its way. Good luck!

@MorrisZapp - my son was 9 when he was prescribed what I think was described here terbinafine. He had to have monthly blood tests for 6 months while taking the oral tablet. But honestly, it was worth it to clear up his horrible looking and painful big toenails. Good luck for your son

Ps he had symptoms for about 2 years to this prior and it wasn't a first treatment plan. He had a lot of failed paint ons, creams etc etc and I was told how powerful the oral drug was & it was heavily monitored

The topical remedies don't work for serious cases like the OP has-she needs dermatology/podiatry to weigh in. I'm also extremely vulnerable to fungal infections and have been since adolescence-have had to restrict carbs and sugar and it helps. Best of luck OP

What shoes do you wear? I've only had success with proper breathable leather shoes. Not plastic flip flops. Slippers are sheep skin. Much better now.

I have it on my big toe. Tried everything so they will be taking the toe nail off soon

Watching with interest because I've got athlete's foot AND something that my GP says is eczema and two of my toenails are coming off.

Out of interest, how much does private podiatry cost outside London?

Have you not seen a podiatrist?
I've taken DD to one for a fierce verucca and they've been so good (£39 a session).

fangs I'm Hampshire. Although I think that's a reduced rate for a teen.

Antifungal tablets from GP solved mine. Why previous GP's haven't given you any beggars belief.

Sounds like you need the tablets.
I've got it on my big toe and third one too.
I've tried all sorts.
Vicks made it worse!
I'm currently looking into urea 40% cream to soften/dissolve the nail although the pharmacist I ask today didn't have any. Wasn't keen on ordering online.
I'm tempted to book an appointment to take off the nail.
I keep putting off taking the tablets.
I had a long reaction to Astra Zeneca so my new excuse not to take the toe tablets is I have to wait until after/ if I have the second vaccine!

Jumping on this thread because I have found something that works!!! Nearly 12 years of infected toenail here, I have tried literally everything that all of the above posters have mentioned and nothing ever made a difference, even the Terbinafine.

Since being pregnant however and taking vitamin D daily, the infection has almost completely grown out and I am in shock to see a healthy nail growing from the cuticle! I can only assume it’s the Vitamin D, as I have changed nothing else about my lifestyle and had given up ages ago on treating the toenail with anything.

Could be worth a try if you’re still having trouble with it, or are having side effects from the pills.

I've had it like that and am now about 2 years into using terbafine. My big toes are clear, but each foot has one that is nearly but not quite clear. I tried stopping at one point, thinking it was all but out, and that one grew back, so went back on the pills.
I have blood tests regularly and it hasn't effected my liver.