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Original poster

Toe nail fungus

36 replies

Fordian · 03/07/2023 13:33

Has anyone tried laser?

I know it's expensive, but if it's considered good, I think I'd prefer it to the oral anti-fungal tabs you need to be on for at least 3 month, that can damage your liver.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
RedDawg · 12/08/2023 20:40

Shame no one’s replied…. I’d like to hear feedback on laser too

IthinkIamAnAlien · 12/08/2023 21:19

I replied but it's gone, weird. I said that oregano oil worked for me. Or you can try tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil which is itself anti bacterial and anti fungal. Every day for a month or so.

CathyorClaire · 12/08/2023 21:36

I've previously cleared it (albeit over a couple of months) with internet search inspired Vicks Vapor Rub 😎

Latest bout ran away screaming from Lamisil ointment 👻

Both a lot cheaper than laser.

Orangeinmybluelightcup · 12/08/2023 21:45

Never heard of laser for this! I've had issues for 18m now, fungal nails and athletes foot. I do a foot soak with tea tree and Epsom salt every other day and use an aloe vera foot gel. It seems to keep things at bay during the summer when I can wear sandals all the time. Still itchy though and dry patches. I've got a doctor appointment in a weeks time but I bet they won't do anything as it doesn't look bad.

LesbianNaan · 12/08/2023 21:47

Vicks vapo rub got rid of my Dad’s decades old fungal toenails.
Worth a try before spending money on it?

coldseedlessgrapes · 12/08/2023 21:48

I got rid of mine with Vicks after having it for years.

Orangeinmybluelightcup · 12/08/2023 21:49

So what do you do with the vicks?

msmatcha · 12/08/2023 21:56

I cleared my awful toenail fungus in twelve months by a) GP prescribed medication, took for 3-6 months and then b) private podiatrist who drilled tiny holes in my nail and gave me two sprays to use daily.

LesbianNaan · 12/08/2023 22:15

Orangeinmybluelightcup · 12/08/2023 21:49

So what do you do with the vicks?

Coat the toenail with it every day.

Changingplace · 12/08/2023 22:17

I gave in and did the tablets after putting it off for years and it was actually fine- you have to have blood tests first to check you’re ok to have them but if you get the all clear there’s nothing to worry about.

Honesty wish I’d done I’d ages ago, the tablets weren’t bad at all.

Oblomov23 · 12/08/2023 22:43

I can't get rid of mine. GP gave 2 lots of tablets, still hasn't worked.

Original poster
Fordian · 12/08/2023 23:04

Thanks. I think I'm going down the oral medication route.

I did the blood test and had to send clippings off for analysis (6 weeks?). I expect to hear back soon.

OP posts:
FannyFifer · 12/08/2023 23:14

I was recommended to use Vicks by my podiatrist, I've used it twice daily for the past few months & the toenail is nearly sorted.

Changingplace · 12/08/2023 23:16

Oblomov23 · 12/08/2023 22:43

I can't get rid of mine. GP gave 2 lots of tablets, still hasn't worked.

I had to take the tablets for about 6 months, until the nails grow out (which takes ages!).

Persevere and get a repeat prescription, it won’t make the bits that are bad better, but it will make the new growth better so you really do have to be patient with it.

surreygirl1987 · 12/08/2023 23:38

What happens if you don't get fungal toenail sorted? I've had mine for aaages...

Changingplace · 12/08/2023 23:50

surreygirl1987 · 12/08/2023 23:38

What happens if you don't get fungal toenail sorted? I've had mine for aaages...

It just gets more & more minging, mine spread across all the toes on one foot and was starting to get painful because it’d grow upwards 🤢

Just get it sorted asap, & I’m so glad I can wear nice summer sandals again!!

Bobbybobbins · 12/08/2023 23:52

Two years to get rid of it the first time, painted my nails, came straight back!

This time it took my nail falling off to get rid. I am using tea tree oil just in case as I get the sense it is lurking.

Hopskiplou · 12/08/2023 23:57

I had a podiatrist cut nails as short as possible and file surfaces( two big toenails, they’re down to a third of original size). After this you can actually scrape fungus from under nail (bleurgh). I’m still cutting nails right down and applying mykored morning and afternoon then Vicks for bed. It is clearing it (and I have very fresh feet!)

SinglemomOf1 · 12/08/2023 23:59

Fordian · 03/07/2023 13:33

Has anyone tried laser?

I know it's expensive, but if it's considered good, I think I'd prefer it to the oral anti-fungal tabs you need to be on for at least 3 month, that can damage your liver.

Any thoughts?

Mine cleared 3 years ago with the oral tablets only. I had the fungus for years 10+

MrsKypp · 13/08/2023 00:02

Vinegar on cotton wool - leave it on the nail for 5 mins a day.

JustDanceAddict · 13/08/2023 07:54

i haven’t cleared mine - have had it for about 4 years - def pre-covid as I tried loads of crappy things out during lockdown!! ‘Be bern more focussed on other health issues since but it is annoying. I might try Vicks - do you just rub it in on or do the filing etc. as well.

FannyFifer · 13/08/2023 08:55

JustDanceAddict · 13/08/2023 07:54

i haven’t cleared mine - have had it for about 4 years - def pre-covid as I tried loads of crappy things out during lockdown!! ‘Be bern more focussed on other health issues since but it is annoying. I might try Vicks - do you just rub it in on or do the filing etc. as well.

I file the nail down & rub it in, the need to file it has now lessened as toenail pretty much back to normal now but I still rub the Vicks in twice a day.

Luckydip1 · 13/08/2023 09:03

The Vicks seems to clear the nails but it does come back.

AuntieMarys · 13/08/2023 09:16

My podiatrist did this
Lacuna method for fungal nails | General podiatry / chiropody www.chiropody.co.uk/treatments/general-podiatry-and-chiropody/nail-care/lacuna-method-for-fungal-nails.php

JustDanceAddict · 13/08/2023 09:20

@FannyFifer - I will def look into this as don’t want to take pills currently as my system is quite delicate!!

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