Infected toenail.

[mommysboy]

Couple of years ago I got a toenail infected somehow. Just the one it hasn't spread. I have tried everything to shift it including Loprox paint on, clotrazimole paint on, various creams, daily footbaths and pairing right back. It seems to me the end of my toe is infected skin and all as it smarts quite a bit sometimes and is generally reddened..

I have been fighting shy of oral antifungals for such a small problem, but guess it is either take them or live with the bad nail for rest of.

Can anyone advise on these oral tablets. Are they at all dangerous or inappropriate for a small problem like this?

Or if anyone has good advice please post.

[slipperylobster]

I do a lot of walking/hiking, and found that allowing somebody to do a "manicure" is mostly the cause of these infections. My ex used to love clipping the side of the toenail down, and pushing the cuticles it. Well, that is the problem. Always cut straight across, and never dig into the skin surround your toenails. It is almost like you cannot walk anymore...when this infection sets in.

As for the cure...I just waited it out. I never had this problem in more than 10 years..because I cut them myself.

[MichaelJohn]

I had one for 15 years; nothing you paint on will do the job, you need oral anti fungal.

You take then for a while, then stop, then take them again. The risk is that you liver can't handle the drug but I believe it's rare and you can tell if your body is struggling as you go yellow!!! You can have a liver test after the first few days if you're worried?

My experience is I wish I'd done it 15 years before I did. No problems now and not that ugly toe nail!!! (Particularly a problem when you wear sandals)

[JHolmesJr]

Nizoral tablets used to be the go-to for this kind of thing…but they have stopped making them….must be serious as I have never heard of big pharma turning down a chance to make money.

[Bpuumike]

I was recently precribed Nizoral cream by one of the large BKK hospitals for a very persistent fungus. Have only been using it for three days so can't speak for it's effectiveness.

[DogNo1]

Nizoral tabs are still around. Look for them under their generic name. You can Google that. Be careful of liver damage!

[oncearugge]

Self medication is not the answer.

Seek medical advice from a Dermatologist.

[connda]

8 out of 10 of my toenails had fugal infections 2 years ago. Thank you US Navy for the crap footwear we were required to wear. I've had toenail fugal infections since the 1980s. Two years ago a friend visiting me from the US looked at my nails (in disgust) and told me to try using bleach in footbaths.

I am now working on my last large toenail. The rest are normal now.

The first prescription you need is - Patience. This is going to take awhile. Next you need regular bleach. I use Haiter here in LOS.

Make a warm foot bath, with enough water in a basin to cover your toenail. If you are using Haiter, use about 1/2 to 1 cap full. Bleach needs to be diluted or it will irritate or 'burn' your skin. You don't need to do this everyday. Three times a week should do, but up to you. I'd see improvement doing as few as two footbaths a week. The improvement usually shows up as the thinning of the toenail. Once they start to thin, they usually heal pretty fast, like within the next month.

The problems with anti-fungal medicine is that it is hard on your liver when it metabolizes. If used sparing, they may help. Look up Fluconazole and Toenail Fungus I took 100 mg tab per week based on a schedule I found on the Internet. I took it for ten weeks (10 tabs) and then stopped. I've done this recently. I used it because my large toenail were very thick 3 to 5 mm and were extremely difficult to treat and I believe the Fluconazole helped. But with that said, if you have any liver problems, stick with the foot baths and patience. I personally had my liver enzymes checked before and during my use of Fluconazole. A little paranoia is not a bad thing. Better safe than sorry. I had only a slight rise in enzymes but within normal ranges while taking Floconazole once a week.

Caveat: I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you need medical advice, talk with a doctor. This is my own experience. Best of luck!

Edited October 9, 2015 by connda

[mommysboy]

8 out of 10 of my toenails had fugal infections 2 years ago. Thank you US Navy for the crap footwear we were required to wear. I've had toenail fugal infections since the 1980s. Two years ago a friend visiting me from the US looked at my nails (in disgust) and told me to try using bleach in footbaths.

I am now working on my last large toenail. The rest are normal now.

The first prescription you need is - Patience. This is going to take awhile. Next you need regular bleach. I use Haiter here in LOS.

Make a warm foot bath, with enough water in a basin to cover your toenail. If you are using Haiter, use about 1/2 to 1 cap full. Bleach needs to be diluted or it will irritate or 'burn' your skin. You don't need to do this everyday. Three times a week should do, but up to you. I'd see improvement doing as few as two footbaths a week. The improvement usually shows up as the thinning of the toenail. Once they start to thin, they usually heal pretty fast, like within the next month.

The problems with anti-fungal medicine is that it is hard on your liver when it metabolizes. If used sparing, they may help. Look up Fluconazole and Toenail Fungus I took 100 mg tab per week based on a schedule I found on the Internet. I took it for ten weeks (10 tabs) and then stopped. I've done this recently. I used it because my large toenail were very thick 3 to 5 mm and were extremely difficult to treat and I believe the Fluconazole helped. But with that said, if you have any liver problems, stick with the foot baths and patience. I personally had my liver enzymes checked before and during my use of Fluconazole. A little paranoia is not a bad thing. Better safe than sorry. I had only a slight rise in enzymes but within normal ranges while taking Floconazole once a week.

Caveat: I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you need medical advice, talk with a doctor. This is my own experience. Best of luck!

I did notice a difference when I used to go swimming.

I have tried standard footbaths with soap and water for about a year now. I don't think patience is the issue although I must admit I am generally rather impatient.

I'm just a little bit wary of using chlorine, even the stuff in tap water can make me itch.

I wouldn't self prescribe, but thanks for the heads up.

[mommysboy]

I had one for 15 years; nothing you paint on will do the job, you need oral anti fungal.

You take then for a while, then stop, then take them again. The risk is that you liver can't handle the drug but I believe it's rare and you can tell if your body is struggling as you go yellow!!! You can have a liver test after the first few days if you're worried?

My experience is I wish I'd done it 15 years before I did. No problems now and not that ugly toe nail!!! (Particularly a problem when you wear sandals)

I agree the paint on stuff has been very ineffective. It might be useful for lesser infections at the side or top of the nail.

[connda]

I had one for 15 years; nothing you paint on will do the job, you need oral anti fungal.

You take then for a while, then stop, then take them again. The risk is that you liver can't handle the drug but I believe it's rare and you can tell if your body is struggling as you go yellow!!! You can have a liver test after the first few days if you're worried?

My experience is I wish I'd done it 15 years before I did. No problems now and not that ugly toe nail!!! (Particularly a problem when you wear sandals)

I agree the paint on stuff has been very ineffective. It might be useful for lesser infections at the side or top of the nail.

Posted to wrong user.

Edited October 9, 2015 by connda

[connda]

8 out of 10 of my toenails had fugal infections 2 years ago. Thank you US Navy for the crap footwear we were required to wear. I've had toenail fugal infections since the 1980s. Two years ago a friend visiting me from the US looked at my nails (in disgust) and told me to try using bleach in footbaths.

I am now working on my last large toenail. The rest are normal now.

The first prescription you need is - Patience. This is going to take awhile. Next you need regular bleach. I use Haiter here in LOS.

Make a warm foot bath, with enough water in a basin to cover your toenail. If you are using Haiter, use about 1/2 to 1 cap full. Bleach needs to be diluted or it will irritate or 'burn' your skin. You don't need to do this everyday. Three times a week should do, but up to you. I'd see improvement doing as few as two footbaths a week. The improvement usually shows up as the thinning of the toenail. Once they start to thin, they usually heal pretty fast, like within the next month.

The problems with anti-fungal medicine is that it is hard on your liver when it metabolizes. If used sparing, they may help. Look up Fluconazole and Toenail Fungus I took 100 mg tab per week based on a schedule I found on the Internet. I took it for ten weeks (10 tabs) and then stopped. I've done this recently. I used it because my large toenail were very thick 3 to 5 mm and were extremely difficult to treat and I believe the Fluconazole helped. But with that said, if you have any liver problems, stick with the foot baths and patience. I personally had my liver enzymes checked before and during my use of Fluconazole. A little paranoia is not a bad thing. Better safe than sorry. I had only a slight rise in enzymes but within normal ranges while taking Floconazole once a week.

Caveat: I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you need medical advice, talk with a doctor. This is my own experience. Best of luck!

I did notice a difference when I used to go swimming.

I have tried standard footbaths with soap and water for about a year now. I don't think patience is the issue although I must admit I am generally rather impatient.

I'm just a little bit wary of using chlorine, even the stuff in tap water can make me itch.

I wouldn't self prescribe, but thanks for the heads up.

Not a problem. It's always best to use your own intuition and judgement. If something doesn't seem right to you, don't do it. In your case you will probably want to consult a doctor. They can take blood tests to watch your liver enzymes if you choose to use prescribed anti-fungal pills. They will work, but they also will take time. They will kill the fungus but you'll need to be on the medicine until the nail can completely grow out. Or maybe you have a different problem. Best to consult with a doctor. Wish you success!

Edited October 9, 2015 by connda

[Sheryl]

The problem with topical applications is that there is little penetration below the surface of the tail. Filing down the nail surface will make a difference and can be done (painlessly) in a foot clinic. Suggest you see this doctor who AFAIK is the only podiatrist in Bangkok:

Dr. Cherdpong Hansasuta

Bangkok Hospital

Sundays - Thursdays 9 - 5

US trained and board certified

He tends to be heavily booked so appointment strongly advised

[rodknock]

DR. Cherdpong at Bangkok Hospital podiatry clinic. very good Dr.

[mommysboy]

Previously I have filed the top of the nail very thin, and paired the length down almost to the crescent.

So I think I am left with little option to either put up with it, or take the medicine, which I must admit I am a bit wary about.

I must admit I am intrigued by the bleach idea, but it seems a bit hazardous.

[wooloomooloo]

As connda's post. I had a fungal infection and saw my UK GP and was prescribed Terbinafine.

Had to have a blood test prior to prescription to determine liver function but came back positive. Took the tablets for nearly a year. Eventually sorted most of the problems out but visual appearance will never be quite the same again.

Apparently, laser treatment may help in some instances.

[tolsti]

Podiatry is not easy to find here in Thailand. Most of us end up with a salon with a person that seems to specialise in feet. I have been using one since 2004 and she sorts me out. Infections? .....only had one and Teatree oil nuked that.

[oncearugge]

Podiatry is not easy to find here in Thailand. Most of us end up with a salon with a person that seems to specialise in feet. I have been using one since 2004 and she sorts me out. Infections? .....only had one and Teatree oil nuked that.

No one with diabetes, peripheral circulation problems or foot/toenail infections should entrust their feet to the local salon "nail cutter"

[connda]

Previously I have filed the top of the nail very thin, and paired the length down almost to the crescent.

So I think I am left with little option to either put up with it, or take the medicine, which I must admit I am a bit wary about.

I must admit I am intrigued by the bleach idea, but it seems a bit hazardous.

You start with a very diluted solution. As I said, I use 1/2 cap of Haiter bleach to 3 liters of warm water in a basin (I just took the time to go measure what I use). 1/2 cap is 1 Tablespoon which is 1/2 fluid Ounces. So use 1 TSP to 3 Liters of warm water. I don't see anyway that that dilution will cause a chemical burn. I think the only problem you may have is if you have an allergy to Sodium Hypochlorite, ie, bleach. If you react, you may want to consider taking an antihistamine.

I soak my feet for 1/2 an hour. Perhaps you try that solution but soak for 5 minutes and then assess your reaction.

If bleach is simply not an option for you, then read this literature by the US National Library of Medicine regarding the use of Fluconazole to cure toenail fungus infections. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9631989

If you can't afford a trip to BKK to see the above specialist, you can at least talk with a local dermatologist about using Fluconazole in a protocol to combat your infection. If it was me, I'd print the USNLM article and take it with me to discuss during my consult. I'd also recommend consulting a doctor to make sure that what you have is actually a fungal infection. Talk to a doctor first, then decide how to proceed.

[Sheryl]

Previously I have filed the top of the nail very thin, and paired the length down almost to the crescent.

So I think I am left with little option to either put up with it, or take the medicine, which I must admit I am a bit wary about.

I must admit I am intrigued by the bleach idea, but it seems a bit hazardous.

I don't think it is possible to file down the surface of the nail yourself as well as they can do it in the clinic (special machine -- don't see how one would do it themselves).

Again, suggest consulting Dr. Cherdpong.

[tolsti]

Podiatry is not easy to find here in Thailand. Most of us end up with a salon with a person that seems to specialise in feet. I have been using one since 2004 and she sorts me out. Infections? .....only had one and Teatree oil nuked that.

No one with diabetes, peripheral circulation problems or foot/toenail infections should entrust their feet to the local salon "nail cutter"

You are totally correct and thankfully I have none of those complications. Simply 1/2 nail removements at an early age which require monthly sharp edge care.

[Goldieinkathu]

Podiatry is not easy to find here in Thailand. Most of us end up with a salon with a person that seems to specialise in feet. I have been using one since 2004 and she sorts me out. Infections? .....only had one and Teatree oil nuked that.

Yes, Teatree oil is great for fungal infections. It takes time but try applying twice a day on the infected toe.

[Craig krup]

I had this and took a nail brush and thick bleach, stuck my foot in the sink and violently scrubbed the bleach into the cut down nail. Gave a minute and then rinsed it off. Once a day for a couple of weeks and it seemed to cure it. The western habit of socks and shoes in a tropical climate is a recipe for problems.

[pauleddy]

Dr Cherdpong has moved from BKK Hosp.

I believe he now works at Ram Hosp Sundays 9-5 AND that he has a clinic somewhere near Vict. M.

I only discovered this today!

Eddy

[Sheryl]

He is also at Samitivej.

If anyone has info on location of his clinic please advise

[attrayant]

As an aside - one key to healthy feet is keeping them dry. This is especially true if you've got a minor cut or dry, cracked skin where germs can easily gain entry. The ever-wet bathroom floors in most Thai-style houses are bacteria breeding grounds. Keep a pair of indoor waterproof slippers next to the bathroom door in case you need to brush your teeth or pee, but don't want to walk through a layer of slimy bacterial scum that's been colonizing the floor since it was last scrubbed.