Tailfeather from the forum want to let us know:
If you have a nail fungus, Vick’s Vapor Rub can be used as a simple home remedy instead of Lamasil. She points out that it’s cheaper and doesn’t have dangerous side effects.
The Right Brain comments:
You can read Tailfeather’s entire discussion in the Forum, but she raised some interesting points that are worthy of mention here in the blog.
What is a nail fungus?
First of all, let’s explain that a nail fungus is type of microbial infection that can cause your nail to become discolored. As Tail puts it, she noticed some “weird yellow stuff” on her big toenail.
As the fungus spreads the infected nail can become thickened, distorted in shape, and develop crumbling edges. Fungi can infect your feet whey they’re exposed to dark, damp conditions and they can be very difficult to control.
Is Lamasil dangerous?
There are several fungus fighting drugs available, both prescription and over the counter. One of the most popular is Lamasil and it’s true that it has some not so pleasant side effects. The two that Tailfeather mentioned are temporary lost of taste and the slight (but serious) danger of liver damage. If this risk concerns you, then Lamasil is probably not for you.
Does Vicks really fight fungus?
Vick’s Vapor Rub is a popular ointment that contains a variety of aromatic oils. It’s designed to help soothe your upper respiratory tract during a cold. Tailfeather claims it cured her toe nail fungus. Is that possible? Looking at the ingredients we see that one of the oils used in the product is thymol. We found a Pubmed reference to a paper on thymol published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research. According to this paper and we quote: “The oil exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against all fungi investigated.” Based on this research it certainly seems plausible that Vick’s could work as an antifungal.
Unfortunately, P&G, the company that makes Vicks can’t legally claim this effect without presenting test data to the FDA. So you’re not likely to see anything official from Vick’s. Lamasil is proven to work, Vick’s is not, but if you’re interested give it a try.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I am an esthetician/manicurist and i have seen good results from a combination of soaking in Listerine, applying Teatree Oil, and Vick’s Vapor Rub. Takes a few months, but it works, and keep nails well groomed and very short.
Well, that was why I tried it: It was cheaper, had thymol, and what could it hurt? It worked, and it had no lasting side effects. This is all I ask
Actually, soaking your feet in a 1 to 1 vinegar and water solution every day for 10 minutes will also cure a fungal infection.
I did consider the vinegar(I use it for everything almost) but the Vicks was easier to use. I thought about having to sit for ten minutes with my feet in vinegar water with a new puppy running around…not so much :p
Like Carolyn, I am an Esthetician and a Nail Technician–in Pennsylvania.
About four years ago I recommended Vick’s to an older woman who had the fungus on all her FINGERnails. This is more common in toenails. I suggested the Vick’s to her and it took about eight months, but she NO longer has fungus. (and it WAS fungus as diagnosed by her doctor.) The topical prescriptions did not work for her and she was not taking the oral meds.
Then I wound up getting it on my two big toes. Just in the corners, but it spread down a bit. I used the Vick’s and it took from March to November, but it is gone and I have not seen it since.
The person using it has to be patient. It takes a LONG time. You need to use an orange stick to clean under the nails after showering and then apply the Vick’s underneath the nails.
I recommend this to clients, but they want a quick fix and will not take the time to try it.
And who doensn’t have Vick’s in their medicine cabinet?
Ahhh, childhood memories!
Try it, it works!
IS THE NAIL SUPPPOSED TO TURN BROWN?
Joanne,
Not sure what you are asking. Do you mean does the Vick’s turn the nail brown? No. Does fungus turn brown? Well, I have seen this, but it is not the fungus, but an accumulation of debris under the nails. OR, if there is damage done to the nails, they will turn brown from the dried blood. (I had this happen after my trip to London. My feet swelled, causing the nails to push into the shoes and damaged my nails. Right now all four damaged nails fell off and I have artificial enhancements on them until they are fully grown out.)
If you could give us a bit more info, that would help us know what you mean by ‘turning brown.”
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Well, my boyfriend is the one with the fungus. He has tired everything. So I read your little article and thought its worth a try. So he tired it and said his nail turned brown. I wasn’t sure why it had happened. I thought maybe it was a reaction from the Vick’s. I asked if it hurt and he said no. So I was just wondering why it turned the nail brown. He cleaned the nail before applying the Vick’s. I also had him used and oranegwood stick to get any dirt from underneath.
Joanne,
I have never seen the nail turn brown from the Vick’s, but that is not to say it cannot happen. I would just have him continue to use it. Remember, it will take a long time for the nail to grow out. Usually about 8 months. Just have him clean it before putting the product under the nail. Some of my clients think that you just keep shoving the ointment under the nail without cleaning it out first!!
I had a nasty nail fungus years ago that cost me dearly at the dermatologists office, and all to no avail. Then I discovered a miracle: BORIC ACID! I packed it under my affected fingernails several times a day and it cured my infection. Over the years, I have seen many ads for Lamisil and other similar products…I finally had to come out and say something!
Yeah I would definitely not use Lamasil because it can cause liver damage and who would have thought, hair loss! Better to go natural and work a little harder to eliminate your toenail fungus.
There are many ebooks that talk about what is best to use, what is most effective, safe, and natural without using vicks or smelly vinegar for months.
A comparison of several toenail fungus ebooks can be found here: http://preventfungus.com/toenail_fungus_treatment_remedies.html
After bought several commercial products and they sure don’t work, now if someone doesn’t identify which specific fungus one’s product kills upfront, then don’t spend any money.
All the suffers need to know which fungus they have in their nails.
if you just use cheap household products, then just try it for months.
Two FDA Registered products manufactured by Almell Products, Ltd. under the brand Poshe’ in Dallas, Texas, USA — http://www.poshenails.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=25
One is a nail polish — it stays on the nail. The other is a cuticle oil which soothes the surrounding tissue which tends to become irritated. Effective in treating and preventing fungus, mold, yeast, and bacterial infections. These products are very popular professional products, are used extensively in Salons and Spas, and are also recommended and sold by Medical Professionals. They worked for me.
It all depends on how long you have had the fungus nail infection for.
Great information. You seem to know much about laser treatment. Can I have your opinion on this article? http://ezinearticles.com/?Toenail-Fungus-Laser-Treatment-Vs-Over-the-Counter-Products—Does-Laser-Treatment-Prevail?&id=2616874
Ive tried Vicks, vinegar , Listerine and yes 2 or 3 expensive products online and spent probably over 300.00 dollars doing so .Wasted almost 18 months trying to get rid of this ugly problem.
I found this product called healthy nails http://awaynailfungus.com/ Finally started to work after almost 3 months its almost gone. Good luck to all.