How do you get rid of hangnails?

http://www.golivewire.com/forums/topic.cgi?topic=52672 http://www.blackpearlbotanicals.com/nail_fungus.htm There are some manufacturers who are obviously out to mention their nail fungus products. Be aware that not all of these email posts are selfless contributions -- if someone names a brand, it's probably a contrived testimonial! Click here to jump down to Teds ACV & Hydrogen Peroxide Cure at the bottom of this page. Dietary Advice From Our Readers: 4/20/2006: CW writes, "I haven't read anything here about a root cause of toenail fungus, candida. I have experienced a reduction in my toenail fungus when I cut out simple carbs, added more protein and took oral antifungals such as caprylic acid or grapefruit seed oil. It takes months to really have a noticeable effect." REMEDIES FROM OUR READERS CAYENNE PEPPER -- PROMISING REMEDY! 9/21/2006: Vince from Philadelphia, PA writes, "I cured the fungus by applying cayenne in salt water under the nail. I applied it and cleared any dead skin, and applied it again. working it under. I only applied it once, and it hasn't been back in 3 yrs. VF" Read more about Cayenne cures here. Apple Cider Vinegar 4 Readers report Success! R Moore from Cincinatti, OH writes, "I had fungal toe for years, could not take the huge green pill, so tried ACV and have been free of the fungus for 10 years. I stopped taking ACV and within a week the fungus was back, so now I take a shot in the morning and at night." Jeff, from Mnassas, VA comments: "Soak each foot in at least a 50/50 water/acv solution for 2 to 3 days, for 30 minutes each and you will rid your feet of any fungus/ athlete's foot and soften and exfoliate your skin to boot. Much harder to get at the nail fungus though." 1/6/2006: John from Los Angeles writes, "I spent 100 of dollars on creams to cure a fungal infection I caught at the gym...nothing worked. I read about apmple cider vinegar, and let me tell you..it wotks. The vinegar cleared away the dead skin and exposed the fungus. Now let me tell you it stings like hell!!, But I rather take the pain than to have this infection. 1/12/2006: Newbie, from Canada writes, "I have been using ACV for the past few weeks to treat a nail fungus that has occupied a place under my toe nail for the lst 4 years. However I just noticed that (Earth Clinic's) recommendation is not to drink ACV straight?! I was drinking 2 Tablespoons in the morning, and tried 2 tablespoons in the morning and 2 at noon, and am now experiencing a pain in my side. I have not taken any ACV today at all and am hydrating myself to flush it out. Anyone ever experience this at all? On a positive note I see new nail coming up, as the yellow,white streaks under the nail are disappearing slowly. I am also using a combo of distilled vinegar+water after a shower on infected area, then dab with tea tree oil, and then add vix. Working very well! Any advice on my side pains though? Its on my left side, maybe its my liver or something?? It just happened and I wonder if its because of taking such a concentrated amount of ACV. Please advise :)" ACV, Bleach & Monistat 7 Generic 6/16/2006: Gail from Florida writes, "I have had a nail fungus in my big toe for about 2 years. I didn't even know it was a fungus until someone told me of their nail fungus problem. Originally I thought I had damaged the nail by injury. My toe nail had a white streak in it, but wasnt all that noticable. I usually never colored polish on my toes, but for two months, I was using dark colors. In between polishes, I noticed that half the nail was white! I freaked out and mentioned it to a few people who confirmed it was a fungus. I cant believe how the fungus took off so fast because of being covered by the polish! I had created a dark comfy breeding place without even realizing what I was doing. I began researching the web for natural remedies and I have been using the ACV, white vinegar and bleach for about 2 weeks now. The yellowing has disappeared. The affected area is very white. I clipped away most of the fungus, not too short though. Then, I filed the top of the nail so that the solutions that I use would penetrate more easily. The other day, I mentioned my problem to my cousin and she said that a friend of hers had a very bad nail fungus in 2 toes and began using (don't laugh) the generic brand for Monostat 7! She said that she applied it daily and at night she would get a Q-tip and apply under the nail as well as over the nail. She wore a sock to bed too. She did this for a few months until the nail grew out. It worked for her. With all my research, I have never heard of anyone mention this remedy? Any feedback or thoughts on this method? it kind of makes sense since it is a antifungul creme and is used internally. I just started using it tonight. I'm also going to try vicks. Maybe I will alternate between the vicks and the monostat and cleanse twice daily with the ACV and bleach solution. I'll keep you posted on my progess and appreciate any feedback about the Monostat cream. Thanks, Gail" Read much, much more about Apple Cider Vinegar... Hydrogen Peroxide 2 Readers report Success! Daisy, from Elk Grove Vlg. IL writes, "My BIG toes are victims of injuries from "new" shopping carts 2 summers ago. I was wearing sandals both times. Our visiting podiatrist said that due these injuries I may have a nail fungus. But, my nails are NOT yellow. They were only bruised and the "mother cells"/half-moon seem to be helping them to grow to the "free edge." The podiatrist removed the loose nails and now the left toe "new nail" has nearly reached the "free edge." The right toe was re-injured accidentally and only has grown 1/2 way to the "free edge." My Dr. said the remedy he had in mind would be unaffordable for me. I have resorted to "peroxide" treatments and my toenails look like they are healing. Peroxide seems to help the "mother cells" grow a new nail. I apply it once every day with a cotton ball saturated with the peroxide. Naturally it dries it out, but I do see some growth on the nail. Time will tell and I will keep in touch with the results. I don't know if it because I have a 9 1/2 shoe size that my wonderful grand kids keep stepping/jumping on the "trying to heal" big toes of mine ..........or what. But, it certainly slows it down. Also, my primary Dr. didn't know how to cure a "root type" ....which could be a cyst on a node on my ring finger. I used a prescribed ointment called HYDROCORTISONE CREAM USP 2.5% strength. The sac became irritated again. I use this "lightly" as directed about 3 times per day with the results that it has cured the irritation although I can still see the dried up tiny sac. The cream I use is comparable to the "off the shelf" hydrocortisone cream USP but, it has a stronger effect on the affected area. Hope this feedback helps and you can pass it on. These are only my ways of curing and rather experimental." 7/6/2005: Nancy from Westport CT writes, "I have fungus on one big toe and nothing worked . One day I decided to put peroxide let it sit dry then pour alcohol on it and it is cured and has grown back and I no longer get ingrown toenail . I had cut it as short as possible to get the peroxide etc in there." The Nays Mike from British Columbia writes, "I put it on my nail fugus three times a day for 3 weeks-- Just as the fungus was about to disappear and grow out it started again at the cuticle--damn--I only have it on one thumb and can't seem to get rid of it. Have be putting oregano oil on it for 2 weeks now--can't say if it's working or not yet." --------------------------------------... Coconut Oil Cures Nail Fungus 8/17/2006: Annabelle from Victoria, Australia writes, "I had toenail fungus for 5yrs. started using virgin coconut oil applied topically with amazing results. Used loceryl lacquer for 3yrs did not get rid of it. Used some oxygenated melaluca cream which helped & may have cured it but smelled so bad it really wasnt practical. I read about coconut oil on internet & gave it a go, i didn't think it would seriously work. I massaged it into top of nail & all around it & made sure it was under toenail which was easy as it is liquid (hardens in cold weather but melts on contact with skin). Now 1 big toenail totally cured, other toenail is almost gone but it was much worse and was first to be infected. Abslolutely amazing and i dont even apply it everyday!!! Doesn't smell. I rub it into all my other toenails (hoping this will prevent them from getting it in them). I bought a brand from my local health food shop and made sure it was 100% virgin and this one was cold pressed-don't know if that means anything but i'm sure other brands would work, I am just thrilled with results and grateful that i gave it a go." Annabelle writes again, 'I just wrote some feedback and I just wanted to add after reading others that i just wanted to share this information in the hope that it may help others, my toenails were all white underneath and not attached to nail bed anymore I could cut them down to almost nothing and people would always say, 'What's happened to your nails??!!' - so embarrassing, especially as i used to have really nice toenails and always wear strappy shoes or thongs. My results have been amazing and especially considering i did not apply it every day it still worked. I was not prepared to risk taking drugs that could damage my liver even though my doctor was quite willing to give me a prescription for it, she then told me to use loceryl ($100 a bottle in australia) and it didn't work. I wanted a natural remedy if possible so used coconut oil, i had nothing to lose, it wasn't expensive and was readily available at the health food shop. I have also read to not wear nail polish which i used to wear religiously, obviously a big no no. Also i believe i caught it off a girlfriend as i found out after i got it she had had it for years but i never noticed- she wore polish too- but i used to borrow socks and shoes and stuff - don't borrow anyone's socks or shoes and don't let them wear yours either not worth it!" Olive Oil & White Vinegar 7/11/2006: Ellen writes, "I've been using Ozonated Olive Oil & 2 drops of white distilled vinegar at the base of the toenail @ 12 hour intervals. The fungal part is growing out and there is a growing "pink" area between the half-moon and the fungal part. This has been a 30 year fungal infection and this is the most progress that I have ever seen. April through June, I was using many different remedies. But in the last 3 weeks, I have been using the 2 drops at the base of the toenail every 12 hours. This is the cheap white (clear) distilled vinegar that is 4% or 5% acetic acid. And I've been using the ozonated olive oil every 12 hours. I apply it to the toenail and then I cover the toenail with a bandaid, to keep the olive oil in place. I bought the olive oil on ebay. It is working and I am excited! I've been using prescription Thymol in an alcohol solution for over 3 years, and it hasn't done this much. Did I say that I am excited?!" --------------------------------------... Lavender Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar Erica, from Los Angeles, CA writes, "I have has toe nail fungus for about 4 years and it has now destroyed my toe nail on my left foot. I found a natural cure on the internet and have used it for about 3 weeks now. The cure involves adding 1 litter of water, 5 drops of lavender and half a cup of apple cider vinegar. I always soak my feet in this for about 45 minutes, each foot. After this, I put austrailan tee tree oil to all my nail three times a day, I also NEVER wear shoes around my house. I have noticed that this had decreased my nail growth. It also has cured the itch and softness of my feet, exept for the nail fungus on my toe, my feet look great!!! This is a good cure but the main thing we need to have to cure this is PATIENCE!" --------------------------------------... Vicks Vapor Rub 4 YEA 6/9/2006: John from Peoria, AZ writes, "My wife had heard from her nail tech that vaporub could treat nail fungus. I had tried nearly a year of Diflucan with good success, but the condition returned. I was not anxious to try another systemic treatment with potential liver toxicity, so went with the vaporub for a few weeks. After stopping the therapy, I noticed that my nail on my smallest toe was clear for the first time in years! I re-initiated the treatment (twice a day with a tootbrush) and my other two infected nails are looking much better. The big toenail is almost grown out and I will continue treatment for a month or more after everything looks clear in hopes of preventing recurrence." John, from Topeka, KS writes us, "A friend told me she had cured her yellow toenails in only two weeks by using a liberal amount of vicks vapor rub and sleeping with it covered by a sock." Greg, from Carneys Point, NJ confirms the Vicks Vapor Rub cure for nail fungus: "I have been dealing with toe nail fungus for over 10 years. I have used all the over the counter medications and even did 6 months of spornax. Nothing helped. Over the past year I have been using Vicks Vapor rub applied in the evening when I go to bed and then cleaned the following morning with apple cider vinegar. My nails are clean and clear with no more cracks or rough edges and no more crust under the nail. This is a very inexpensive way to treat this problem." Baz, from Wales, U.K. writes, "I have been treating a toe nail badly infected by fungus with vick vapour rub for two weeks and it is now almost gone. I have suffered with this complaint for many years and the fungus had turned the whole of the nail white. I was amazed that such a simple remedy would get rid of something that the medical profession could not." Michelle, from Raleigh, NC writes, "I was told by my general practioner to try Listerine Mouth Wash and Vick's Vapor Rub- I have not done this yet, but plan on trying..." --------------------------------------... Iodine 2 YEA 1/18/2006: Brenda, from Bear, DE writes, "Iodine is excellent for toenail fungus, ringworm, fever blisters, moles and skin tags, hangnails, etc. Just a few drops on a q-tip is all it takes. Use daily until the "boo-boo" is gone." 5/13/2006: Ted from Bangkok adds: "Using Iodine for the toe nail fungus is fairly effective method of control of toe nail fungus because iodine will penetrate to some extent deep into the skin and the cuticle somewhat. The problem about iodine is the issue of staining and discoloration of the nail and socks. (EARTH CLINIC NOTE: BUY DECOLORIZED IODINE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. ) However, you will still need to do the H2O2+ vinegar before applying clorox and iodine is added after clorox is rinse and iodine is painted on the nail along with tea tree oil to the nails. While iodine alone will not work that will because of it popping back after awhile, I will usually apply the regimen mentioned as part of the overall treatment for it to work the best." --------------------------------------... Tea Tree Oil Kristy from Chicago, IL writes, "I managed to get rid of a fungal nail infection on one toe completely using Jason Tea Tree Oil from Australia ($9.95/bottle). I used it 3 times a day and now the nail is completely fxed. I had the fungal infection on this nail for about 5-6 years. I have two other nails that are infected but it is proving to be more difficult to get rid of. I would definitely give the tea tree oil a try. I am now going to try Vicks vapour rub on the other nails." 7/17/2006: Crystal from VA writes, "I have hard rough skin around fingernaisl causing them to become brittle; discomforting in daily tasks like typing and basic tasks involving fingers and hands. My nail fungus problem began on my right big toe. I thought it was an in-grown nail. A whole summer I sat out in the sunlight picking at it with a file and tweezers and finally saw a podietrist. She told me it was fungus and that the only cure was Lamisil. I of course could not fathom the health risks and financial costs the drug involves. I have a strong faith and am Spiritual, therefore I knew there must be some natural remedy for this problem. I asked around and someone said tea tree oil. For the next few weeks I noticed the problem worsening in my other toes, and more recently has started to grow in my fingers. In my retail job I waited on a customer who happens to own our local health food store. I asked her, and she also said tea tree oil. My next day off, I went straight to her store and purchased a bottle of Thursday Plantation brand of nail fungus therapy with tea tree oil. I started the treatment on my fingers only and noticed immediately that the discomfort had disappeared. The next day the dead skin was peeling off to reveal my fresh healthy skin underneath. I am on day 4 now and my fingers and nails are starting to look and feel like MINE again! When they are back to normal I'll start the real test on my big toe, on which the nail is almost gone! When speaking to the owner of the store at which I made my purchase, she said the remedy works as long as the treatment is administered dilligently! So, if you purchase this product, please stick to your regime! To your healthy and happy fingertips, toes and nails! (: ~Crystal" --------------------------------------... MANUKA OIL 9/19/2006: Ann from Middlesbrough, UK writes, "I have been using Manuka Oil for 3 weeks. Manuka Oil is New Zealand's equivalent to Australia's Tea Tree Oil. I was using Tree Oil before that and the nails seemed to be improving slowly and steadily however I read on the web that Manuka Oil is 10 times more potent than Tea Tree Oil for fungal problems. It is too early to say if Manuka Oil is a miracle cure and matters were not helped when I ran over the affected toes with a heavy airline trolley. The bruised nails are growing out and the areas affected by the fungus seem to be shrinking. I use an emery board to file the nails so that they are thinner and more likely to absorb the oil down to the nail bed. I have had fungal nails for at least 5 years but have only seriously started to tackle the problem a few months ago. Prior to that I hid the problem under layers of nail polish which, of course, just made them worse." --------------------------------------... Crushed Raw Potatoes Beverly from Elkhart writes, "right now we are using crushed up raw potatoes inside a gauze and put this on the infected toes each night. this pulls out the infection. and afterwards peroxide the next morning with a cotton ball to pull out any more infection. we have been doing this every nite now for two weeks and they are healing. Thanks." --------------------------------------... Soap 8/12/2005: ENash from Aurora, Colorado writes, "This may seem too simple, but it is working for me. Simply wash your toes and nails with hand soap. Wash every 2-14 days. Less if becoming dry and cracking. More if fungus is developing on the surface of the toes. Rubbing with a dark towel will show fungus as a light color. I used Fungicream on my toe which had about a 1/4 inch thickness of fungus under the nail. It worked well, but after 2 months, I developed a bright bloody red rash. I stopped the treatment and washed my toes to get rid of the Fungicream. The fungus bloomed and the nail became worse than ever. Three weeks later the rash began to disappear. I continued to wash my toes. I marked the boundary between the pink nail and the fungus damaged nail with a black permanent marker. The line ran across the nail about 1/8 of an inch from the base of the nail. 5 months have passed and the line has moved to about 60% of the distance from the base. There is only pink nail below the line. No fungus has appeared and the original fungus has crumbled. I expect that it will take 5 more months to push the nail to the end and I think that it will remove the fungus. I believe that the fungus under the nail needs support from the fungus on the skin and that the oil and cleaning with soap removes the support system. Alternatively, it could be to the Fungicream or other conditions. In any case this is simple, has no cost, and is relatively easy to do. If you don't feel like it is working after 2 months, you could try the Fungicream with the cleaning. Be sure to measure where you put the line. It grows slowly and it is difficult to tell that anything is going on until many months have passed. --------------------------------------... Olive Leaf Extract 4/23/2006: Marylynn from Louisville, Kentucky writes, "I tried olive leaf extract for overall infection in my body. About 3 months later, during a pedicure, I noticed that my toenails were perfect! I stopped taking it after a while, so finally after a long time, maybe almost a year, the fungus came back. I work in a hot, humid and dirty environment where toenail fungus is a common problem. After discovering this, I looked it up on the internet and read that it does indeed cure toenail fungus!" --------------------------------------... Oil of Oregano 5/2/2006: Julie from River Grove, IL writes, "I am very happy to pass this on to anyone who has this condition because you will absolutely get rid of your discolored/thickened toenails with no side effects! I know because my nails are clear and beautiful again. Apply oil of oregano to your nails with a Q-tip in the morning and evening. You can buy oil of oregano at any health food store. Do this and your unslightly toenails will be a thing of the past. Do this for approximately 6 or 7 months, so your new clear toenails will grow in and that's it! I followed this advice and my nails are completely clear and normal." 5/11/2006: Julie follows up with another email: "I sent in a comment on 5/2/06, and I have an additional comment to make: I noticed some of you have written in and are concerned about how to get rid of the fungal infection in the internal nail. When you use oil of oregano on your nails for treatment of nail fungus, you will notice it is actually absorbed into the entire nail and completely destroys all of the fungus. You will not be disappointed in the results!" --------------------------------------... ACV, H2O2, Clorox & water, Red Tyme and Grateful Body Fungal RX 5/30/2006: Melissa from Asheville, NC writes, "I developed toenail fungus while working in Athens, GA about 6 years ago. I would work 12 + hours a day in the same shoes for over a year and used regular dress socks. The summers are very moist and humid and perfect conditions for toenail fungus. It is on both "pinky" toes but started developing on other nails though not as bad. 2 years ago it seemed to get worse and I kept my toenails manacured and polished to hide the nails. I believe, as others do, this made things even worse though my feet did look a lot prettier. This year, I got tired of trying to hide my nails and decided to try a natural remedy (Grateful Body Fungal Rx). It contains a day and night formula in convenient tubes so I could carry them with me and use discreetly. They recommend each to use at least 1x per day for at least 6 weeks. I've been using for several months and noticed a little improvement but not much. I found this site and started throwing everything I had at this issue (I figured if I didn't do it now, I'd live with it forever). My grandmother had both large toenails removed and I did not want the same to happen. My pinky toenails seemed like they were almost fused to the nailbed. They are very thick and yellow and starting to look deformed though still attached to my nailbed. I started this regimen last week and I am seeing good results. The nail seems no longer fused to the nailbed and I can actually push the cuticle back (impossible before). The nails seem to be growing in cleaner, no ridges, normal thickness and no red streaks through the nail (as in the infected part). I am so psyched but trying no to get too hopeful. This is what I've been doing in morning AND evening, everyday: I keep a clean toothbrush for scrubbing my nails. I use a natural bar soap and scrub my nails (I use the sink becasue it's easier for me) with warm water. dry. I then keep a little bottle of pre mixed 3% H2O2 and ACV (Bragg - 5% acidity) 1/2 and 1/2 under the sink and pour this over all my toe nails (over toilet). I let this sit while I brush teeth (different toothbrush ;), wash face etc. I may add more and let sit again for a little while. I don't get much fizzing...sometimes more than others. Sometimes I gat a little "pinched" feeling, but not usually. rinse. dry. I also keep a little bottle (old tincture bottle with dropper) with 25% clorox and water mixed. I then add this to nails and let sit 30 seconds or so on each foot. rinse. dry. I follow with Red Tyme oil (night) or Fungal Rx in the morning. I may add theb night formula again if I go to bed late. Some people are sensitive to Red Thyme. I have very thick, oily skin and it does not bother me to use it neat. I wear sandals to work (never did before) and apply Fungal Rx several times a day while at my desk. Like I said, this really seems to be wotking and I am very hopeful. Once cleared up, I plan to buy more Fungal Rx and use daily for a year or so. I don't want this to come back. Also, I'll work on internal Candida... I know it runs in my family and I need to knock it out too. Thanks to this site and all the comments/feedback!!! I'll write back later in a few months to let you know if results continued." --------------------------------------... Goldenseal Extract 8/4/2006: Kathy from Carrollton, TX writes, "I had toe nail fungus on one corner of one big toe for a few years. Over-the-counter products didn't work. I read that GOLDENSEAL EXTRACT worked, so I tried that. Used an eye dropper and also gently worked some under the nail with a metal nail file. It tended to stain the nail yellow, but it worked. I sometimes used tea tree oil too. And I'm thinking I may have tried hydrogen peroxide or vicks - can't remember right now. I think trying various of these home remedies helps. I also read that PAU D'ARC extract worked too, but I never bought it, since I got rid of the fungus without needing to try something else. Also, made sure the nail was dry before putting on socks and shoes." --------------------------------------... Iodine, Vapor Rup, ACV, Hydrogen Peroxide 6/4/2006: Ryan from Sidney Ohio writes, "Yellow Toe Fungi" has many names and affects different people different ways. One of the more common forms of the fungi is, "hermaphrodite" (careful, a simple misuse of Google(R) yields very "different" results). Whatever the name of the parasite, it will generally fall under the category of, "dermatophytes". These creatures are indigenous to dark, warm & moist areas - which is why the foot is a lovely place for these critters. The "cure" depends greatly on the person and WHERE the critters are located. Because the dermatophytes have to work "under cover" or under the nail - the further back they can get the safer they are. Some infections may be close to the tip and others may be back at the root. This is usually determined by how long the infection has existed. There are 2 top-level treatment options for an infected person - internal & external. The external option is generally safer but takes longer to cure or possibly renders no result if the infection is not reachable externally. We can take advantage of osmosis in these cases though. The internal option often yields a higher success rate but generally isn't as good for the body. The reason being is that the chemicals/solutions/items that you ingest for the nail fungi aren't so great for the rest of the body - primarily the liver. I usually recommend an external option before resorting to an internal option. EXTERNAL OPTIONS: 1.) Twice a day (or every bathing session) rigorusly was the toes/fingers with soap and water(stop if cracking or drying of the skin occurs). We do this to help keep any new infections away cause these infectious critters don't need any help. 2.) Spend time outdoors in the sun barefoot. You don't have to walk or anything, just let your feet/hands be exposed to the sun. We do this because these infectious critters HATE the light. 3.) Twice a day submurge your toes/fingers in a 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide solution for 30-45 minutes. After done soaking let your fingers/toes AIR DRY in the sun perferably. We do this becuase the vinegar helps to normalize PH and the Hydrogen Peroxide helps oxygenate the affected area. Infections HATE alkaline & oxygen rich environments. 4.) Twice a day apply to dry fingers/toes DECOLORIZED iodine, completely covering the "free edge", cuticle, top area of nail & sides of the nail bed. We do this to better assist the normalization of body PH. Use iodine after consulting a licensed medical doctor as some individuals are allergic (which is a whole other topic). 5.) Before bed time each night, apply a "Vapor Rub" in liberal portions to all the areas mentioned in step 4. The Vapor Rub doesn't HAVE to be the Vicks(R) brand. You can go generic here. The MAIN ingredient your looking for in whatever you use is "eucalyptus oil". After application cover with a sock (even if it's the hand) to prevent smearing and removal. 6.) You'll need to reduce or eliminate your intake of acidic based refreshments (soda, soft drinks or pop). These type of refresments support an acidic body PH which can decrease blood circulation (a key element to the healing process). If nothing else, your liver will thank you. 7.) Don't trim your nails too close to the nail bed(wait until AFTER you have reduced the current infection to start this practice). It's not un-hygenical to have a small amout of nail overhang and it makes it harder for NEW infections to enter. The total healing time depends on the type/amount/length of infection & wether you take preventative measures to ward off a relapse. Generally speaking you should see some type of an improvment within 7 days if you follow the above instructions. INTERNAL OPTIONS: Internal options are generally pharmacutical options but there are some homeopathic internal options. 1.) Ingesting Apple Cider Vinegar is said to have positive effects with toe fungi. I recommend doing your own research on ACV gestation because I have never taken it internally myself and I'm not sure about quantities or dosing. 2.) Ingesting 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda every 3-4 days for 1 month. I personally have never tried this but I do know that taking baking soda in the amount/interval shown above will have wonderous affects on the body's PH balence (it brings acidic PH to alkaline and Vice a Versa). With an alkaline body PH the body is in the best possible position to fight off ALL foriegn bodies and parasites. I would strongly recommend attempting the External options I have listed first. *It is important to note that I AM NOT a licensed medical doctor and that my statements here HAVE NOT been reviewed by ANY licensed medical doctor from ANY country. My statements here are intended for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and I am not telling you to apply or undergo any medical treatments / procedures / applications." --------------------------------------... Urine Therapy - Yep, you heard right! 7/5/2006: Kevin from Salt Lake City, Utah writes, "I tried every remedy on the internet i could find. I read about urine therapy on the same and tried it immediately. After two months of drinking 3 cups every morning of my own urine you should see the brand new fungus free toenails that have grown in, absolutely free. I hope this message gets sent to other sufferers because it is the best cure that does work almost immediately, I believe I started seeing results within the first 3 days. Just look up urine therapy on google if you are still skeptical. Thank you." --------------------------------------... Ted's Remedy: Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide 14 YEA 2 Nay Ted, our Bangkok contributor sent us the following cure for fungus of the toes or fingers. If you decide to try his recommendations, please write to us afterwards and let us know how it worked out. Please make sure to read the reader feedback Q & A following his recommendations. Ted writes, "This is where I have most of my experience as this is one of the athlete's most common problems. Even nail manicurists have problems getting rid of this. The fastest way to get rid of toenail fungus or fingernail is vinegar mixed with a 3% hydrogen peroxide. The mixture 50/50. Keep adding it with a dropper or soak until there is no fizzing (if it is severe) and when there is minimum discoloration. Some people will feel as slight pinch after awhile. This is then followed by getting your hands soaked in a Clorox bleach (in U.S. you use Clorox, in Thailand we used Haiter). A strong concentration is 1 cap per 1/2 glass of water, stir and soak. And leave your finger with fungus for about 1/2 minute. If severe fungus then try 1 cap Clorox to 4 caps water. Again leave for about 1/2 minute. Chlorine will be absorbed through the fingernails during that time. Rinse in water and dry it and follow this with a 50/50 mix of vaseline and tea tree oil. Put in on the fingernail and put on Band-Aid (in Thailand we use tensoplast) and leave it on for a whole day and repeat the vinegar and H2O2 again, followed by this 50/50 mix of vaseline and tea tree oil again. Doing this for at least 3-4 days. And it should be all gone. Actually it should be gone in 2 days if the required maintenance of reinfection remains. Please remember that Band-Aid is not absolutely required depending on circumstances. It just helps you save time in preventing the reapplication throughout the whole day. I much prefer, especially for the fingernails, to reapply it for a whole week to keep that tea tree oil -vaseline throughout the day. In case of a toenail, especially if you use tennis shoes or shoes that prevent air circulation or no sunlight, then it Band-Aid and vaseline-tea tree application maybe necessary. The problem about this fungus problem is not the problem of getting rid of them. That's easy, H2O2 and Vinegar reacts into a very powerful peracetic which is reactive against fungus followed this by Clorox! And the second problem I solved is how to get an anti-fungal staying on the fingernail long enough to destroy them, which is vaseline and tea tree oil. The BIG problem is the fungus that exists in socks, shoes and moisture which makes fingernails or toe nail vulnerable to another fungus reinfection. Use clorox bleaches for socks and change socks EVERY DAY. During the working hour, if possible avoid tennis shoes or shoes which prevent ventilation. For fingernails, avoid getting the hands wet especially dishwashing. To avoid it either wash dishes with a waterproof clean plastic or rubber gloves or use a dishwashing machine. Avoid getting the hands except when necessary. If the hand is wet, then you must apply pure tea tree oil (no more bandaids after 2-3 days every time it does get wet. Finally those who have fingernail fungus, avoid using any nail polish as most colored nail polish covers up the fingernail, causing or encouraging fungus growth. Fungus DOES NOT like sunlight. Getting your hands expose of fungus and sunlight is helpful. In countries where weather is cold, people often use dark gloves, however they are often not laundered. Try to get gloves laundered once a day, if possible using clorox bleach or other bleaches such as sodium percarbonate (better than chlorine bleaches and safer) or the old standby of sodium perborate. I have recommended this variation to many people and it works every time. Unfortunately, most who came to me are usually too late and the fungus was so severe, they lost nearly all their toenails or fingernails. It is therefore necessary that you do it before it gets any worse. To leave in closing, people who have fungus infection long enough may have blood stream with possible fungus infection. For those who who are familiar with peroxide therapy, I suggest you research the subject as a potential therapy to get rid of low level fungus in the blood. This will prevent fungus from getting widespread. I remember reading somewhere that before a person gets cancer, they also have a fungus problem. Also fungus problem of fingernail is also evidence that your body is also deficient in some other minerals. When you are deficient you are also very susceptible to fingernail/toenail fungus infection. A possible sign of this is if people whose fingernails are brittle most easily get fungus in toenail or fingernail as there are tiny cracks in your nails allowing the nasty fungus to hide. You can test the brittleness of fingernails quite easily! An ordinary fingernail if you cut up your fingernail and bend is 90 degrees, a normal fingernail will not break completely. My fingernail is better than normal, it will bend even all the way and still will not break. When it does get brittle, it might mean your body is silicon deficient, magnesium deficient and very likely that your body blood serum is high in calcium. Too much calcium is a common problem. Another overlooked problem is places where water is fluorinated it tends to cause your fingernail and bones to become brittle as well as your fingernails - so avoid fluoridated water. Fingernails are a good indicator for future events when you get old or whether you will have osteoporosis. As long as your fingernails remain flexible, it is a good sign that the bones are not brittle. You can supplement them with silicon or magnesium. The details of supplementation is beyond the topic of this email. Also, people who have brittle fingernails do not get complete protein supplementation or have poor source of proteins. Proteins keep fingernails tough and resistant as well as your bones - not calcium. Calcium is like a chalk you write on the blackboard, but what makes them so difficult to break and resistant to fungus due to lack of brittleness is the protein. Foods rich in hyaluronic acid are also important. However, you need to follow the mentioned regimen which will best get rid of fingernail fungus. Get your hands/feet dry as quickly as possible. It is a common practice after washing or bathing to just let them dry by themselves. This is a mistake. Use alcohol or wipe them clean dry after getting wet is extremely important as fungus loves water and moisture. Keep carpets and rugs free of fungus by using hydrogen peroxide during the cleaning of them and this will prevent reinfection. Use well ventilated shoes such as sandals if it is toe nail problem. Avoid gloves if it is a fingernail problem. Avoid hand dishwashing if it is at all possible. In Thailand, fungus is a difficult problem to get rid of since the source water usually comes from the use of illegal well water instead of from public utilities." Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 6/19/2006: Ted also sent us the following email: "It has been known in academic circles for sometime that vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide (non-flushing) is relatively toxic to yeast. A scientist found several years ago and concluded (wrongly) that taking vitamin B3 niacinamide will shorten your lifespan or longevity, through suppressing the SIR2 silencing gene, which is responsible for longevity. As a result of this little misinformation, people stopped taking niacinamide and candida and yeast infections skyrocketed. Now the reason for the mistake was relatively simple, the scientist was apparently doing a study on longevity on yeast cells. Apparently in higher animals, fruit flies included, the effect of adding niacinamide resulted in longer life of 15%, as well as human embryo cells. Therefore, if you have candida, yeast infection, or possibly even a UTI (urinary tract infection), taking niacinamide between 100-500 mg/day could solve this mystery that doctors have a hard time suppressing. In fact, you can expand this idea into applying the use of niacinamide NOT NIACIN, as a means of controlling fungus, since fungus is a relatively close cousin of the yeast also. This is interesting, since in medicine the two most hardest organism to kill is actually fungus and yeast. It is almost a death sentence if you have this and getting rid of it may mean endless nightmare. Who knows, perhaps dissolving niacinamide with vinegar will be helpful in relieving your toe nail fungus infections. Therefore a possibility exists from the point of view of biological terrain, candida, yeast and fungus infection is a form of niacinamide deficiency. Ted" Reader Feedback on Ted's remedy: 9/24/2006: Margaret from Victoria, BC, Canada writes, "I cut nail short, soaked it in above solution for a few minutes and used small nail brush to get solution under nail* this is the important part. did this several times a day and before going to bed. lamasil didn't work and vick's only made it worse as it keep the nail moist. I've done this for 4 weeks and my ugly nail is now looking 80% better I can't believe the difference. I'll keep doing it until the new nail grows in. I did hear that soaking it in diluted bleach for a few minutes helps also. I may try that with this treatment. Thanks" 5/31/2006: Pape from Acapulco writes, "I have had a nail fungus i guess going on 20 years. I genetically have black toes so I never paid attention to my toe nails. I went for a pedicure the other day because i somewhat could not not even out the skin on my feet it was like what happens when you try to start a new roll of cheap toilet paper. The pedicurist told me I had a fungus affecting both y nails and skin she had heard about someone using a product used to wash vegetables and that it contained iodine. I search on the net and stumbled on to the site. I tried Ted from thailand's treatment somewhat First day soaked my feet the best I could in a bowl for 20 mins of 50/50 acv and 3%peroxide scrub my skin with the solution and washed with iodine the next morning i filed my nails and did the same. I could tell something was happening. Parts of my big toes had gone milky white. Encouraged by these results I went and got a proper basin I have size 16 feet US that about 52 european bought a few liters of h202 and acv and soaked my feet concidence or luck I started watching a movie and forget about my feet I must have had my feet completely submerged for 21/2 hours. When the movie was over I remember about my feet and felt them under the solution a paste had somewhat developed I took a pumice stone and scrubbed this paste of gently what emerged was a brand new foot no skin fungus everything was smooth. I trimmed my toe nails half of my big toe nails came off leaving something that felt lie another very thi nail in place the nails where also have the the thickness they had. I continued soaking for two more days. At night before going to bed I would use nizoral on my skin on the entire foot all the the way to my calves and put tree tee oil on the nails. I went looking for copper chloride and could not find any instead I was able to get a small flask of permanganate of potassium and painted my nails with pdp in the morning. I wore sandals for the first week. I am now using vicks and tree tee oil specially before putting on socks. Here is something else I noticed I lost nearly ten pounds a week later and my eating habits have changed I do not know if this is psychological or my body was stocking up to fight the fungus. This is something worth investigating!" Question: "Your article on toe fungus is the best! My condition of fungus disappeared after 3 days. Thank you very much. It amazes me on how the government recommends the most dangerous and expensive ways to treat conditions. My question is, what is your opinion on oral peroxide therapy? Everyone says it's good, but of course government related institutions say it's useless and harmful. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you!" Ted responds, "There are hundreds and hundreds of natural therapies I can name that will destroy viruses, fungus, bacteria, etc. As to your question of hydrogen peroxide therapy, it works very well. Free radicals that are responsible for aging do not come from oxygen. This is misinformation. Our body has mechanisms to deal with this through actions of vitamin E, selenium, gluthathione peroxidase, etc. These supplements have an anti-aging effect on me and I now look about 10 years younger. It also clears up the skin of toxins through oxidation. The MAJOR FREE radicals that you need to worry about is the hydroxyl free radicals which is generated from Iron and toxic metal buildup AS YOU GET OLDER, which can be dealt with easily with Oral EDTA (a small amount will do it). Free metal iron tends to accumulate in the heart, which is one of the reasons why we get heart attack - there is a lot of free hydroxyl radicals generating in your heart and destroying the heart muscles, etc. Hydrogen peroxide has helped me recovered colds, viruses, skin clearing, and a host of other conditions, such as toxin removal from my liver. All of my drinking water is now pre-treated with dechlorinator (trace sodium thiosulfate) and hydrogen peroxide is always mixed at 0.25 - 0.5% concentration. If I don't add this to my drinking water, I get sick easier." Click here to read more about Hydrogen Peroxide cures. Question from Cape Town, South Africa: "I am not sure if my toenails are curable or not. I have played competitive tennis all my life and the slamming of my toes into the end of my shoe has really damaged my toes, especially my big toes. This has caused the nail to disconnect from most of the nail bed. Could some form of treatment heal the nail bed or once damaged is there no cure? Thank you for your response." Ted's responds, "You can do yourself a big favor by taking magnesium supplements (preferably magnesium chloride or magnesium gluconate). Also taking silicic acid as a food supplement. Silicic acid is a water soluble silicon food supplements. You need to take much more than what the internet is telling you. I take about 50-100 mg. per day for a week or so to make my nails AND hair grow faster. Magnesium and silicon are important in making your nails grow faster. Taking knott's gelatin is also helpful as well as taking a large dose of bioavailable vitamin C which is helpful in collagen formation and therefore the roots of your nails. I was once a sport's nutrition adviser for track and field and sometimes tennis. If you take just one additional supplement such as sodium bicarbonate (1-2 teaspoon, baking soda), this will increase oxygenation to your nails as well as reducing your fatigue factor by about 30%. They call it soda loading. As an added bonus, it just so happens if you take the recommended dosages that along with helping your nails heal, you will also notice that you will have much more stamina in playing tennis, especially in the heat and in the final rounds. These are one of the best kept nutrition secrets of top players as well. You might notice that I avoid any mention of calcium. Calcium is tricky and most people nutritionally take far too much calcium as it is, and this caused a fatigue factor as well as heart risks when taking too much in a competitive environment. (Calcium reduces zeta potential which causes blood clotting). If you redesign your tennis shoes where a major pressure put on toenails are transferred to other parts of the feet - such as especially between the toes. This will relieve a lot of pressure when the front part of the shoes hits against the pavement." Reader Question from the Port of Spain, Trinidad: "I have this problem with toenail fungus for the past 20 years or so, and the under the nails are hard yucky stuff and that causes the toe to smell. Do you think that it is too late to try your mixture? I don't think that tea oil is available in my country can you give me a substitute oil? I can't even cut the nail properly and it is now causing ingrowing toenail." Ted responds: "If you do not have tea tree oil, there are other oils that have anti-fungal capabilities, such as thyme oil and oregano oil. There are weaker ones such as pine oil, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oils. Since you have a long-term nail infection, consider using tetrasodium EDTA for cleaning the nails or soaking them to loosen the dirt. They make much better cleaning solutions for the toe nails. The reason for abnormal growth of toenails is probably caused by improper utilization of calcium, so try taking more vitamin D supplements (usual dose is 3,000 I.U.) and silicon supplements in form of silicic acid dissolved in water. Dissolve silicic acid 10% in water and take about 10 drops/day. Silicon will help normal hair growth. Take about 2-3 grams per day of vitamin C as it helps normalize nail growth. Vitamin C is important, but the preferred form of vitamin C is in the form of sodium ascorbate - it does not cause diarrhea as does ascorbic acid. Take some additional magnesium supplements as this is critical also to utilization of calcium. Our diets has too much calcium and our body simply cannot process them without silicon, magnesium, vitamin C and boron. Your nail growth should be normal by 2 or 3 months. Try not to wear tight shoes so toe nail growth can be normal." Question from Asheville, NC: "Thank you for good information. I am wondering about toenails that have thickened considerably so that it is almost like a "clump" of cauliflower like skin under a very thickened nail. It will bleed if cut. Also one toe (next to the big toe) has become larger and is sometimes painful. Can your cure help this?" Ted responds: A thick toenail is a sign of improper utilization of calcium and high blood calcium. This is usually bought about by deficiencies of vitamin D, boron, magnesium, silicon and vitamin C. Finally acidic blood causes the leeching of calcium as well. For me 100 mg of silicon, 250 mg of magnesium chloride, and 2-3 grams per day of vitamin C and about 10-20 mg of boron and 1,500-3,000 I.U. of vitamin D works the best for my nail growth. It seems to me that the speed nail growth are more related to silicon(the more it is the faster the growth), but normalization of nail growth is related to the other supplements. So if I take it for a month my nail growth becomes manageable. Eating supplements or food that have vitamin D, boron, magnesium and vitamin C should if you give the right dosage the nail growth should be normal within a month or so. Eating food (or baking soda) that will cause your urine to be alkalized in at least urinary 6.4 pH (see pH - the scoop) should help improve both hair and nail growth. I have recently tested myself by maintaining a steady pH of 6.0 -6.8 for one month and found nail growth to improve also bought about by better circulation at optimal pH. Actually it is just not only the nail growth and hair, but the scaly skin also is reduced. The reason is circulation is restricted when blood pH is below 6 causing improper circulation of the toes and finally the toenail." Question: do the doses given for thick toenails cure depend on a person's weight? I weigh 145lbs. Should i do the same doses? Answer: "This depends. The big problem is that most fungus is under or behind the toenails which makes getting rid of them extremely difficult. Looking from this point of view the persons weight and size is not important. The second condition does depend on person's size and weight has much to do with alkalizing your blood sufficient so that the body will remove fungus in the blood and hence reaching some small part beneath the toenail. For a 145 lbs person, one teaspoon of baking soda should alkalize the blood and taken every 3 or 4 days for a month, should help improve the blood status enough to weaken some fungus under or behind the toenail. However, you still have to follow other regimen as well for it to be successful." Follow up to above question: "Thank you. I'm really amazed at how quick the nail bed looked after doing the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar then the water and bleach. I followed it with tea tree and Vaseline too. My father has the same problems I do and I called him immediately. He has tried the lamosil for a year with no significant results. I will try the baking soda to see if that prevents it from coming back. Does the baking soda help the nails grow faster? My nails are thick and they grow so slowly. They were damaged when I was younger and have separated from the nail bed. Do I stand a chance of a normal nail after the fungus is gone? Thanks a million, David." Ted's response: "Yes, Lamosil don't try hard enough to make a better formula! Keeping your foot dry is the key. Washing the sock frequently will prevent reinfection. Try wearing slippers more often or shoes that are properly ventrilated. Make sure socks do not last more than one day. Getting your nail back in one piece maybe difficult since the blood vessels on the base has been cut off. Getting your nails to grow quickly requires taking silicon supplementation. If you can obtain orthosilicic acid or silicic acid (they are hardly acid) these are soluble form of silicon. If you cannot find it most nuts, walnuts, etc. are fairly high in silicon, but I am not sure how well absorbable they are. Oatmeal might be higher in silicon and so is horsetail also. Many multivitamin supplements use sodium metasilicate as a silicon supplements. Of course if you can find any silicon supplement say - taking about 100 -200 mg./day your nails will start growing and get stronger and fast growing within a week. Nails grow slower because of 1) silicon deficiency 2) magnesium deficiency and 3) vitamin C deficiency. Taking too much calcium makes nails become brittle, so avoid calcium, milk and other calcium products. Calcium causes a lot of nail problems as well as leading to fungus because of chaulkiness of the nail. Baking soda tends to neutralize acid buildup and will usually be protective of fungus growth." Reader Question: "Had a few questions. I'm just starting the Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide #5 cure. If you don't have nail fungus,do you still use the clorox solution? Second do you use the 1 cap clorox to 4 caps of water on your toes after the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Also, how often should you do the h2o2 and vinegar soak? Once in 24 hours or more? I look forward to your help. Patrick" Ted's response: "If you don't have the nail fungus, you need not use the clorox solution. It is too drying for the skin. After clorox, rinse completely. Then follow with the other one is o.k. too. Only if you have a nail fungus. Re h2o2 and vinegar soak: Ideally twice a day. Once in the morning and once before bedtime (after the bath of course)." Question: "I have two questions; I tried the vinegar/peroxide and bleach method and half of my fungus nail came off. Is that supposed to happen? I wanted to ingest acv to help with the internal toenail fungus but how much do I take? Thank you for this website. it has been most helpful to hear what others have tried and what actually worked." Answer: No. The nails aren't supposed to come off with the treatment. They usually come off because the fungus has eaten most of the nails. I got one person who had all his nails come off BEFORE treatment! Take a tablespoon or two of ACV would be fine. Most however prefer to take more because they notice improvements in other conditions as well, e.g. energy levels. " CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 of READER Q&A PLEASE SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK! Please Note: If you are submitting a question, check back at the top of page 2 for the answer in a few days (sometimes it takes us a week or more)... We forward your inquiry to Ted in Bangkok and await his response. Please make sure you have read all of the Q&As before submitting a question. Chances are, it's already been answered!