Q. Over a year ago, I read about multiple home remedies for nail fungus. I’ve soaked my feet in vinegar and Listerine, applied tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub and Naftin (a topical prescription drug).
I have been diligent and even spend most of my time shoeless to let my 10 diseased dogs breathe. None of this has worked in over a year. The filing I do every two weeks is about the only thing that keeps the nail thickness down.
Given the time I have spent on this project, I am very disillusioned to see so little difference. In summary, I have found that these remedies are the adult equivalent of catching birds by sprinkling salt on their tails.
A. Treating nail fungus can be difficult. Even prescription drugs don’t work for everyone. It would be unreasonable to expect home remedies to be much more effective. You may want to have your dermatologist confirm that you are actually dealing with nail fungus and not some other condition.
Home remedies do work for some people: “I read about toenail fungus and different cures that may or may not work. I have been fighting toenail fungus for six years now. I was using prescription Penlac all this time, every day, seven days a week with no results other than keeping it at bay.
“When I read your article about soaking the toes in vinegar and Listerine every day, I figured I had little to lose. I started soaking twice a day and I still am. It’s been three months and all my nails have cleared up except for the big toes. Even they have nearly grown out and are looking pink and healthy. I can’t thank you enough.”
