Q. I have a toenail that is nothing but trouble. Four years ago I tripped over a metal bed and shattered the nail. It won’t grow out right and is infected with fungus.
I had the nail surgically removed over a year ago but it is still a mess. The nail stands up almost like a car trunk lid that’s open. Getting on a shoe is next to impossible.
My doctor wants me to take a powerful antifungal medicine, but I am very sensitive to such drugs and worry about side effects. Are there any home remedies that might work? I am desperate to be healed!
A. Removing a toenail surgically is pretty drastic. We’re sorry it didn’t work.
You may wish to try soaking your nails in a vinegar-Listerine (old-fashioned amber-colored mouthwash) foot bath. Other readers tell us that cornmeal soaks are also effective.
Applications of tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub to the infected nail work for others.
We are sending you our Guide to Hair and Nail Care with more information on these and many other remedies for ridding yourself of nail fungus.
