Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | ||||||
| TED'S REMEDIES | ||||||
| ACV, BLEACH, MONISTAT 7 | ||||||
| ACV, H2O2, CLOROX, RED THYME | ||||||
| ALKALIZE pH | ||||||
| ANDRE'S NAIL FUNGUS REMEDIES | ||||||
| APPEARANCE: COCONUT OR SHEA BUTTER | ||||||
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | ||||||
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Cure Nail Fungus
"An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and potentially painful problem.
These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nail-fungus/DS00084
Please Note! There are manufacturers 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 may be a contrived testimonial!
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 23 YEAS |
| TED'S REMEDIES READER FEEDBACK | 13 YEAS |
| LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL | 8 YEAS |
| OIL OF OREGANO | 8 YEAS |
| TEA TREE OIL | 8 YEAS |
| HYDROGEN PEROXIDE | 7 YEAS |
| DISTILLED VINEGAR | 6 YEAS |
| IODINE | 5 YEAS |
| LISTERINE | 5 YEAS |
| VICKS | 5 YEAS |
TED'S REMEDIES
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand 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."
RepliesEC: *** Ted's Remedies Reader Feedback here. ***
04/26/2011: Chicagoblue from Chicago, Illinois, USA replies: "What's the difference between using distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar? Are they interchangeable? I read one posting where the woman said the ACV stained her nails."
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ACV, BLEACH, MONISTAT 7
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 06/16/2006: 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 wasn't all that noticeable. 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 antifungal 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 progress and appreciate any feedback about the Monostat cream. Thanks"
Replies[WARNING!] 06/24/2008: Eric from Sequim, WA replies: "Just a heads up. I was just on Wikipedia looking at the definition of bleach and stumbled across the following. It warned that mixing common houshold bleach with vinegar can be quite hazardous."
[YEA] 06/27/2008: Gris from Houston, Texas replies: "I have heard that Monistat works very well. It is a highly recommended treatment by nail salons. It worked for me and my father. However, it needs to be applied on a daily basis (I did it twice a day) and continue to cut the nail and file the top layer so that the medication can penetrate to the inside of the nail. Hope it works for you."
08/18/2009: Jill from Portland, Or replies: "Responding to the Monistat post....Years ago when I was pregnant I developed a strange nail problem. My fingernails would actually blister up, like a pocket and crack open eventually, causing the skin under my nail to poke through- usually in the middle of the nail somewhere. When I was delivering, the doctor noticed I had bandaids all over most of my fingers. He took a look and said I had athletes foot in my fingernails. He told me that you can get it in your nails also as a fungus. I was advised to get some over the counter yeast infection cream and apply daily. I did this and within a couple months the nail filled back in around the area and eventually went away. I have never had this problem again.
Years later, I have now have toenail fungus problems. I remembered this treatment and initially tried it. However, I did not have the same results. At first, my nails did start to seem to look better but if I didnt use it daily they would eventually go back to the way they were. In the meantime, I have tried everything under the sun, including detox foot baths from the local naturopathic clinic by my home. I dont have any opinon about those yet. I have tried tea tree oil, eucalyptis oil, yeast infection creams, anti-fungal solutions over the counter, vicks vapor rub, Hydrogen peroxide, ACV, and pine tar. So far, nothing has helped. Im going to try Teds remedy with the ACV, Hydrogen peroxide, and bleach to see if I get any results. "
05/06/2011: Elizabeth from Adelaide, Australiz replies: "Jill from Portland, have you considered a visit to a Homeopath. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat and stem from an underlying systemic or constitutional problem. Homeopathic medicine may be another approach to treating the presenting problem. Elizabeth"
06/06/2011: Mari from New York, Ny, Usa replies: "Jill from Portland, how much of the monstat did you use on your nails?"
08/31/2011: Lady22599 from Columbus, Ga replies: "Just wanted to chime in with a regimen I started last week. I've had fungus on both big toes for sometime but it got worse recently because I've been painting my nails every week and we had a bad heatwave this summer. I had some medicated shampoo left over from a bout of Seborrheic Dermatitis. It contains an anti-fungal called Ketoconazole. The prescription strength is 2% but you can buy a 1% over the counter at most drug stores. I wash my feet with that every morning and night. After washing and drying thoroughly I use a q-tip to apply a generic brand of Monistat 7 cream to both toe nails concentrating on the base and sides (think U shape). I can already see a difference in the skin surrounding my nail. It had taken on a dark color like I was bruised but now it's pink again. After reading the great success some have had with ACV soaks I plan to add those to my regimen this weekend (just in the evenings). I took pictures of my toes when I started so I can chart the change and will keep you guys updated."
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ACV, H2O2, CLOROX, RED THYME
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[YEA] 05/30/2006: 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 manicured 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 nail bed. They are very thick and yellow and starting to look deformed though still attached to my nail bed. I started this regimen last week and I am seeing good results. The nail seems no longer fused to the nail bed. 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 because it's easier for me) with warm water. dry. I then keep a little bottle of pre mixed 3% H2O2 and ACV (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 get 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 the 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 working 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."
Replies09/25/2009: Mountaingirl from Asheville, Nc replies: "This is my post from several years ago. I wanted to follow up and tell you that I was never able to fully get progess against the toe nail fungus until recently. I was able to spend most of my summer outdoors (albeit a lot of time at the pool w/moisture!) but I wore sandals all summer and allowed my feet to get full sun a good portion of the day. I also did hydrogen peroxide/cider vinegar soaks about 1x per month. The BIG difference has come from using a old glass spray bottle filled with:
2 Tbs. alcohol
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
20 drops tea tree oil
I apply this 2x per day and after getting my feet wet. At one point, my nails got very brittle and I started an application of coconut oil every once in a while. My nails are growing back completely normal and seem to be growing faster so I am able to trim them more often. There is only about 1/4 inch of "yellowed" nail reamining...which I should be able to trim off in the next 2 months. I will continue this all winter and give any updates. Good luck, don't give up!"
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ALKALIZE pH
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[YEA] 02/08/2007: John from Perth, Australia writes: "I think that alkalizing had the biggest affect on curing my nail fungus. I undertook a number of means to alkalize. That included virgin coconut oil, olive leaf extract, alkalized water, alkaline foods, zeolite, heavy metal detox, etc. I also found that wearing a poultice of zeolite powder and cayenne pepper also has good healing properties. I would often soak my feed in zeolite and acidic water. And after I put my socks on, I would soak some coconut oil and essential oils into the sock just above the nail. But I think the ultimate cause is being too acidic (I had candida too). I have now raised my pH to over 7.0 - up from less than 5.0 a few months ago. My ORP has changed from -ve 20 mV to close to -ve 200 mV. From what I have read, fungus can't exist in an alkaline body."
Replies06/01/2008: Rula from Los Angeles, California replies: "Hi John, I was wondering how you found out about your ph level and how to measure it, keep it in check, so forth. I have nail fungus on my big toe and am prone to candida as well. I've been trying a variety of cures for this and would like to be fungus free! Thanks, Rula"
07/14/2011: Carol from Cambridge, Mn replies: "I have struggled with toenail fungus, but have suspected an underlying candida problem. I also would like to know how to check PH balance. Any other diet tips would be welcome, as well."
07/15/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "CarolI also had toenail fungus. I started taking 2 tablespoons of ACV with honey twice a day. The fungus gradually disappeared and has not come back. It did take a while but when the new nail grows in the fungus will grow out with the old nail. It was about three months or a bit more for it to be completely gone. It has been nearly a year and it has not come back. I had it in both big toes and it had been there for quite a few years."
07/15/2011: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Carol, I have used the ph strips which are cheap but found them to not be accurate enough. On EC Ted said the meter is beter and they are now cheaper to buy so I had a look around and have now bought a ph meter. Plus they have come down even more, mine was just under $20 and it is great. It is easy to check your urine 1st thing in the morning and also at other times throughout the day. It allows you to check your progress when using any alkalizing remedies, you may even find that you need to take them at different times or you may need to use Ted's carbicarb (especially at night if your 1st morning urine ph is very acidic). Also in addition to Debbie's suggestion you may also get some benefit with soaking your toes in an ACV & water mix, or just dabbing them with straight ACV. All the best, Maria"
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ANDRE'S NAIL FUNGUS REMEDIES
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/28/2008: Andre from London, UK writes: "Ailment: Nail Fungus infection
Condition: semi-advanced (bed nail of two of my toes is partially damaged)
Treatment stage: beginning (started 4 days ago)
Diet: I completely eliminated refined sugars and started eating more fruits and vegetables.
Remedy used: on the 1st day, I applied (every 2 hours) a mix of the following: apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil on cotton pads.
Noticed some slight improvement, but when I stepped out, there still was an annoying itch.
On the 2nd day, I added Vicks Vaporub and poured some urine on the infected area. Applying Vicks before wearing socks and shoes got rid of the itching.
On the 3rd day, I added honey (applied topically for 20 minutes) followed by washing the feet with antibacterial soap under very hot water (as hot as I could bear) followed by alternate applications of hydrogen peroxide (pharmacy only had 6% solution), lavender, cinnamon leaf and Eucalyptus essential oils (diluted with apple cider vinegar on cotton pads). I also started drinking 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in 1 cup of water (on an empty stomach last night before sleeping and this morning upon waking up).
I am glad to say the annoying itching is completely gone. The color of my two infected nails are yellowish. The only place still itching this morning was on the lower part of my toes (bottom part that touches the floor when I walk) - which is the only place I did not concentrate any treatment as it was much easier to keep the cotton pads on the top part of my foot when seating on the couch and watching tv than the bottom part. So what I did this morning was spread a generous amount of Thai Red Curry Paste on all the infected area and keep everything sealed with transparent plastic food wrap. It seems to be working great. The itching is completely gone.
Today, I will start applying virgin coconut oil (as well as eating 2 tea spoons daily) + peppermint and rosemary essential oils applied topically.
I will also start a detox program along with a gentle exercise program in order to strengthen my immune system.
I'll keep you guys updated on my progress :)"
07/28/2008: Andre from London, UK replies: "Update: Ailment: Nail Fungus
Remedy: Thick Thai Red Curry Paste spread on infected areas & covered with transparent plastic food wrap.
Well, it definitely has a soothing effect but only use if you don't mind your nails turn orangish/red (color of the paste)
Overall, here is my favorite course of treatment so far:
Extremely hot rinse with bacterial soap (5 minutes) + cotton pad applications of the following essential oils:
1/ Hydroxide peroxide 6% Apple Cider Vinegar + tea tree or Manuka oil
2/ add few drops of Lavender oil
3/ add few drops of Lemongrass oil
4/ add few drops of rosemary oil
5/ add few drops of Peppermint oil
6/ add few drops of Cinnamon leaf oil
7/ add few drops of Eucalyptus oil
Then alternate the above with separate application of virgin coconut oil, Listerine, Vicks Vaporub, honey, garlic slices.
Rinse with scalding hot water and dry immediately with hair dryer set on maximum heat.
Also, if you have a terrace or you can step outside, expose the area to strong direct sunlight.
Try to sleep at regular hours, stay clear of stress (as much as possible) and improve your immune system by observing a good balanced diet. I just started taking 1 tea spoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water.
Looking good so far :)
Will keep you updated on my progress.
War has been declared on the fungi invaders. Show no mercy!"
EC: %uFEFF
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APPEARANCE: COCONUT OR SHEA BUTTER
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[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 07/28/2009: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA writes: "I recently made a discovery that made me think my nail fungus had improved by 80% overnight! I'd been rubbing clove oil on one of my big toe nails for a couple of weeks. Then one night I decided to add coconut oil an hour after applying the clove oil. The next morning it looked as though the fungus had all but disappeared. I was thrilled! But, ha ha, it was temporary. As soon as your feet get wet, the nail returns to its previous state. I switched to shea butter (100%, cheap) because it lasts even longer than the coconut oil (from shower to shower). Not sure how effective this will be for black-ish nail fungus as mine is a lovely white & yellowish swirl.
So for everyone who is currently wearing open-toed sandals this summer, you might want to try rubbing coconut or shea butter to your infected nails. It's a helpful tool while we battle this pain-in-the-you-know-what condition."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[YEA] 10/30/2011: Mia from Lyons, Ny writes: "After reading posts on Earth Clinic I decided to try the ACV remedy for a big toe-toe nail that had thickened, had about 1/2 of the toe nail separate/lifted from the nail bed and which had been curling inward badly for a period of about nine years. I decided to become aggressive in fighting it because I saw it start in the big toe on my other foot as well. I figured if I didn't stop it now all my toes would be affected so I began an aggressive fight after reading several posts.
I first took off all nail polish. I kept this toe polished at all times because it was hideous; but after reading that the fungus likes it dark I realized I didn't get this problem until I began to regularly polish my toes. Next I filed the entire surface of the nail as thin as possible without filing right down to the nail bed. Next, I cut away the nail from the area on the toenail that was separated/lifted from the nail bed. The, I bathed it every night before bed with ACV and let it dry on my nail. I did this for about two weeks and, after growing out for several weeks almost two months, now my nail is finally almost completely grown out and normal looking.
THANK YOU ALL!!! THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!"
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09/14/2011: Cc from Congo, Kinshasa writes: "I got rash all over my body and went to the doctor and she says it is fungal infection and gave me a cream since last year am not feeling better is becoming worst each day. Can I use apple cider vinegar and how? Should I drink or apply it on my skin? Please help"
Replies09/14/2011: Rn from Oscoda, Mi replies: "My daughter had a similar rash and took turmeric, in the spice section, 1 tsp mixed with water twice a day. The rash cleared up in a week! I posted my story here today."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 06/06/2011: Shelby from Evansville, Indiana writes: "18 months ago, I contracted what I assumed what was MRSA or an STD from a dionysian splurge. It was on the left labia major and was quite painful. I went to the doctor and pointed it out to her, managing to get it on my hands and then brushing the skin near my right eye. The primary infection eventually went deep under my skin so I was not able to see it, but I could still feel it there. My attention was constantly on the infection near my eye, I was not interested in it spreading and causing blindness. Antibiotic creams and pills were ineffective. Eventually I got it under control with stabilized allicin and a few times I even assumed it was gone completely, although it flared up every now and again.
The primary infection bothered me a great deal as well, and I attempted GSE on it, with limited success. I had the eye area tested for MRSA, but it was negative. It was also negative for being a viral infection and I was at a total loss. The things I used supposingly hit all three, virual, bacterial and fungal, so I assumed I had all bases covered. The doctors continued to insist nothing was there, but I felt it pulling at my eye and down below, constantly aching.
A few weeks ago, my eye was itching a great deal, and I put some vaseline on it. Immediately it spread like crazy, all over my face, down my cheek and began to burn. I began to seriously doubt a bacterial infection is supposed to do that, and a new thought entered my head. Perhaps it was a fungus. It was a long shot, but I researched fungus remedies and took a few baths with ACV and began to regularly apply it and am still doing so. It is a thousand times better now, the ACV seemingly the only thing in 18 months to do anything to this monster. Though the ACV is rough on my skin and I do have to moisturize with olive oil.
As I began to think about the infection being a fungus, it began to make much more sense to me, rather than a bacterial infection. I'm not ruling out a bacterial infection, but a fungus one seems to be more accurate.
Please do not rule out a potential fungus infection when approaching your doctor about possible STD issues or suspicious infections in the nether regions. I believe a dropped condom on a sock or shoe was the cause of mine, and I can finally sense the end of this frustrating journey. It never occured to me, as women do not tend to deal with jock itch or things of that nature. "
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[YEA] 03/25/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia writes: "I had toe nail fungus under my big toe for about six years. In the past I had taken tablets for six months but it didn't clear it up. It was also starting to affect my other big toe. After taking the apple cider vinegar for about three months (with bicarb soda) (2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar with 1/4 tsp bicarb) the toe nail fungus is now totally gone. It took three months but you could see it clearing as the nail grew."
Replies04/09/2011: Maddy from New York replies: "Can Debbie from Melbourne please explain exactly what she did with the vinegar and soda. Did you soak it or make like a compress you placed on it?THANKS"
04/10/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Maddy, for the nail fungus all I did was drink the apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons) morning and night with 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda (bicarb soda). I put nothing on my toe at all. The Apple Cider Vinegar will kill off the fungus inside the body including the toenails.It will take about 3 months for it to be completely gone because new nail has to grow in. The new nail will be fungus free. I just kept cutting the old nail off as it grew."
04/16/2011: Suzanne from Rockledge, Florida Usa replies: "Debbie, did you mix the apple cider vinegar with the baking soda or taken separatly?"
04/28/2011: Maddy from Ny, Usa replies: "Thanks for your reply. How was your stomach from doing this for so long? I hear that too much vinegar can be damaging? I appreciate you taking the time to replyMaddy"
06/06/2011: Mari from New York, Ny, Usa replies: "hello Debbie from Melbourne, Australia!are you still taking your remedy or did it cure your fungus completely and are not taking it anymore? Just to clarify, you combined the vinegar and baking soda together and drank it in the morning and night? Thanks!"
06/06/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Hi Mari, no I am not really taking it anymore and the fungus has never come back. I do occasionally take some ACV but I now just take the ACV with some honey in water rather than the baking soda though because the baking soda neutralises the stomach acid which affects your digestion."
06/06/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Yes I took the ACV both in the morning and night. I put nothing on my toes, just drank it and the toe fungus disappeared. You could see the new nail growing in clear - a slow process."
06/07/2011: Dave from Raleigh, North Carolina replies: "Hello Debbie from Melbourne. Did you mix two tablespoons of ACV with water? Or did you just dump two tablespoons of ACV in an empty glass along with the baking soda and drink it without water?"
07/09/2011: Ellis from Santa Fe, Nm replies: "quickly, is it an eighth or a fourth of the soda? two separate comments each have a different amount."
09/16/2011: Kristy from Holden Beach, Nc replies: "People, do not DRINK ACV with baking soda or you'll most likely have larger problems than just a nail.You don't even need the baking soda----just pour a bit of Apple Cider Vinegar into a cup, dip a clean Q-tip into the ACV and dab it directly on the nail at the base (where the nail is growing from), if desired you may rub over entire nail and dab underneath the nail a bit. As the new nail grows and you clip off the old nail, you will see improvements and hopefully the nail will clear up completely once a complete new nail has formed. The length of time it takes will depend on how fast your nails grow.
But once again, don't drink the ACV mixed with anything. For example: just go to your kitchen sink and pour in a bit of baking soda, now pour ACV over top and watch it boil (cleans the pipes) well, that is exactly what it is going to do to your stomach!!
Just dab the ACV directly on to the nail with a Q-tip and best wishes!!"
[YEA] 11/16/2011: Neil from Us replies: "I have to agree with Debbie. ACV even seems to stop toenail fungus when consumed internally.I've had the same toenail fungus on my right big toe for a decade. I'd been drinking ACV in water as an appetite suppressant (which is also pretty effective), and recently while trimming my toenails I noticed that the big patch of discoloration is half of what it always was. I mean this thing hadn't changed at all in 10 years.
I drink about 2 tablespoons in 32 oz of water to stay hydrated throughout the day."
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11/15/2010: Jean from Charlotte, Sc writes: "I began using ACV on my toenails back in June 2010. I have four toenails on my left foot that have been infected since 2002. I poured straight ACV into a small plastic tub and would soak my foot at least once a day (sometimes twice) for 10-20 minutes. I didn't mind the discoloration. Not like anyone was seeing my toenails anyhow. I first started noticing a difference about six weeks later. I could see the base of one of the nails was looking thinner. Unfortunately I took some time off from doing this because I had a baby. But I hadn't even realized that my pinky toenail is completely healed as of November 2010! I honestly didn't think it would work because that particular nail was so thick. But I am shocked and thrilled to say that ACV really worked! I wish I would have known this eight years ago! I could have saved a lot of money instead of trying all those over the counter creams. I'm now looking forward to possibly wearing sandals again next summer!"
Replies01/10/2011: Jean from Charlotte, Sc replies: "I wanted to update and say that I'm still soaking my nails in ACV. I also drink about one tablespoon of ACV every day. Half of the big toenail came off the other day. I forgot to mention before that on the days that I don't have time to soak I take a capsule of Oregano Oil, stick it with a pin and put some on each nail. It even took away the pain (within minutes) of what was begining to be an ingrown toenail. It discolored my socks, but as I said before, I'd rather have healthy nails than white socks. My nails are still slightly discolored and I'm totally fine with that."
01/18/2011: Irishbandit from Melbourne, Australia replies: "I've had nail fungus for about 20 years at this stage. I've always hidden it with nail polish but last year, one of the nails became so thick that I could no longer cut it so I decided to visit a podiatrist. He told me that I had the worst case of nail fungus he has ever seen in someone so young (I am only 36). He said he thought only Lamisil tablets could help, but I don't want to try them so I've started using Apple Cider Vineger. He also said that the dry skin on the soles of me feet is Athlete's foot. I was really surprised as I thought this only occurred between the toes. He said if I wouldn't take Lamisil tablets, all he could suggest was keeping the nail filed as thinly as possible and using Lamisil cream all over my foot and on my nail. He filed my nails down for me. If your nails are really thick, I would suggest you get a podiatrist to do this for you before you start any treatment. He told me that NO topical treatment will work unless you keep the surface of your nails as thin as possible. He also told me to take a photo each month so that I could see if I was making any progress. I've uploaded the photos I took at the end of November, just after I visited him, and late December, a month after starting. I will upload again in 2 weeks.www.flickr.com/photos/31174923@N06/?saved=1So, since the end of November I have been doing the following:
1. Filing the surface of my nails every three to four days so that the nail is a thin as possible so the vinegar can penetrate the nail bed. I always use a fresh emery board to do this. You can buy long ones and cut them up into smaller pieces with a scissors.
2. Soaking my feet once a day for half an hour in a 50/50 mixture of organic ACV and water. I only use organic ACV which still has "the mother" in it (says it on the bottle). I've read that you should do this twice a day but I have a life! It's hard enough finding time to do it once!
3. I re-use the ACV/water mixture for a week, then mix another batch.
4. I cover my entire foot and my nails every day in Lamisil cream.
5. I blow dry my feet after soaking them in vinegar.
6. I either use a fresh towel every time I dry my feet, or I use paper towel. I never use the same towel twice as you can catch fungus from yourself by using a towel that has touched infected nails.
7. I put bleach on the floor of our shower every so often to kill germs.
8. I cut off any yellow and crumbly parts of the nails. This makes such a difference if you are planning to go out in public, as you will see from the photos I've attached. In the November ones, all the yellow fungus bits are still attached and my toes look awful. They're still awful, but with a lot of the yellow cut away, people really don't notice (though of course I do! )
9. I've been wearing open toe shoes every day - it's summer here right now. This is easier for ladies than for men - I got some really cute peep toe shoes - my awful big toe and the toe next to it are slightly visible but the shoes are so great, no-one notices because they are too busy looking at the shoes. I think there has been a slight improvement, but toenails grow so slowly, I guess I won't really know for at least another month or two. But, I will keep you all posted 'cos I know that if you're like me, you're just dying to know if any of the home remedies really work and it's so hard to find photos of anyone who has been cured, apart from the ones printed by companies trying to sell their products and it's hard ot know if they're real."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/26/2011: Irishbandit from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Just wanted to let you know how I'm getting on with the ACV. Some nails seem to have improved, others I'm not sure (big toes). I've decided that I will keep going for at least 4 months no matter what (been doing it for 2 months so far). I've uploaded two more photos to Flickr, taken this morning www.flickr.com/photos/31174923@N06/?saved=1"
06/26/2011: Chicagogirl from Chicago , Il, Usa replies: "Hello I looked at your pictures it looks like your nails are starting to grow out I just had a quick question I have the exact same problem on one of my toe nails, I've always used nail polish to cover it up and let my nail grow out to hide it. My nail grows and looks normal unless you pay full attention you cant notice its there but not attached. So did you at any point cut your nail or did you simply file it down?"
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 11/13/2010: Me from Fremont, Ca writes: "I have had varying degrees of athlete's foot for the last 20 years. More recently toenail fungus has also developed. Having had success using ACV to remove moles I tried it topically for my foot issues. Treatment was as follows: Nightly wetting of my feet with ACV in a bowl. I only did this for two three nights for about 20 minutes and reduced the itching, burning and pealing dramatically. It has returned since then and has each time been alleviated with the same treatment. I have never been consistent enough to do it every night for six or seven days in a row which I believe would completely eliminate it. The ACV has also positively affected the toenail fungus in stopping the yellowing, curling and peeling. I believe with more commitment to ACV treatment mine could be completely healed."
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12/18/2009: Susan from Holland, Pa writes: "I am planning to try Apple Cider Vinegar to treat my toenail fungus that has been a problem for years. I have tried, over the counter and prescription medication and nothing has worked for me. I do have a question. Do I reuse the ACV I soak my toes in or should I use a fresh batch every time I soak? Thanks for the feedback."
Replies12/18/2009: Deirdre from Earth Clinic replies: "I reused the acv a few times.WARNING -- apple cider vinegar can dye your normal toenails a very ugly color if:
1) you don't dilute the acv with water
2) soak your toes too long
and
3) use cheap ACV from the grocery storeMy toes are still discolored from doing the above 3 months ago!!
Deirdre"
12/19/2009: Moi from V Ville, Ca replies: "I had a very bad nail fungus for 23 or so years. I practically had no healthy nail left on my big toe. It was very ugly and was just a crumbly mess. I tried a lot of otc meds (before I got wise), none worked. Also tried a lot of natural cures, vicks, h2o2 etc, and none of them did anything to help. I had pretty much resigned myself to funky toe for life, when I decided to give it one last go with White Vinegar, just the ordinary cheap as chips stuff.
After my shower I would soak a cotton ball with vinegar and put it on my nail with a plaster over it. Nothing else. Did it for 2 or so months. Total cure. My nail (and my partner cannot believe it) is normal again, as in I do not hide it anymore and am rather proud of the little fellow now. I have nice feet and am really happy at last to have nice healthy feet.One thing, the vinegar does smell a bit early in the day, but for me it was worth it. Every now and again I do a vinegar day just to keep the fungus away."
12/19/2009: Phil from Dearing, Ga replies: "Hi Deirdre and Susan. I would just like to let the two of you know that I have read that Grapefruit Seed Complex in liquid form can be used to treat nail fungus. This is a liquid and can be used for cleaning vegetables also. Tooth and gum infections if added to tooth paste. You can request a FREE catalog from herbalhealer.com and it tells what all it can be used for.
I HAVE NOT used this product. But this is what it states, That it can be put directly under the toes to help toe nail fungus. Some people also add 2 drops daily to glass of juice. It seems as this is a Fungus fighter internally and externally.
Hope this helps."
EC: Thanks Phil. I have some GSE, will try it on my toes!
Deirdre
12/19/2009: Phil from Dearing, Ga replies: "Hi Deidre. It's me again, I should tell you that this particular Grapefruit Seed Extract is said to be very potent and should always be DILUTED WHEN PUT ON SKIN! It DOES NOT, however give the dilution ratio, but does say one dropper full for a BATH...So I guess, it does need to be diluted. I am just not sure to the ratio. Maybe there is info on the kind you have as to dilution.
But then again, maybe it is speaking only for putting on the skin to be diluted. Because it says " It can be applied directly under toes to help toenail fungus."
Oh I feel so bad now, because I can't tell you for sure and I have the catalog. Sorry.
Ok I have found this in another part and it says " This is used for external wound that are not healing well.You must dilute this. 10 drops per cup of warm water-wash area four times a day." I know this still doesn't answer, if you dilute to go under toes or not.
Maybe you should start with diluted, first and see how that goes...I will post again if I find anything else out. I haven't tried google on this, so I will try that."
12/19/2009: Phil from Dearing, Ga replies: "This is interesting Deirdre and Susan. Lots of information here.
http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/health/toenailfungus.html
All kinds of reports from people, who used different methods."
EC: Thank you Phil!
12/19/2009: Tricia from Ireland replies: "Susan from holland - this won't work for you cos yours is a fungus and has to be treated differently but it should work for deirdre cos hers is a dye problem.
I get discolored fingernails from some chemicals I use at work. It is usually only 1 fingernail when the latex gloves I use break.
1. Light dye-leave a slice of lemon on it for about 5 mins daily.
2. Heavy dye-3% h2o2 painted on with a q-tip above and underneath the fingernail.This usually works for nail polish staining too.
3. Iodine-break open a vitamin c capsule and dilute with water, stick finger in glass. This solution will take iodine out of clothes and off countertops too.
So far, because I get to attack it immediately, I rarely have to do any of the first two for longer than 4/5 days and the vitamin c only once so I don't know if there are any long term effects i.e. weakening of the nails.
It would be very rare tho' for the dye to get below the nail onto the bed as they are tightly bound to each other.
If the acv dye is still on your skin, Deirdre, I can't see there being a problem with a little H2O2 in a footbath if Ted recommends it directly on the face overnight for rosacea."
12/19/2009: Deirdre from Earth Clinic replies: "Thanks so much, Tricia! I will give it whirl. I used your nail file for cracked heels remedy to get the dye off my feet a few days after my ACV disaster and that was very helpful. But I never got it off my toe nails.For those who missed it, here is my embarrassing foot soaking account on the apple cider vinegar page: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar2.html#SOAK"
12/20/2009: Susan from Holland, Pa replies: "thanks to all of you for your input so far. I'm soaking in acv as i write. :) Its only day 3 so of course no results yet. Another few questions. I have been using tea tress oil as well for many years but this has done zero. Should I consider a different type oil such as grapefruit oil or coconut oil? I am confused about which oil to use. Do I apply this at night prior to bed or use it during the day? I do use powder to keep my feet dry as possible during the day and walk around in flip flops around the house. My feet of course are FREEZING in the flip flops:(
Thanks in advance for all of you!"
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/13/2010: Tony from Mammoth Lakes, California replies: "Many thanks to this site, and the individual posts - especially apple cider vinegar & emphasis on soaking. Both are working extremely well these last 2 - 3 weeks. My big toe nail had turned "white" with thickening of the nail, over some three years. Also, the other nails began to "whiten." I tried two over the counter brands, little to no progress.Began soaking in ACV, and literally, withing 3 days the big toe nail showed receeding "white." As of tonight, 3 weeks from start of soaking, my big toe nail has a 96% healthy appearance, and the other toe nails dramatic improvement ( ie. decreasing "white" nails ).
I will continue this soaking process, learned from postings here, and report back. Tonight I want to tell my results, and to note a friend mentioning that having a nail scraping tested helps to determine exactly what is the cause / source of the fungus."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 09/11/2009: Thankful from Gurnee, Illinois writes: "I am in awe of the power of something as simple as apple cider vinegar. Two years ago I dropped a hairdryer on my right big toe. Apparently this was enough to cause an interruption in the nail bed where fungi developed. It started deceptively slowly with just a thin white strip on the side of the nail that was barely noticeable. My podiatrist didn't seem particularly concerned about it, so neither was I. Besides, I typically wear nail polish and didn't have to look at it. However, at the beginning of this week I took my nail polish off and all the sudden I was the creature from the black lagoon! Ewwwwwwwww!!!!!! Approximately 80% of my nail was funkified with yellow and white globules, bumpy, thick and just gross. I have never suffered with anything like this in my life so I was freaked out big time. I knew there is absolutely no way I could take another prescription like lamisil because I take so many drugs for other more serious conditions. My poor liver is stressed as it is so I went to the internet in desperate need of help from the homeopathic community. Thank God for websites like this one! I soaked my infected toe in full strength apple cider vinegar for 3 days equaling 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. I saturated a piece of toilet paper with the ACV and just laid in on the nail while I watched tv. In just six treatments the infected part of my toenail fell off this afternoon with no pain whatsoever. Under the nail was the grossest wet sawdust-like substance I have ever seen. I can hardly believe the ACV worked so quickly to eradicate the ick. If someone would have told me that it would work this quickly I never would have believed it after everything I have read. At this point, my plan going forward is to use a spray bottle to apply the ACV after I shower and then apply tea tree oil for a fungus killing antiseptic while also using an over the counter fungal care you paint on before bed. I know it will take months for the nail to grow back, but I feel hopeful that I can put this behind me. At least now I can see a healthy pink nail bed which I absolutely will NOT be covering with nail polish. Any additional suggestions in how to proceed would be much appreciated. A big thanks to everyone for posting and sharing."
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09/05/2009: Debra from Paulden, Az writes: "I am currently trying the ACV and water foot soak to hopefully cure my toenail fungus and I have some questions. I have moderate to severe toenail fungus in 5 toes and I have recurring athletes foot, I cannot seem to completely get rid of. I am doing a 50/50 solution is this too strong? I am soaking twice a day for 15-30 minutes. Then I am wearing flip flops mostly to allow my feet to be in the air so they stay dry. Is that OK? ALso should I lotion my feet, they still seem to be so dry on the heels. I am noticing that my feet look a little better, however I have a lot of places along the bottom of my foot that is peeling, is this normal? Any help from anyone would be awesome I want this to work so badly and I refuse to give up. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks now haven't really noticed a change in my nails but I figure it took a long time to get like this so it is not going to cure over night! Again any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!"
Replies[YEA] 09/15/2009: Enaks from New Rochelle, Ny replies: "I tried many different home remedies and prescription meds. Nothing worked. Then I came across Dr. Walt Stoll website and his vinegar treatment. Basically two drops of vinegar at the base of each toenail, twice a day. YOU MUST BE PATIENT. This cure takes a long time to work as it protects the NEW nail growth from getting the fungus. The fungus you already have on your nails must GROW out. So this treatment takes a long time and you must not miss an application. I have done this vinegar treatment twice a day since the end of Oct 2008 and it works. I am so happy and I have nice nails again! Don't get discouraged, it's a slow process. It takes about 30 seconds for each treatment, twice a day, for a total of one minute a day. Before that I was soaking my feet in mouthwash, used vapor rub, tea tree oil, prescription meds, light therapy, etc. I was walking around worried that someone would smell my vapor rub on my feet. ugh! I want to spread the word that vinegar works!! I applied mine after my shower, sat on the floor, dried my feet, used eyedropper and dripped vinegar on cotton swab to swish the vinegar around on the nail. Just a couple of drops each nail, then let them air dry. I also used some cheap foot powder to keep my feet dry for the day. In the evening I used the vinegar again, but not powder. My nails are CLEAR after 11 months, the time flies, and after a few months you will begin to see the new growth. I've been wearing flip-flops the past few months! I hope you all try it."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/13/2009: John from Dallas, Georgia, Usa replies: "I started the straight organic ACV soak for my athletes foot (moccasin type) and toenail fungus after trying everything that is sold over the counter as well as one of the liver type pills to get rid of the fungus. Nothing worked. I had this foot fungus for at least 10 years, and I thought I was doomed to have this for the rest of my life until I found the EC website and decided to try soaking my feet in the organic ACV. I used it twice a day for three weeks and my atheletes foot has disappeared and I can see the new clear/white toenail growing in behind the thick/yellow one. Incredible stuff!"
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[QUESTION] 07/25/2009: Kenneth from Spring Valley, Ca writes: "I see a lot of posts of ACV uses for toenail fungus by soaking the nail. Are there any benifits from drinking ACV to get rid of toe nail fungus?"
Replies[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/01/2011: Janice from Richmond Bc, Canada replies: "I have been drinking ACV with honey for 8 days and have noticed my new toenail growing in normally as the affected nail fungus grows out. It's just a wee small growth so far, but definitely can see the difference. I was surprised to see this today as I have also tried various natural topical treatments without much success. Plus, the toenail was so much easier to trim... softer nail, although my fingernails are strong and growing fast and the ridges are minimizing as well.I had purchased the Dr Jarvis Book "Folk Medicine and Arthritis" and started the ACV and Honey(and one drop of Iodine every other day) and within a few days, my arthritis is improved by 85% and my lower back has been pain free for the first time in over a year.
And, my allergies seem so much improved too. Not completely, but so much better.
I am so pleased"
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[YEA] 07/02/2009: Suzann from Titusville, NJ writes: "I learned about ACV curing fungus through this website. I was desparate to try anything since I wasn't given a prescription of sorts for the fungus by my doctor. My three toes, especially big toes, were humiliating ugly and down right embarassing. Since February I have put on ACV in the morning and at night. Voila! My big toe lost it's nail and now a new nail without fungus is there. My other toe completely cleared up. My third toe is 90% better. So...I am a true believe in ACV. I hope someone can use my success story to help "ugly" feet and horrible toes. Now I can wear sandals again!! Suzann"
Replies07/03/2009: Lon from Stanhope, NJ replies: "Did you use straight, undiluted ACV? Did you soak the foot in the ACV, or did you apply it directly to the nails and leaving it on? rinsing? once a day? more often? My disabled son has terrible toenails. I've been hopping around with different treatments because I'm confused about which is the best way. Your success sounds encouraging. I'd like to try your method consistently for a while to see if we can get this under control. More details would be helpful. Thank you for your help."
07/03/2009: Hannah from Berlin, Oh replies: "Hello I was wondering if you just rubbed the ACV on the nail or if you kind of soaked it. Does it need to go under the nail? Please let me know as soon as you can, thanks."
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06/21/2009: Kate from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA writes: "My mother 82, has used ACV/H2O for arthritis since her 30's for joint pain (from Dr. Jarvis's book). She has always sworn by it. From watching her, I now have tried it for joint pain - with success!
However I'm emailing about toenail fungus. I have pretty severe fungus in nine toenails. (One little pinky toe is beautifully normal for some reason.) Since my early 20's I've had a tendency to athletes foot. It started in my toenails when I was pregnant. My son is now 22 so that's how long I've had this 'blight' in my toenails starting with just one and very slowly spreading to others over time. The athletes foot also never disappears. Have tried every over the counter product w/ no results. Have always stayed away from the prescription oral stuff. Over the years I kept it from bothering me by daily application of olive oil or jojaba oil after showering (rubbed into skin after toes are well dried). I keep my nails meticulously clean and as trimmed as possible. Summers are not fun for obvious reasons cited by others.
A week ago I did an online search about it as I occasionally have over the years, and this time I was immediately struck by your website! Five days ago I started soaking my feet in ACV. I'm stepping it up from once to twice a day: am and pm. I'm using 1 part ACV to 2 parts H20. I use regular ACV and put in a couple of TBSP of raw ACV to save on cost. I soak my toes for at least a half hour. Will continue this experiment and let you know how it goes! Regardless, I think this is an excellent website - Thanks!"
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/28/2009: Kate from Minneapolis, Minnesota replies: "Check back:I wrote in on June 21'09 after starting ACV soaks for my toenail fungus. I have now been diligently soaking my feet twice a day for six weeks. (See my previous post 6/21/09 for ACV/H2O amounts.) After a month I nearly lost hope because I couldn't see any real difference. Then I looked closer when trimming my nails. It was looking slightly different. With renewed hope - like others I'm in this for the fight - I kept up the soaks (my feet are in the bucket as I type this). My toenails are definitely changing, I can hardly believe it. It's happening v e r y s l o w l y. They look like they are starting to grow out normally at the base. The nasty debris/buildup is also diminishing though not entirely gone. No nails falling off however like others report. I am poised to begin Ted's remedies (got all the stuff) which was my next plan if I didn't see any change. Now I'm just continuing the vinegar soaks so I can watch the experiment further. For those of you asking about soaking vs. just applying ACV on the nails: I tried that a couple of years ago. YOU HAVE TO SOAK! I do it minimum 1/2 hr twice a day. I have had a severe case for 22 years! The soaking seems to get the solution into the nail and nail bed which is where the nasty bug is residing. Just applying the solution topically isn't enough; it dries before it can penetrate. I'm not yet done but this is amazing!! I will report back in a few weeks again!"
09/22/2009: Kate from Minneapolis, Mn, Usa replies: "Well it's time for another check-in, this time it's been two months. In brief the ACV is working! This is truly remarkable. It's like getting the best birthday or Christmas present I could ever have hoped for. Just remembering it sometimes during the day brings a good feeling. Here's where it's at: I've continued with twice daily soaks for 1/2 hour or more. If it's occasionally less time then I make up for it later. Improvement has continued gradually in the way described in my previous post. It is not entirely gone. Of nine nails affected, three appear totally cleared up and six are greatly improved. Two of the six, the big toenails, are nearly clear but it takes them longer to fully grow out because they have farther to grow! From the base to two thirds out they appear close to normal looking. In my case, my nails seem to improve first at the base where they grow out and gradually they continue growing out clean. Four stubborn ones still have some signs of the fungus but they too are changing. The ones that had it the worst are taking the longest. I'm so thrilled already that I don't worry much about sandals anymore - even though the nails don't look great, I know they're on their way! Actually they may never look quite the same. I read in Ted's posts that once the nail has become separated from the nail bed, it never grows back in that place and I'm finding that to be true. But for me it's a small price to pay, a scar I guess. Meanwhile I'm not completely out of the woods yet. I figure maybe it'll be six months total. I'm psyched! Will check back."
03/21/2010: Kate from Minneapolis, Mn replies: "This is a check-in on my ACV toenail fungus cure. I am still soaking my toes twice daily in ACV and it is working! It's taken longer than I thought it would but it definitely works! I started with nine badly affected toenails. Six were completely normal after four months. The last three are slow but definitely getting better. I have no idea why three are taking so much longer. They were among the worst but other bad ones cleared up quicker. I started using ACV last June 2009. I guess it may take a year. It takes a little discipline and patience. But compared to the 23 years I've had it, a year seems quick! ACV works, it's amazing. Thank you so much Earth Clinic!!
p.s. to Phil and to Deirdre at E.C.: I used Grapefruit Seed Extract for a year before starting ACV. I painted it with a fine brush on each toenail morning and night. I started out using it diluted because of the burning you referred to. But soon I applied it carefully full strength and it didn't bother my skin. However this remedy did nothing to change my nails. Maybe it helped to slow it a little from getting worse, but it did not diminish the fungus already there. ACV is the only thing I have tried in 22 years that has made any and a total difference.
Thanks, Kate - Mpls, MN"
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[YEA] 05/06/2009: Angela from Te Kauwhata, New Zealand writes: "Having suffered with a horrible, unsightly, fungus ridden big toenail for many years I was delighted to find this site which offered natural remedies to cure the problem. I had previously taken lamisal tablets to rid the problem. This left me with an upset stomach. After weeks of taking the medication I couldn't bare the side effects of it any longer and stopped taking it. The fungus quickly appeared again. After all that I have found Apple Cidar Vinegar was the answer. I mixed around 1/4 cup of ACV with enough water to place my big toe in. I soaked the toe morning and night in this mixture. I then applied Lamisal cream under the toenail. I also heeded someone elses advice not to put nail polish on the toe as it allows the fungus a lovely dark environment to thrive in. To cut a long story short, my perserverance paid off and I am thrilled to say that my big toenail is now completely fungus free. Thank you ACV and Earth Clinic!"
Replies05/21/2009: Fancy from Fresno, CA replies: "Wow, Im so glad this remedy worked for you.I have had toe nail fungus for 8 yrs now and have not worn sandals since i was 17! Im a girl and lets face it my summer dresses arent going to look good with tennis shoes.=) My podiatrist prescribed me the generic brand for lamisil and it has not worked! its been a month and yet nothing. Im also a mommy and would love to go to the beach and finally walk on the sand barefooted with my kids. So im going to try this tomorrow i just dont know where to buy ACV? Someone mentioned on the website about a certain brand and also organic ACV we have a Whole Foods store would it be there? If you have any suggestions or advice please throw them my way. Thanks in advance."
11/05/2011: Pete from Fort Collins, Colorado replies: "You can buy regular ACV in the grocery store next to the white vinegar. Organic vinegar will be available at Whole Foods, but probably expensive there. Try to find a less expensive organic food store. We have sunflower and sprouts here in Colorado.http://www.sunflowermarkets.com/Default.aspx
http://sprouts.com/home.phpHope that helps."
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04/03/2009: Alex from Albuquerque, NM, USA writes: "After researching a great deal about ACV, I doubt the vast usefulness of it as touted here at Earth Clinic. There are just a few studies done that show any promise for ACV, but overall, all these claims of its effectiveness against one condition or another are doubtful. For example, one person's claim that using ACV for toenail fungus resulted in a new, pink toenail growing out healthy in just one month. Toenails take months to grow!"
Replies[YEA] 04/05/2009: Rin from London, UK replies: "I have been using ACV on my toenail fungus for just one week and the results are amazing. I have had this on my big toe for a very long time and nothing would shift it, nothing that is until I started using ACV. This what I do every night..Soak a cotton wool ball in ACV
Place it over my toe and stick down with a plaster
leave it on over night
Remove in the morning and shower
In just one week ACV has nearly removed all of the black part of my toenail, it just went soft and fell off. I know i will have to wait for the new nail to grow back but im thrilled to bits"
[YEA] 04/30/2009: Nat from Huntsville, AL replies: "Vinegar can and does work wonders on mild to moderate toenail fungus. I used ordinary Heinz white vinegar and experienced amazing results after just a week. I'm sure ACV would provide equal or better results. After 2-3 weeks of treatment, the fungus was just about totally knocked out and I haven't had any problems since.
Of course, the studies probably don't support this - but why would they? Who has anything to gain from cures that involve a $3.00 bottle of vinegar?"
EC: Nat, how long did you soak your nails for?
05/01/2009: Nat from Huntsville, AL replies: "Not long. I just covered the nail with a generous amount of vinegar and then allowed it to air-dry. I did this 1-2 times per day for a few weeks, until the thickness and discoloration were almost totally gone. After just a few days, I was able to remove large amounts of flaky whitish matter from under the nail - presumably the dead fungus. I continued applying the vinegar and removing the foreign matter until I was satisfied with the results. I still apply vinegar once a week or so for maintenance, and have had no further trouble with the nail.
I had been considering getting Lamasil or Penlac before trying this, but figured I might as well give it a try first - and I'm very glad I did. More severe cases may not respond as well, but I'd say it's worth a shot."
EC: Thanks very much for updating us!
09/26/2010: Kathy from Hugo, Mn replies: "Why would such a naysayer enter an ignorant comment without trying himself? Fear. Western Meds would NEVER approve because they make NO money from a CURE without meds. I hope you try ACV for something and see for yourself it was an uneducated remark about home remedies and natural health period! I've witnessed countless cures for ACV and basic home remedies from my brilliant father-in-law and my own family! You are missing out to be such a "debbie downer" and doubtful. Sorry, but I felt the need to speak up!"
[YEA] 07/27/2011: Adrienne from Arlington, Ma replies: "I too find it very disturbing that physicians dismiss fungal infections or something as simple as ACV to treat it. Ignored fungal infections long term can permanently disfigure your nails, get into your blood and be terribly hard to treat, and of course infect others.After getting a new doctor, I discovered that I had had athletes' foot for years. It took the form of small blisters and dry skin - that I couldn't figure out because it didn't itch and didn't respond to over-the-counter medications. The doctor told me that because I had had it so long, I probably would need to take Lamasil orally. Since like others here, I already take other medications that affect my liver, I was not at all happy to hear that.
Thank goodness for apple cider vinegar! I began soaking my feet in 1/2 ACV and water twice a day for 15 -25 minutes, it was easy while checking email. I used a tupperware container big enough not to easily slosh out and that both feet would fit in. Changed the solution once a week. Changed towels under the bin every other day, used new towels each day to dry my feet. Used a waterproof nail file to remove excess calluses and reduce thick nails. I washed and treated nail file with Lysol each day, sprayed the shower once a week (not good to do it more apparently). New towels in bath every other day in the beginning. Applied antifungal cream to my feet if I needed to wear shoes, changed socks at least once a day, sometimes twice if my feet sweated a lot.
Sprayed the heck out of my shoes, removed the inserts and sprayed them as well with an antifungal spray and left them out in the sun to dry. If you have old shoes that can't be sprayed, or you feel they're iffy, get rid of them. This is an important point that I don't see people mentioning here - you don't want to undo your hard work. I reinfected myself briefly because I grabbed an old pair of gardening shoes one day, and sweated in them without socks.
It took me about 4-5 weeks from the initial start of soaking to be fungus free. Yellowed skin and nails from cider stains gradually disappeared over a week or two. Lemon juice and/or a little scrubbing with a pumice stone can help speed its departure.
My mother and sister have nail fungus, and I recently told them about ACV - they're trying it too. Will post back in several weeks about their results."
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02/19/2009: Suzann from Titusville, New Jersey writes: "I will be buying Apple Cider Vinegar tomorrow for my toenail fungus. My large toe and third toe and pink toe on left foot appears to be infected. I really wasn't sure what was going on. Asked my doctor and he didn't seem overly concerned. Well, I am. They look horrible. I am not sure why??? But, I am excited about all the results listed in Earth Clinic writer's comments. Thank you folks. I am going to start tomorrow with the treatment and will let you know through time how my toes clear up or not."
Replies[YEA] 03/16/2009: Suzann from Titusville, New Jersey replies: "Hi, I am following up with my results as promised on the Earth Clinic website. I wrote on 2/19 that I was going to start treating my "large" toe - with ACV. Well, it has been almost four weeks. I am happy to say, my four small toes are close to being totally cleared up and my large toe (my main concern) has lost the large, crusty, black striped nail and a new toenail bed is under! I was thrilled to see this! My nail fell off and on my toebed was new pink toenail. Now, I will see if my toenail grows back clear and healthy once again. Hope this helps and encourages you to use Apple Cider Vinegar on your "fungus infected toes!" It works!"
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[YEA] 02/02/2009: Bill from St. Louis, MO, USA writes: "My lady friend developed a severe case of some type of yeast or fungus overgrowth. It began as a red area under one breast, and soon spread to both breasts, upper chest, stomach and groin area. I suspect a recent injection of steroids (to relieve poison ivy) to be the cause, but that is only speculation. This rash was severe. She was Dr. prescribed a cream and then a powder-- with little effect. I recommended the Apple Cider Vinegar Cure, along with making sure the affected area stayed clean and dry. We applied (again, use only), organic, unfiltered, non-pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar. She applied the ACV directly to the affected area. It is important to note that applying the ACV to a severe rash is Very Painful! I suggest that if you cannot tolerate the pain, you might start with a diluted (50%?) mixture until some of the "rawness" disappears. RESULTS: 100 Percent CURE! Absolutely amazing. She continued the application for about two weeks, with results beginning immediately. Her skin dried completely, the rash and finally the redness disappeared. Thank You Earthclinic, Thank You Ted!"
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[YEA] 11/18/2008: Sam from Scipio, IN writes: "After reading about using apple cider vinegar to cure toenail fungus, I decided to give it a try. Not being a patient person, & wanting it GONE ASAP, I applied ACV relentlessly. I dabbed it on morning & night, as well as soaked a cotton ball with ACV, placed it on the nail, & wrapped a strip of tape around it to keep it on the fungus during the day. Sometimes I wore old socks & poured the ACV directly on the socks over the affected toes. The pressure of my shoes kept the vinegary sock in contact with the fungus all the time. Let me just say this - ACV works! In less than a month, I have a healthy pink toenail."
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[YEA] 10/26/2008: Shelly from Iowa, Iowa writes: "I found this website when looking for cures for my daugher's warts, she has several on her hand. We taped small pieces of banana peel to each wart every night and two are gone, two are getting much smaller, so I'm positive they will disappear. I can't remember how long it has taken, but I would guess at least 1 month. We would forget several nights too.
Also, I found the rememdy of ACV for toe fungus and have soaked my foot every nite for about 1 or 1-1/2 months. The toenail isn't completely grown out yet, but this new growth is looking very clear, so I think that worked and it will grow out clean.
Thank you for cheap and easy remedies."
Replies10/18/2009: Ringlette from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada replies: "I'm writing in response to your post regarding warts. I do a great deal of travelling, and I somehow contracted a wart on the top of my big toe. For a year and a half, I tried everything that was offered from the pharmacy, including a home burning kit, but nothing worked. The wart would get smaller, but it wouldn't go away. Finally, I tried oregano oil. Twice a day I put a few drops on the wart and put a bandaid over it - the wart was completely and permanently gone in approximately one week. I tried the oregano oil for toenail fungus, and, unfortunately, have not had the same success. Please note, not all oregano oils are created equal - this is one product you get what you pay for. Some are diluted with olive oil and are not as good quality. Anyways, hopefully you get the results, you need with the banana peel treatment. If not, perhaps you might consider this alternative"
02/24/2010: Carol from Sea Cliff, New York replies: "I have been fighting nail fungus for about 25 years. I have tried all of the prescription meds. Penlac, which is very expensive, is the only one that sometimes works. The others did not work at all and can cause problems with the liver. I cannot wait to try the ACV treatment.Regarding warts. My daughter had a couple when she was very young. We went to a couple of dermatologists who used the usual treatments that hurt her and did not work. I looked for a natural remedy on-line. I found an onion remedy that works everytime.
Take a small bit of onion (about the size of the wart)
crush it and place it on the wart
use tape or a bandaid to keep it on for about 24 hrs.
when you take it off, you will see that the onion actually eats through the wart and burns it off.NOTE: only put enough onion on to cover wart or your healthy skin can get hurt.
Good luck to all
You will get a scab and when it heals the wart should be gone."
EC: Thanks Carol! We are cross-posting your feedback to the wart and onion pages!
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[YEA] 08/09/2008: Walt from Buena Park, CA writes: "Nail Fungus: At the Veterans Hospital they told me to use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, mixed with one part water. Not beliving it I tried it anyway and wala it worked. However I mixed it to one part each with Hydrogen Peroxide. The pills my private doctor gave me did'nt work."
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