Cure Nail Fungus Questions
QUESTION ABOUT APPLICATION OF NAIL FUNGUS REMEDIES
08/01/2008: Laura writes: "Hi, I've got brown spots under my toenails. I'm starting with the vinegar and clorox 50/50 solution twice a day. Is it more effective to soak my toes in it rather than just applying it? Do you suggest to combine it with another remedy? I just want to get rid of fungus as soon as possible, I'll do whatever necessary. Thank you for this great website!"
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VINEGAR, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND BLEACH QUESTIONS
06/01/2008: Peila writes: "For Ted and others...
Hi, a question for Ted or anyone who can help. I have toenail fungus for 8 years. It got a little complicated because my big toenail was split due to dancing.I started using the above remedy 3 weeks ago, then after couple of days I stopped using the bleach part because I noticed my good toes are roughing up on the surface and becoming yellow and chalky. So I just use the white vinegar and H2O2 to soak my feet 30 minutes per day. About 1 week after a big chunck of my bad big toenail lifted off which I trimmed off. There is a very thin new nail underneath. After 2 weeks, I stopped the whole process because I was very busy, and the last 3 days I just used the bleach solution (1:4 bleach:water) for 30 seconds, 3 or 4 times per day. I did that because I think that might helped my fungus go away faster, but the yellow and chalky things becoming more serious, and my toes are looking worse. I really want to be able to wear sandles this summer but I don't see if that's realistic. Now should I just use the H202 vinegar mix and/or with the bleach? Thanks."
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SKIN FUNGUS THAT COVERS BACK, NECK, SHOULDERS
05/19/2008: Adrian writes: "My girlfriend has a skin fungus that covers her entire back, neck, and shoulder area. The skin fungus can be removed temporarily with a rubbing alcohol application, but after several hours pass the fungus comes back. Also, the fungus flakes off in large amounts when she uses a soap/rubbling alcohol mixture. What kind of fungus does she have and can this be treated?"
05/26/2008: AC from West Midlands, England replies: "This is in response to the post: SKIN FUNGUS THAT COVERS BACK, NECK, SHOULDERS on 05/19/2008 by Adrian
To Adrian,
I am unsure what kind of fungus your girlfriend has, however, I have been suffering with fungus internally and externally for a long time. Here are some of the things I recommend:
1. Coconut oil or Caprylic Acid taken internally. Caprylic acid comes from coconuts and is useful to get rid of internal fungus. It might be easier to take than the coconut oil. I went by the dosage on the bottle, but I'm sure more can be taken! Please note that I had light stomach problems with this and other posters on earth clinic have had too when taking coconut oil. They went away after a week with me.
2. Boric Acid / Borax. There's a page on earth clinic that talks about it, but I think some borax in a gallon of water done externally over your girlfriend's problem areas would help after a bath! Check the page to see if it's safe to bathe in it as well, that could help. It could also be put in a spray (check the borax page for dosage) and mixed with water and sprayed on.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide.
After I took caprylic acid, I gave off a "yeasty smell" which was probably the yeast dying off in my body. This smell sometimes transferred onto my clothes. When I bathed with hydrogen peroxide, it stopped.
5. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and other anti-fungal essential oils. I'd recommend bathing with one of these. (Such as 5-6 drops of tea tree oil in a bath.) I don't recommend putting them all together unless you've seen it recommended in a good book or on EC, because some essential oils don't work well together and can be harmful.
6. To keep her skin moisturized, add coconut oil externally.
7. Have her take probiotics. Tell her please do not take them with a hot drink such as tea or coffee!
8. Garlic. If she cannot take it internally then have her tape some on the bottom of her feet. The garlic moves through the system that way and like other EC readers say, sometimes you can lightly taste the garlic even though you haven't taken it internally. Garlic has very strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
9. Have her take a test for diabetes to make sure she doesn't have that too.
10. If possible, have her choose white underclothes, white socks and white towels that can be washed in bleach so that the fungus dies and does not come back. Wash other clothes with borax.
Best of luck to you and your girlfriend!! Let me know how it goes!"
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WHITE VINEGAR QUESTION
04/20/2008: Eva writes: "Hi everyone, I need some advice from those who have battled and won the nail fungus war. I've had nail fungus on my left big toe for a couple of years now. It's not the whole toe fortunately just the right side about 1/4 of the toe nail and I read on Earth Clinic s while ago that white vinegar twice a day would kill the fungus. Well I've been using it since January religiously twice a day (morning and night) and was amazed that it was working so well. I actually saw half of my nail new and fungus free growing out. But now I've noticed that the fungus has crept down the nail again the last couple of weeks.....it has not reached the base of the nail but I'm afraid it is spreading back down again in the same area. I'm still using the vinegar and don't know what else to do. I just want to get rid of this fungus once and for all and refuse to take those prescribed liver infecting medications. Any advice from anyone out there? Should I continue the Vinegar ? It's spring time so no more socks.....I'm hoping that this will help also. Any advise from anyone out there who won the nail fungus battle would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Eva"
04/25/2008: Edith from West Palm Bch, FL replies: "Hi Eva Just keep doing the white vinegar (5%) treatment! I had nail fungus for 8 years I hate to admit that. I couldn't get ride of it. I tried the liver killer oral medication that was not only very very costly, but the result was so-so. 2/3 part of my nail was infected. First I cut out the infected nail and started spraying 3% hydrogen peroxide on it 3-4 times a day and wearing only open toe shoe only. It seemed helpful. That was before I have found this site. Since I have read about the nail fungus treatment on this site I am using the white vinegar drops 2 times a day and HP ones a day. Sometimes I replace the HP and dripping Clorox on it instead. It seems to me it's growing down the healthy white/pink nail almost reached the normal length. I started the treatment in October 2007. I don't wear nail polish I sun tan my feet couple of times a week and I sanitize the pedicure set with Clorox or borax after every pedicure. Before my pedicure I soak my feet in warm water and add borax. Borax has very good anti-fungal propertis. The result is slow but effective. Just don't live alone that fungus! Best Wishes, Edith"
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H2O2 AND VASELINE CLARIFICATION
12/24/2007: T writes: "Hi Ted, I have used your remedy for scalp fungus and it works. I'm the person who left a review/testimony for children, especially for black/African American children. Now, I'm ready to use the toenail fungus for myself. I was a little confused about this part of your remedy: "Put in on the fingernail and put on Band-Aid 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." Do you mean to reapply the vinegar and H202 and Vaseline mixture at night also? Or, do you mean to just repeat the vinegar and H202 with Vaseline mixture the next morning? Thanks so much."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Thanks for your feedback, the remedy I tested successfully at the time for the scalp was actually done on a Black/African American, so you were right on. White American were a bit different requiring alkalizing and zinc supplements as they have a more sensitive skin.
As to the toenail fungus it is to be reapplied twice a day, not the next day, not the next day.
A much more effective remedy against the toenail fungus is clorox mixed with vinegar solution, the solution becomes 80-200 times more powerful. So in case the original remedy didn't work out, this might be one that is potentially more powerful. Apparently the solution forms a trace chlorine dioxide gas which kills off the fungus that is located behind the toenail."
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HOW MUCH CITRIC ACID DO I ADD
07/06/2007: D writes: "I bought citric acid. My question is if I mix two ounces EACH of white vinegar and peroxide - 4 oz. total of liquid, how much citric acid do I add ? Thank you for your help. Also, how long do you think it will take to get rid of the problem"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Debra: In a 4 oz. solution a 5% citric acid should be about 0.2 ounces or 5 grams, which is roughly 2 teaspoons. It will take about a month to notice a fair improvement. If no improvement is seen then see below for a newer remedy that I am looking into.
There are other formulas that might be more effective in killing of fungus, such as an alkaline method. The solution is magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) 2 tablespoon, 4 tablespoon of ammonium bicarbonate, and one 1/2 tablespoon of borax to one cup of water. Ammonium bicarbonate was once popular in baking before baking soda took over. However this requires soaking them for about an hour. The problem about this strange remedy is finding the said chemicals!"
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TOPICAL APPLICATION
06/29/2007: D writes: "Dear Ted: I need your help and expertise. I wrote to earth clinic back in November, 2006 I used your ACV and peroxide remedy since July, 2006 and when I wrote in November, it really seemed my toe was in good shape. Well, I cut down on using the acv remedy and overnight this past May, 2007, almost my entire toenail was covered with the funky color that means "fungus". I actually thought I bruised the toenail at first because it appeared so suddenly. But when I felt a small pain in the toenail I knew it was the fungus for sure. I've went back to doing Clorox a couple times and have been using the ACV & peroxide religiously; some of the bad color is gone and i have trimmed some of the nail off, but the toenail looks so much worse then it did the first time around. You can see right away that the toenail has fungus. Last summer, when I started this treatment, even though I had fungus, the nail wasn't thickened and totally discolored (that weird, greenish, yellow color) . The toenail is also slightly lifted on one side and I have even been using a toothbrush dipped in the solution and getting under the toenail to try and get rid of this."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Debra: The ACV and peroxide remedy is not effective if used as a topical application to get rid of the fungus. Please try the White Distilled vinegar plus the peroxide remedy instead.
The reason is that the organic components of the acv basically neutralizes whatever peroxide is there. Whenever a WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR (supermarket vinegar) is mixed with a 1% hydrogen peroxide, it becomes a very powerful peracetic acid which can get rid of the fungus easier. It appears you are need of a stronger formula, so it is quite possible to add a a 5% citric acid to the solution to increase in potency also."
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Re: VICKS VAPOR RUB TREATMENT
12/20/2006: June writes: "Question for Ted.' I have read a lot about Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus. Have you any comments on its effectiveness?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The active ingredients that kills the fungus in the Vicks Vapo rub is the eucalyptus oil. The eucalyptus oil will degrade to a very weak form of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore using hydrogen peroxide 3% with vinegar would be a far more faster way to deal with it. Just today I suspect my foot was getting a fungus.
If I were to use this with vicks it would take me one week instead of 5 minutes. Under this fungus thing, the foot will have some irritation or skin problem or itchiness BEFORE a toe nail fungus starts. So what I did was wash my foot with 3% hydrogen peroxide and the fungus came off like mud! It won't do that if you just wash your feet with soap and water! A hydrogen peroxide and borax solution works too, and a hydrogen peroxide and vinegar works also. Both works differently. Borax works by alkalization, vinegar by acid. Most fungus are acid resistant, but often not in presence of borax. It should take no longer than 3 months maximum, instead of a year. My own experience has been less than a month. The source of the problem I found is that the shoes harbor an awful lot of fungus if the lining of the shoes are felt, clothed, instead of straight leather. It is best to avoid those shoe with felt or cloth otherwise I will end up peroxide treatment on the shoes endlessly. Of course doing the vicks vaporub will work but it takes more than a year from my own results (closer to three years) for it to bring results.
The Vick's vaporub is rather a mild therapy. A stronger one is to add 50% tea tree oil+lavender oil to the vaseline. This means 50% (tea tree oil and lavender oil) plus the 50% vaseline. This will be a more powerful mixture and should take it half as long. Still hydrogen peroxide protocol along with clorox and tea tree will often take a lot faster as per previous posting."
08/02/2008: Ileana from Columbia, MD replies: "Quote: "Borax works by alkalization, vinegar by acid. Most fungus are acid resistant, but often not in presence of borax." What about alka seltzer? Isn't it basically a alkalizer (making alkaline)? And what about Baking Soda? Has anyone tried either of these?"
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WHAT WILL STOP THE FUNGUS
12/08/2006: J writes: "Where do I start. My father has been battling 2 cancers Lymphoma & Leukemia. Two totally separate cancers. He put the Lymphoma into remission! The Leukemia he was in the hospital for five weeks receiving Chemo consolidation treatments. During this time that his body was the weakest, a fungal infection developed that invaded his body. They put him on a very strong anti-fungi medicine-V fin. But this has not stop the fungus. It has now spread into his aorta. They are now giving him months maybe days to live because of the aorta has doubled in size due the the fungi. Is there anything else he can do? It is so sad that he has battled these horrible cancers and it is a fungus that is now killing him. He has gone home not knowing what to do. The docters have no information to offer here except surgery. But that will not stop the fungus. Thank you for your time"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear J: A chemotherapy will often lower the immune system and quite often the fungus is not identified, but you can tell by the condition.
A quick way to rid of fungus in emergencies is a pinch of borax and a drop of clove oil well stirred in a full glass of water. I start gentle first then if conditions improve, then on every meal of the food, adding generous amount of spices made of cloves, thyme and oregano will really help. All these spices have anti-fungal properties. You can get these spices from a local supermarket.
If you can find a tea tree oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus, it would really help at least lighten the condtion. A 1:1:1 eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and tea tree is mixed equally and apply only to the arms and legs every 15 minutes until the condition is noticeably improved, usually you will need to do for about an hour or two to know. All of these have antifungal properties, where eucalyptus is a good penetrant, lavender oil is a good anti inflammatory, and tea tree oil has good anti-fungal properties.
The above are used for emergencies but longer term, a baking soda + potassium citrate at 1/4 teaspoon each is added at 50:50 ratio with 1/2 glass of water taken about 3 times a day on an empty stomach should restore the body's unstable pH and should further reduce newer fungus in the long run.
And if the condition should further improve in from alkalizing, some zinc supplements, such as zinc acetate or zinc citrate or zinc gluconate usually 25 mg/day for only 5 days out of a week should help raise the body's immune system. Chromium supplements often have anti-fungal properties too. Of course you don't want to use zinc that would be fine too, instead giving some pumpkin seeds one or two handfuls a day. Pumpkin seeds, preferably unsalted is high in zinc, but best of all it is alkaline forming food.
It is necessary to avoid all fruit juices, milk, cheese, all bread, biscuits, sweets of all kinds and fried foods as they will conflict with natural treatment whenever fungus is at issue.
And if you want to further alkalize, make sure the drinking water you add a good quality sea salt at 1/2 teaspoon per liter of water. If the taste is too salty just reduce to 1/4 teaspoon. Ordinary sea salt have an alkalizing effect to the body and they do in fact have anti-fungal properties at high concentration. Me being conservative will just give use the bare amount just to prevent fungus from further expansion.
There are more details for further treatment, but I am just dealing with getting some improvements would be a major goal at the moment."
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PROBLEM WITH TOENAIL GROWING
11/29/2006: Gerry writes: "I have a problem with toenail growing nicely but not attaching to skin underneath (looks like little pocket of air). I would like to know if anyone has had this problem and what they did to combat it."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Gerry: The skin may not be thick enough or that the skin has not properly healed. So apply some aloe vera oil with lavender oil should help the healing. A simple way to allow skin to recover is to apply some apple cidder vinegar, daily might help. Taking some zinc and sodium ascorbate vitamin C supplements should help the skin condition also."
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DOES TAKING OF ANTIBIOTICS SPREAD FUNGUS
11/07/2006: Anita writes: "This is a question, rather than feedback. I did not know how to participate in the Q&A of your forum. My problem is a long standing toe nail fungus on one foot that has spread to all toe nails on the other foot due to taking recent antibiotics. Needless to say, I also have a Candida infection, but it is the toe nails and the bottom of my fee that bother me most. I am very chemically sensitive, so there are some remedies mentioned in your forum that I cannot take....i.e. Clorox, Tea Tree Oil. I am most insterested in the ACV and Hydrogen Peroxide treatment and do not completetly understand in what measurements to use this. Could you please share how much of these products I would use if I do a whole foot soak. I understand that the mixture is 50/50, but how much of each product....1 cup, 1 liter, etc, and do I also mix in water? The ACV smells very strong, so if I am not able to tolerate it in such a large mixture, would it be effective using it in combination with the Hydrogen Peroxide by just dropping it on the toe nails? Lastly, I would like to know if the coconut oil would be effective and if it is safe to use if I rub it all over my feet and toe nails. Someone mentioned side effects of using this oil but I did'nt read what they were. Wondered if I would have any side effects by using it externally in large amounts in this way? Thank you so much for your help :) This is a wonderful forum and I am hoping I can find a natural remedy that will work for me."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Anita:
Could you please share how much of these products I would use if I do a whole foot soak. I understand that the mixture is 50/50, but how much of each product 1 cup, 1 liter, etc, and do I also mix in water?
So try 1 liter first. That means 0.5 liter will be ACV and 0.5 liter will be a 3% H2O2. This is the simplest formula I can come up with. I really don't like to use ACV personally since, they are rather expensive from where I live. I would rather use white vinegar or distilled vinegar 0.5 liter plus 0.5 liter of 3% H2O2.
The ACV smells very strong, so if I am not able to tolerate it in such a large mixture, would it be effective using it in combination with the Hydrogen Peroxide by just dropping it on the toe nails?
Use white vinegar or distilled vinegar. The smell is less strong. This is what I would do.
Lastly, I would like to know if the coconut oil would be effective and if it is safe to use if I rub it all over my feet and toe nails.
Coconut oil has some antifungal properties. However I would prefer to use Vicks Vaporub since it has Eucalyptus oils and they tend to decompose into trace hydrogen peroxide, thus further killing the fungus.
Someone mentioned side effects of using this oil but I didn't read what they were.
Too much oil in the skin could cause clogging of the skin therefore, you cannot use continuously.
Wondered if I would have any side effects by using it externally in large amounts in this way?
If you leave your foot too long, a stinging sensation will be felt and therefore do not leave it too long. I think 5 minutes is more than enough. At least this is my opinion."
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FUNGUS DUE TO LYME DISEASE
09/24/2006: Anonymous writes: "My 10 year old son has Lyme disease and was on Doxycycline. His fingernails appear to have a fungus but the pediatrician just says it is a reaction from the dye from the medicine. Should I try this vinegar remedy?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Why take chances? Do the vinegar anyway, since vinegar is non-toxic."
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NAIL BED PERMANENTLY DAMAGED?
09/23/2006: Steven writes: "This is a question for Ted (and any others). Hello --- I have asked a few questions here before and have received very informative answers --- thanks. I have one lasting problem that I would appreciate some guidance on please. Before asking the question, let me explain that due to the unsightliness of fingernail fungus (dealing with people everyday and difficult to hide --- unlike toenails), I usually cut back the SEPERATED part of my nail, which is basically about two thirds of the entire nail, as it looks a lot better than a crumbling and sometimes discoloured nail. I used the ACV and Peroxide treatment for a few months recently with all sorts of results that I could describe for ages here, but my main concern is that from the beginning of the treatment I let the nail grow out (for the first time in about 5 years) and lo and behold it seperated at the same approximate area as it always used to seperate. I realise that you have to be patient with these treatments, but I would have thought that I would have seen the nail re-attaching at least ever so slightly in the area that it has always been detached. What eventually happened was that when the nailplate eventually grew right out to the front edge (seperated from the nailbed in the usual places), I actually noticed that the area of the nail where the seperation begins, actually began slowly detaching some of the ATTACHED areas nearer the cuticle and up the sides. I have now trimmed the nail back again and am completely confused as to the facts. Is there a single probable cause of a fingernail ALWAYS seperating at a certain place and is there anyway to treat this? Whilst on this point, could it also please be clarified how the nail, plate, bed and cuticle grow. Does the nailbed AND the plate grow from the root behind the cuticle, or does the nail plate grow from the back whilst the bed grows from underneath a such ---- meaning that my nailbed is possibly permanently damaged?? Please help if you can. Thanks "
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Steven:
Is there a single probable cause of a fingernail ALWAYS seperating at a certain place and is there anyway to treat this?
Once the Nail bed is separated , it will stay that way always. It won't come together again.
Whilst on this point, could it also please be clarified how the nail, plate, bed and cuticle grow. The foundation of the nail bed if destroyed pretty much grows like a tree. If its foundation is separated coming together is not possible if left alone. Does the nailbed AND the plate grow from the root behind the cuticle?
Yes.
---- meaning that my nailbed is possibly permanently damaged??
Yes. Only means to get them restored is to pushed the nailbed physically come together without separation. Then afte several weeks the nailbed should heal. The questions seems to be you either do surgery or get some cloth to tie around the thumb to cause the nail bed to come together so you can reverse the damage."
09/26/2006: Ellen replies: "Note to Steven: I had severe nail separation in one toenail. Nearly 65% of my nail was separated and was at an angle. I've done multiple therapies for about 10 months. But for the last 3 months, every 12 hours, I've faithfully been doing the 2 drops of cheap white distilled vinegar at the base of the toenails. And the ozonated olive oil every 12 hours, covered with a bandaid to keep in place. My nails are growing in flat! They are attaching as the new nails are growing out. It takes months to see progress as the regimen affects the nail that is not even visible. Good luck!"
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WHERE TO GET COPPER CHLORIDE
09/15/2006: Don writes: "In regards to toe nail fungas can you e-mail me with information where to get copper chloride. and is copper chloride1 or 2. Thanks"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Don: My achilles heel is where to buy things. This is obvious since I live in Bangkok Thailand. I would much prefer you to buy them close to where you live or buy it in your own home country to save costs. Contact a chemical supplier in Houston would be ideal for you. Since I don't live in Houston, I cannot recommend where to buy. However, copper chloride, industrial grade are more ideally suited for external use."
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WILL CLEAR POLISH RECUCE THE NAIL FUNGUS
08/20/2006: J writes: "I have been using, Hyd Peroxide and lamisil cream and my toes are clearning up. However, when I stop the treatments it begins to come back. I am looking for a permanent cure. I cannot do the internal medicine approach nor do I want to, as I am more naturepathic in my approach to health. I use lamisil each moring after bathing and at night I was my feet, use a cue-tip to put hyd peroxide all around the toe nail and under the toe nail. When it drys I then add lamisil again. I learned many other possible remidies on this site today. Also, I did not know that nail polish increases the risks of infections. I use a medium coral red color on the nails, so if I switch to clear polish will that help in recucing the nail fungus problem?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear J: Nails get infected easily because the nails are soft and chalk-like. Proper supplements of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, magnesium, and silicon supplements (oatmeal), will help nail become so hard that the fungus can no longer infect further. This is the permanent cure, after you have managed to destroy the fungus and want to be sure it doesn't come back. Most people with nail fungus used nail polish and the moisture is kept in side the nails. The only way to use a nail polish is to use the anti fungus nail polish such as: http://www.medicalwellnesscenter.com/penlacantifungalnailprescription.html or http://www.supplefeet.com/pages/items.asp?catid=3
Of course, if you don't want to buy them, then you need to apply the iodine tincture to the entire nail until they look deep purple. Then you apply the nail polish. I haven't gotten around to that stage since, my nails is as hard as a rock from taking the supplements I have mentioned previously."
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CAN SOLUTION OF VINEGAR AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE RE-USE
08/11/2006: Kay writes: "Question: I have 3 toes infected with fungus for years that I am trying to get of. I have couple questions. 1st: I have a container that I use to mix the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to soak my feet. Do I have to throw away the solution each time I am done with it? or can I put a top on and use it over again? I usually make enough to soak my entire foot so throwing away after each use seems like a waste... Can I re-use the solution or would this be ineffective? If I can re-use, for how long should I re-use it to soak my feet? 2nd: do I have to soak my feet in chlorox + water solution as well? I am just afraid it might not agree with my skin... Can I just do vinegar + hydrogen perioxide and do vick's vapor rub? 3rd: I usually cut my toe nails really short but from what I am reading, this is not good? I grew my toe nails this summer but now one of my toe has so much pain (I think it was due to the yellow stuff growing into my skin) that I had to cut them all off. Now, it almost seems like I have no toe nails. So, should I grow them and then begin my treatment? Thank you so much for helping me with these questions"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Kay: Most people who visit Earth Clinic that have questions seem to have serious toe nail fungus. One of the things that keep fungus spreading is that the nail quality are poor and sometimes chalky. This also points to nutrition to get the nails strong enough to be resistant against toenail fungus, instead of just cutting the nails until you no longer have it. Also, once infected, most chemicals simply won't penetrate through the nails.
I therefore recommend you take some food that are high in silicon, such as oatmeal, horsetail, etc. Also important to make nails strong or resilient is to take mangesium gluconate, magnesium citrate, or magnesium chloride. Manganese for some reason or another seems to accelerate the process provided it is taken separately on an empty stomach, dose for this is fairly low.
Do I have to throw away the solution each time I am done with it?
If you use it to soak just the toe only and not the feet, it can't be reused. The solution must be fairly strong. If you use it to soak your feet, that might be another matter and you might use it for 2-3 times. However, for toe problems we keep it separate from the foot.
My impression is that your fungus is peculiarly agressive and you may have to resort to painting your toes with a fairly concentrate solution of copper chloride for a couple of minutes until it becomes really blue green, after which you rinse, and your toes will be nice blue green. In this case I would make a 20% solution of copper chloride and paint carefully in toe area and leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing out with plain water. Copper is the strongest chemical I can find currently that can kill the fungus. Avoid copper chloride from skin contact as it attacks your skin if it is concentrate. Last time I got a stinging copper chloride with a fairly high concentration of it, as a result of an accident. However, the stinging goes away quite quickly when you wash it out with water. The other issue I have found is that people who have nail fungus problem may have nutrition deficiencies. The most common nutritional deficiencies is magnesium, silicon, and zinc. Zinc should be in form of zinc acetate or zinc glucontate taken at 25 mg/day for about a month. Taking some vitamin B complex I have found to be quite helpful, but it must be taken long enough to notice the effect, such as for at least a month.
2nd: do I have to soak my feet in chlorox + water solution as well? I am just afraid it might not agree with my skin... Can I just do vinegar + hydrogen perioxide and do vick's vapor rub?
Not necessarily it just prevents the spread to the nail. It is more important to apply the chlorox to the nails not the feet. Just avoid the skin for foot area. Apply only on the nail area only if you can. Yes you can do just the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide with vick's vapor rub. People thousands of years ago used only vinegar for treating nail fungus but as you know it just takes longer for treatment. Consider taking supplements and the possible use of copper chloride to kill the fungus as this seemed to me a more effective course. I don't know about Iodine as I seem to have problems with the staining issue, but they do seem to work too."
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STILL A FUNGUS?
07/27/2006: Jacquie writes: "I have previously had a fingernail and toe nail fungus for years. I am still using an over the counter cream 2-3 times per day. Recently, the nail stopped spreading where the nail is getting whiter going towards the base of the nail. My fingernails are each about 3/4 red and a couple of nails are painful. Is this still a fungus? If so, what can I use to treat. My toenails have not changed very much. They are doing pretty good. I have used a generic type vaginal cream on them for a couple of years. As long as I use at least every other day, they do fine. Thank you for your help."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Jacquie: Most treatments for nail fungus will also kill the bacteria and other infections, if you think this is a possibility. However, it is necessary to apply them until it gets better. It is important to try other applications to the nail so that either the fungus or the bacteria have little chance for resistance. Therefore it is unnecessary to know what it is unless the condition is serious enough that you need see the doctor to do further analysis of the condition if the conditions remain persistent."
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TOE NAIL FUNGUS, UPPER RIGHT QUARDRANT
07/21/2006: Treva writes: "I have been treating a toe nail fungus that is limited to the upper right quardrant of my great toe only. I am using the popular method I found on your site:soaking 30 minutes twice a day in a 50-50 solution of apple cider vinegar and 3% peroxide twice, followed by a 30 second bath in a 1 to 4 bleach to water solution that I apply with an eye dropper, rinse and dry then followed by teatree oil in petroleum dabbed on and kept in place with gauze wrapped with paper tape. I found that bandades were taking the skin off the bottom of my toe so had to abandom that method. On July 12th the flesh around the fungs side of the toe became bright red and puffy. It looked infected, but was not painful at all. I stopped all treatment. The skin was quite leathery, due I would imagine to it's constant pickling in brine. I applied some cortisone creme with trepidation, fearing it might excite the nail fungus. In a few days it all peeled and looks fine again. Now, should I start my treatments again? Do you think the teatree oil might have been too intense? Should I just give it one dose a day rather than two. The toe was always wrapped in teatree oil in accordance with directions. Thanks for your help. I don't want this fungus to win!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Treva: Your toes appears to be "pickled". So I guess the vinegar is too strong, but yet you want to win the fungus war. Therefore, add plenty of borax and reduce the vinegar and keep the hydrogen peroxide at the same concentration. Borax has good antifungal properties. If you want a stronger solution then just try a 20% copper chloride solution only without mixing the other ones. Just soak for about 2 minutes then rinse. It is quite strong. Too long can cause some harmless stinging. Copper is extremely toxic to fungus. Painting iodine on the area is always a good standby antifungals, without the need for getting your toes pickled. However, iodine major problem is the staining and discoloration issue."
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CURE FOR THICKENING TOENAILS
07/15/2006: Leslie writes: "Hi Ted, I've only been using ACV and Peroxide for a few weeks now. It took me awhile to figure out that I had a toenail fungus because the only symptoms I had were thickening toenails. Since realizing that I have a toenail fungus I have been scouring the internet for information and remedies. Much of what I have read about this fungus has been pretty depressing. The information I have found on this website has given me some hope that I will be able to rid myself of the fungus. I have continued to wear sandals knowing that this is one of the best ways of fighting this fungus. But when winter arrives and it's time to put away the sandals and pull out my leather shoes I know I risk re-infecting my toenails because of the fungus that is probably in all of my shoes. I was wondering if you think spraying the insides of the shoes with some kind of fungicide or wiping them down with some kind of bleach solution would be effectivie in ridding the shoes of any fungus?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Leslie The best way at least for me is to try to make a 20-30% solution of copper chloride and put it in a small sprayer or with gloves, use cotton balls soaked in them and paint the entire inner surface of your shoes with this solution. Once you apply it throughout, then you can use a hair dryer to dry out the solution. Then always with a new socks replaced everyday should your shoes be free of the fungus. The copper solution last long and I think about a monthly application should do. If you think this is too long then two week application. But for me, monthly application is more than sufficient to prevent the reinfection of fungus that keeps coming back.
The main carrier (the pulprit)of fungus is usually your shoes. Initially, I want you to make 3 applications after each drying so that the copper chloride gets fixed to the shoe. Wipe dry excess copper chloride using dry rags. On the last application, you can rinse using water so any excess copper chloride will not be there to irritate your skin. However unlikely, it is best to use it as a precautionary measures. Before you wear your shoes, it is best to remember to soak your entire feet for a 30 seconds a much weaker 10% copper chloride solution, then rinse away with the water and wipe dry. This way both the feet and the shoes have no fungus, while the socks are changed daily and laundered in bleach or borax.
Amongs the many shoes, the worse violator of fungus carrier of shoes are those with felt cloth or cloth underneath that seems to carry the fungus.
As an extra tip, since most of the fungus will be on the tip of the shoe, a more radical method is to tip the shoe vertically and pour maybe a 1/2-1 cup solution of copper chloride and leave their for only about 30 seconds before rinsing them (the outer exterior) to prevent blue color discoloration of your shoe."
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3 YEARS OLD TOENAIL FUNGUS
07/14/2006: Pat writes: "I have a question for Ted from Bangkok. I have had toenail fungus for about 3 years. My large toes are yellow with yellow material underneath. One of them has disintegrated about halfway down. I have tried the vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, bleach and tea tree oil cure for about a week. Have not observed a change yet. How long do you think I would need to follow this regime, and what results should I be looking out for? The bottom of my nails look clear, but this has always been the case. Thanks very much. I only have one kidney and am very afraid to try the prescription meds."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The bottom of my nails look clear, but this has always been the case.
This is good, since it appears the condition is treatable provided the antifungal material is penetrating.
My large toes are yellow with yellow material underneath.
You need to get some small hard thin metal and ply very slightly and get the hydrogen peroxide+ vinegar/ bleach underneath where the fungus colonies exist. It appears that the the treatment does not get deep enough.
If it appears that the original formula is not working for you, there are two other treatment, which are fairly strong and may cause skin irritation that you can try. While they are more stronger, they need to be done carefully.
The suggestion is to use strong copper chloride solution for a couple of minutes in the general area of the toe nail and try painting. Just be careful. A fairly concentrated copper chloride solution can cause skin irritation, however, it seems to have a long lasting effect in killing them. A fairly strong solution that you can try is a 30% or perhaps stronger than that but I wouldn't want to go all the way to 50% (may cause burning of the skin) and just paint in the area of infection or hidden areas where there are fungus. Apply long enough say about a minute or two. The blue color should offset the yellow color of the fungus, but you have to wait for about a week to see if it is working or not.
Iodine is much more available and easily found. DMSO is s solvent which will help it go through the cuticle easier. So just try a 20% DMSO and Iodine together and paint in area where there is fungus. The problem about iodine is the color, but might help also.
The key seems to be applying the fungus in the area where it is hiding behind the nails. So just use a small paper clip or something where the chemicals can reach in area that the fungus is hiding the nail seems to be one thing that is preventing the improvements.
Most over the counter medicines for nail fungus don't work well, generally besides causing side effects, internally, which is quite serious for you. In my opinion, I think fulvic acid has antifungal properties and can be taken internally without any side effects, of course, I think the fungus conditions is an external one here and may not have necessarily to do with the blood.
Perhaps one day the use UV treatment of the toenail might work. But how many around here have any UV bulbs sitting around the house? But this seems to be the only way it can reach places where most liquids cannot due to the hard cuticle materials that is protecting the fungus. Regular application doing this method might be the most feasible way, about 10-20 minutes per day should be enough to burn those toe nail fungus in hard to reach areas.
Coal tar is another where the vapors smells so bad it gets everywhere could reach the hard to reach fungus area. THe problem about the use of coal tar is you cannot use it over a long period of time. However, it might be useful for really tough fungus toenail cases like yours. Of course, I have never personally had to resort to coal tar yet, since maybe I managed to stop them from happening early on.
Tannic acid solution of say 50% does kill fungus in hard to reach area in fungus provided that the solution can reach even just a small amount behind the nails. The problem about tannic acid, by me is that I never had to resort to that method either. What tannic acid does is that it instantly denature (kill) the fungus on contact and maybe more effective that way too.
I am just listing of the yet untried remedies here in case the original remedy don't seem to work for you. It must be noted that there are many remedies out there just that most people haven't tried it or if they tried, they haven't given me any feedback."
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50 YEARS OLD TOENAIL FUNGUS
07/11/2006: Eddie writes: "I have a case of toe nail fungus only. I got it in my school gym 50 years ago. I have gone to different podiatrists & dermatologists in NY & FL. My podiatrist said there is a cure for it, but my dermatologist said there isn't. The dermatologist stated that it reappears & can't be cured. I have tried over the counter creams also. Is there a cure for it forever without re-occurence?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "If you have a long term 50 year toenail fungus, I suggest you start using sandals, where the ends of the sandals opens up for toenail to show. I once heard of a case of someone with a recurring toenail fungus that keeps coming back. Upon investigation, I noticed that his shoes and socks were the constant source of the reappearance due to fungus buildup in the shoe itself. Upon soaking the entire shoe and socks with 3% H2O2, the condition disappeared. So apparently, the shoe is something we don't laundry and socks can only be worn once a day. Therefore regular treatment plus, fungus free shoe, or the use of open sandals should stop recurring toenail fungus."
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DUE TO FUNGUS TREATMENT GOT LARGE WHITE STUFF UNDER TOENAIL
07/02/2006: Ellen writes: "When I use multiple treatments aggressively, I get large white stuff under my separated toenail. It bleeds if messed with. But after about a week, they're dried and separated from the skin and I can remove them with tweezers. What is this? And is it possible to prevent nail separation? I have a toenail that is somewhat separated and I would like to not have it be like my other large toenail that is very separated. Thanks, Ted!"
07/17/2006: Andrew from Long Beach, CA replies: "To Ellen: If you make your nail beds bleed, you are pushing your cure time backwards. If you puncture the nail bed and make it bleed, there is a good chance you will have to start all over. Once the nail bed heals, you can resume. Keep in mind the first goal is to kill the fungus that has attacked the nail and the nail bed. As the dead skin sheds, you will eventually have good skin take over and fill the spot. By the time your nail fully grows out, you may need a few months afterwards to continue the treatment to wait until the skin grows back. It is nothing to panic about-a while back I made the same mistake. The bottom line is you will have to wait until your nails grow out. That means 6-8 months. Just relax and don't make the same mistake I made."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Ellen: The white stuff are some dead skins scales and dead fungus that gets oxidized by the hydrogen peroxide and they get removed. Separated toenails are due to excess dead skin that is pushing your toenails apart.
Keeping the skin dry and once the fungus is over, the skin should normalized its thickness and separation should reduce. You need to get something that will help skin to heal faster such as aloe vera oil, allantoin (elicina), vitamin C and eating some silica rich foods, MSM, will help normalize the skin much faster. It would seem that you are too agressive in removal of fungus.
Perhaps soaking your feet in a 10% copper chloride solution (which causes your foot to be green), will have a longer lasting effect in fungus prevention then the use of hydrogen peroxide and this does not encourage the formation of white stuff which leads to separation of skin. Using too high of copper chloride solution may cause stinging sensation and you may rinse it to remove some. The rest will get absorbed on the skin layers and will prevent any new fungus from forming."
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RE: FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
06/28/2006: Pat writes: "I have questions for Ted of Bankok re fungal nail infection - Does he know the equivalent of Clorox in UK, and is it OK to use 5% peroxide as that is all I can find."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Pat: The chemical name for Clorox is a simple sodium hypochlorite, about 5% solution. In Thailand, we don't have Clorox either, we use Haiter, which is also the same. Since I don't know what brands UK uses, it is a chlorinated bleaching agent. Peroxide 5% is o.k. and can be use to remove fungus also."
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EMBEDDED BLISTERS IN THE SKIN
06/22/2006: Anonymous writes: "Ted - I was following your treatment for toenail fungus that consisted of vinegar/H2o2, bleach/H2O, Vaseline/TTO. I was doing this regularly for about 4-5 weeks when I noticed that I had a burning sensation when applying the bleach and then the TTO. So, I discontinued the bleach & continued with just the vinegar and TTO. About two days later, the skin at the base of the nails being treated swelled up and started itching like crazy. It took about 4 days for the swelling to subside and then I noticed small embedded blisters in the skin around those nails (much like those you would see in a cold sore on your lip). The blisters slowly spread outward. Mind you, I discontinued the use of the treatment as soon as this happened. I'm not totally sure what it was, but started treating it like athlete's foot. It's still not totally better, but at least it doesn't itch like mad anymore. Any idea what this is and what could have caused it. And most importantly, how do I get rid of it because I'd love to go back to the toenail treatments...it was working like a charm! Thanks."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Your skin seems to have a real problem with the bleach. It is either too strong or you did not completely rinsed out all the bleached. It takes several minutes of rinsing out all the bleach, before starting the next step, otherwise it is going to cause blisters.
When this happens, you will really have a skin problem and it will take 4 days to recover. Since I don't know how well you removed the bleach, it is best to restart again, but this time without the bleach and dilute the H2o2/VINEGAR solution. It is my feeling that you have a sensitive skin.
The other issue is when you apply Tea tree oil, the moisture prevents the fungus from evaporating. So I assume this might also be a problem. Therefore try a completely opposite strategy. Apply tea tree oil only lightly this time assuming you have sensitive skin and don't use the Vicks.
If this doesn't work for you (tea tree that is), the just get a borax powder and talcum powder (50/50) and put it generously on the foot and get the socks to cover it. This will keep it dry and no more fungus."
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30 YEARS OLD TOENAIL FUNGUS
06/18/2006: Ellen writes: "i have had toenail fungus for over 30 years. i have been using vicks twice a day for the past several days. i am finding that during the day that there is a yellowish fluid that has congealed on the 3 sides of my nails and the skin around the big toe, itches like crazy. is this the fungus infection coming out? that's the only thing i can think of. when i come home from work i have to wash my feet with soap and water to calm them down."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Vicks prevents the your nails from drying so the moisture creates this oozing yellow fluids which is fungus related. What you should do is keep your nails dry as possible before applying Vicks. Vicks maybe too weak. Try drying the nails with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Then you can try to apply generous portions of iodine to the nail daily instead and don't use Vicks and see if this gets better. Apparently Vicks is keeping your nails from drying."
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IS DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR BETTER THAN ACV?
06/17/2006: Andrew writes: "Dear Ted, I have begun to use distilled white Vinegar or external use and found some sucess since trying it. This is after having something drop on my toe nail and having to start the treatment all over. I have checked the PH level of both the ACV and Distilled White and discovered they have the same PH levels, but Distilled White costs slightly less. Would you agree Distilled White Vinegar is better than ACV for external use and ACV is better for internal when it comes to fungus?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Distilled vinegar or ACV is at least equally good for external use. ACV has malic acid which distilled vinegar does not, but malic acid is also antifungal. Distilled vinegar also have some acetic acid, as same as ACV, but ACV has other antifungal components as well and might work better than distilled vinegar. However in practice, I don't make the distinction that much since, practically speaking work equally well. So I don't think this is a serious issue.
ACV is good for internal use because of the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. When it comes to fungus, ACV is potentially better than distilled vinegar but the distinction is very small, so in practice we used distilled vinegar due to the cost issue rather than nutritional issues."
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CHALKY APPEARANCE
06/04/2006: Steven writes: "Question for Ted please. My middle fingernail has been affected for about 5 years now. Plate seperated from nailbed from the front edge right back until a few millimeters from the cuticle. Cuticle was "tight" and couldn't really be pushed back at all. Seemed as if nail under cuticle was pushing up slightly (hence "tight" description). If I pressed on cuticle the nail was quite sensitive. When cutting away the nail, the nailbed underneath seemed to be chalky and very rough. I could use a penknife to scrape pieces off quite painlessly (resulted in a better looking finger in public to be honest as I could scrape the nailbed nice and flat!! --- this was painless as this nailbed was dry chalky texture).
Have tried your ACV/Peroxide solution about 2 months ago for the first time and the following happened. Splinter-like yellow area appeared to move diagonally from where nail seperation started (as in the area a few mm's from the cuticle) over the course of 2 to 3 days. This yellow area went into the back corner of the cuticle as such almost as if a little furrow of seperation was moving further back. Only did the saoking thing for a week and then TTO and Vicks for about 2 - 3 weeks, but ALWAYS used a bandaid to protect rubbing off on clothing whilst at work. Every time I took the bandaid off at night (to redo the process), things looked great in that majority whitish appearance and pretty pink just in front of cuticle, but was never sure if this wasn't just because of being moist?? I do remember the nail actually starting to look yellow when removing bandaid and I began to think I was starving the area of air or something, so stopped the treatment and tried TTO and Vicks with no bandaid for a few weeks. OK, to finish my story (sorry about lenght), for the past 3 weeks I have applied nothing at all as I was not sure if I was supposed to continue etc. Cuticle is no longer tight and red and I can easily push it back to see an entire white matrix region with a couple of mm's of good nail. But things still seem as they were from there onwards. The nail grows out down the one side of the bed (all the way to the front --- although there is a dented look to the nail here --- probably from 5 years of problems??). But the other two-thirds of the nail is still seperating and underneath still looks like dead chalky bed. I have read about psoriasis and so on. Any suggestions?? Thanks"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Steven: The chalky appearance is a sign of magnesium, vitamin C and silicon deficiency. Just take magnesium, and vitamin C supplements and take yourself to eating foods rich in silicon such as oatmeal or especially horsetail. Also, long term use of clorox can get the nails to be chalky too. So if you discontinue with the clorox bleach that chaulky problem should disappear.
The yellow colors of the nail is caused by dead or almost dead fungus. Sometimes, I am not sure soaking a weak solution of copper chloride might remove the yellow color. Perhaps soaking for one minute, for example in 5% copper chloride should eliminate the yellow color and yet kill the fungus also. However, if you make your solution too strong, your nails will come out blue. This is at best that I can make out from your email.
For the psioriasis, it can be a complicated issue of identifying the cause. However applying simple vinegar should eliminate some fungus on the skin, superficially of course. But then there is the issue of immune problems that might cause it too. So taking about a tablespoon or two of cod liver oil, the vitamin D component should raise your immune system from the vitamin D. Taking that plus plenty fish oil should be synergistic. You need to raise your antioxidant level too, so just take A, C, E and this the psioriasis problem should work. It must be remembered that some people is cured of psioriasis by taking hormone injections, this can be done naturally by just taking safer forms of supplements which mimicks this, such as licorice extracts as it imitates cortisone. For some reason, the licorice extract acts as an adaptogen. However, DHEA should be taken together as its level in should be higher than the cortisol level. So my guess is a 25 mg. of DHEA/ day should do it. There are many causes of psioriasis, one unusual case I found was a long term constipation and this issue can easily be resolve. The key in psioriasis is simple: detoxification."
EC replies: "High Doses of Vitamin C can cause Severe Magnesium Deficiency, according to one of our readers. Read his email."
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INFECTED NAILS
05/25/2006: Sel writes: "I have a question. I am about to try oregano oil, or possibly vicks vapour rub, having read the comments on this very helpful site. I am worried about the possibility of having fungi in the blood stream, as mentioned by one person. How can one be sure one doesn't have this and how can one find out if one does? How long do you have to have infected nails, to get an infected blood stream? Thanks, UK."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "About the fungi in the bloodstream, there are several ways you can deal with it through supplements. While people do have problems taking oregano oil internally as it is too strong, you can use oregano spices sold in supermarket added to your soups and food. Thyme spices works similarly. Those have an action for killing.
The other possibly that helps quite naturally is to take copper and zinc supplements. Copper has antifungal properties, but taken along with zinc supplement will help prevent problems with the zinc/copper imbalances. Preferred forms are gluconate, acetate, and chelated forms as they are more bioavailable and have no side effects. Generally do not use sulfate, people have problems using this form.
You can also take baths with 1%-2% copper chloride solution, that will generally help rid of fungus all over the body. Preferably is to mix about 1-2% boric acid or 5% borax with the solution. Both boric acid and copper chloride has antifungal properties. These formulations are quite safe since certain natural waters do have copper chloride and sodium borate in them anyway.
Unfortunately, we cannot always get the amount we want unless we fly to some distant foreign countries! Don't do it often though, as long term use such as over one month can cause the body to have copper zinc ratio imbalance. If you fear about this just add zinc chloride 1% to the solution. That way you won't worry about the copper/zinc imbalances. Water authorities are strange in adding chlorine and fluoride, especially in England, because those are not helpful for body at all. However, it is useful for population control as fluoride especially reduces sperm counts over the years as fluoridation becomes accepted. The reason why I added borax is not only does it rid the body of fungus, it also chelates or remove fluoride out of the water by deactivating them too. If you are a purist for taking a bath, like I am, you can add one some sodium thiosulfate, to dechlorinate them by buying them cheap from the swimming pool suppliers. Water authorities should use hydrogen peroxide and ozone. They are cheaper methods of water purification as the steps toward water purification, you don't need to remove fulvic acid, which are biological good for the body. However, it is not my policy to change water purification method, but it is with your health so you have to make some changes to the water you will be taking a bath or drinking them. Getting rid of fungus in our present society, is difficult but certain minerals such as copper are boron are common elements we can use to rid the body of fungus by bathing them. Adding zinc, will help balance the needed copper/zinc imbalances. Here in Thailand some fungus epidemic did occur and my foot gets fungus all the time. I usually use a larger concentration to rid of that by using perhaps 10%-20% copper chloride to soak my feet, to relieve itchiness immediately. Don't try to make too strong like over 40-50%, solution, this is too strong and can sting the feet. You can make it synergist by doing this too, if you want to experiment by adding borax, or boric acid to the mix if you want. However, for me I am just happy with the copper chloride foot soak. Most chemical suppliers will have a cheap industrial grade copper chloride powder, which is quite sufficient for external uses only. If you are a purist, then just get a higher cosmetic grade or food grade if you want."
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INGREDIENTS TO MAKE COPPER CHLORIDE SOLUTION
05/25/2006: Anonymous writes: "Yes, Ted, I would consider my toenail fungus to be pretty bad. It started on on big toe and when I talked to a podiatrist about it he insisted it was the result of me hitting my toenail on something (even though I told him that nothing of the sort had occured). Anyway, it progressively got worse and then spread to my other big toe and then, oddly enough, one of my middle toes. So I now have three toenails that are affected. I've cut the toenails almost all the way down to the cutical because having them any long gives way for them to get caught on something and get ripped off (actually happened once). So, almost the entire nail bed is exposed except for the very bottom where the nail is growing. I've tried the vinegar treatment (just vingegar), but I have to admit that I'm terrible at remembering to do the nightly routine. So, the easier, the better for me. As I've started your regimen (morning vinger/h2o2, clorox/h20 and then vaseline/tto) I still cannot remember to do that treatment at night. I'm pretty consistent in the morning, but not at night. For that reason, I'm interested in the copper chloride solution because you said that it doesn't necessarily need to be done every day. That's for me! Where do I obtain the ingredients to make this copper chloride solution? And do I just put drops on each toe or do I need to soak? You've been extremely helpful with your suggestions. Even with doing your regimen once a day, I think I may be seeing some improvement... but I'm hesitant to get my hopes up since I've had this ugly fungus for over 13 years. Thanks again."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Yes I am also forgetful, so I use copper chloride sometimes once a week or once every 3 or 4 days. If you are in habit of forgetting all the time. I would prepare myself a 10-20% copper chloride solution. You can get any concentration, but never over than 40%-50% as it is too strong and have a tendency to sting the feet temporarily. Actually, not that much but much of the sting will definitely occur seconds if you use 100% copper chloride! Anyway, I use generally 20%-30% copper chloride solution, however people have sensitive skins, so it is best to start on the low side such as 10% is a reasonable one. Leave that in the solution for about maybe 2 minutes but preferably never more than 5 minutes. If the stinging should occur before that time, then you stop and rinse the solution. That should do it. If you are planning NOT to soak your feet, but to appy it just only to the toes by the drops, then you may go for a much higher concentration of copper chloride to be applied to the toes. In this case a 30%-40% solution will do it. Wait for 2-5 minutes before rinsing them out or until you can feel stinging and you stop, whichever comes first. You can try higher concentration but don't try to exceed over 50% is enough. However, if you want stronger, then don't add more copper, add boric acid along with copper chloride, such as 25% copper chloride and 25% boric acid, for example and apply drops. Haven't tried boric acid and copper chloride on my toes as I don't have fungus on my toes anymore, but you can experiment with that. If you want a stronger solution, without more copper, you can add say 10% copper chloride plus 10% boric acid. Boric acid has antifungal properties too. Adding both becomes synergistic. Whatever the case, these solutions should have antifungal properties that lasts for at least 3 days to a maximum of about 1 week should you forget all the time. I can't say how effective it is, but it is quite useful in getting rid of the fungus problems on my feet and the toes. You might have a slightly blue tinge on the feet since copper chloride solution is blue even after you rinse it. That is o.k. since some copper will do the killing further. If you have stinging problems, from copper chloride, rinse with water several time, and that should do it.I do recommend that you continue the old regimen to rid of them however. Iodine painting on toe nail (and possibly adding 80% DMSO will help increase penetrations too. And this does not have to do it everyday. YOu can do iodine painting once a week also. The negative side of this is the issue of staining and purple toenails. But they too are quite effective and longer lasting. You can get copper chloride powder from any local chemical supply houses. Usually an industrial grade will do it since we are using it only for external purposes anyway. However, it you want it safer, then get cosmetic grade or food grade. They will be a lot more expensive, and therefore I will prefer to get them industrial or commercial grade would suffice. Boric acid can be obtained mostly from drug stores. You won't have trouble finding that one."
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QUESTION ABOUT CLOROX SOLUTION
05/19/2006: M writes: "So, the clorox solution is used only the first two days (2x a day)? How long do you continue the vinegar/h2o2 and vaseline/TTO treatment after those first two days? How can you tell it's working since it takes so long for the nail to grow out? Thanks!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Continue doing clorox at 2x times a day and vinegar/H2O2 for at least 1 month to see improvements. I am assuming of course you have a bad nail fungus. 3 months of continued of clorox vinegar/and H2O2 use should be completely gone. If you are in a hurry, then also add iodine and paint them on a nail too. That should go away in a month, but the iodine stains are just really bad. If you have some talcum powder this should keep the foot dry throughout the day. If nothing works just soak your feet only once a week (or every 3 days) in 5% copper chloride solution. Copper is deadly for fungus and works longer than clorox. A month and a half application should be gone. I suspect you have a really bad case of the toe nail fungus."
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REGIMEN FOR MULTIPLE TREATMENTS
05/13/2006: "Question for Ted about nail fungus remedy. I just want to make sure that I understand the regimen that I'm supposed to follow. My understanding is that after my morning shower I should soak in the vinegar/H2O2 solution until no more fizzing. After that is done, then soak in the clorox solution. Rinse and dry and then apply the vaseline/Tee Tree Oil and wear throughout that day until the evening? Now this is where I'm getting confused. Is it that same night that I reapply the vinegar solution and then reapply the vaseline/tee tree oil for another 24 hours? During this whole process, I'm only using the clorox at one application? I'm very eager to try this, but just want to make sure that I do it correctly because I've tried so many other things with little success. And one last question...how do you know it's worked after just 3-4 days since it takes so long for the nail to grow out? You certainly wouldn't see any nail growth in that short amount of time. Thanks in advance for all the answers!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "During the night after you do the vinegar/H2O2 and soak it as long as possible, you dry it, then follow this with a clorox solution (optional). Then rinse it and apply vaseline/tea tree oil during the night. This would be the best way. So in the morning you will repeat these steps again. As a rule of thumb you need to repeat all of this at least twice a day, but I am not that strict on this. You can do it 3 times a day, but I prefer to leave the clorox out after 2 times a day.
Now I need to tell you some theories behind this treatment. The big reason why toe nail fungus treatment don't work because of all your past effort is that the fungus is located behind a toe nail. So regardless of whatever medication they will give you to kill it, you won't be able to kill it since it is protected by the cuticle of the toe.
There are two strategies which you can do to go behind it. One is to find a chemical that is penetrant enough, and yet safe to go behind the cuticle. Which is usually vinegar and the other is clorox. Vinegar goes deep into the skin and goes around the nail. Clorox gives of a chlorine gas that also goes right through the toes.
Now the others that is quite good but I don't recommend such use due to difficulty of use but quite effective is the use of weak hydrochloric acid of 5%. When you soak this it give of hydrogen chloride gases that goes right through the toe nail too. But the bad part is that it stings after several minutes. But the reason why I don't recommend this more effective route is that acids are generally harder to work with (for you), and it is hard to find. I have not lived in U.S. for some time now, but you might be able to find this ingredient in certain bathroom cleaning products.
The other thing while you are mixing H2O2 and vinegar is that you can strengthen the formula further by adding boric acid. But this does not help much since it is not a penetrant. Another option that I am playing around with recently was the use of a 10% -20% copper chloride solution. However a weak solution has to be kept or painted near the toe and leave the solution on throughout the day. A fungus as a weaknesss of copper chloride even in minute amounts and it is this reason why chloride solution is also effective.
The downside of all this for most people is that copper chloride are hard to obtain. It is also a good alternative to clorox due to safety issues of using copper chloride but obtaining them is another matter.
However, if you can get copper chloride and make a 10% or perhaps a 20% solution (rather weak) you can use this and paint it on the toes and toenail on and leave it throughout the day. While it won't penetrate through anything, a miniscule amount to reach behind it is all that is needed to kill the toe fungus. Adding some dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) might help penetrate some, but not totally. Another idea is to get soak them in a copper chloride solution as substitute for the use of clorox solution. The beauty of this idea is that you can use it as often as you like and you may not be limited to using clorox to only once or twice a day. Twice a day is the absolute limit for clorox use due to chlorine not being good for you if used in excess. An old wives' remedy for toe nail fungus was to put an glove of garlic in the foot throughout the day. The dimethyl sulfide content is a strong penetrant and will kill the toe nail fungus also. However, this is impractical due to its odor and putting it between the toes can really be itchy. However it does work in many cases, at least that was what I heard when I was very young. Some were so desperate as to paint Coal Tar solution (20% in ethyl alcohol and polysorbate) on the foot. That worked too, but as you know long term use over a week is not practical as coal tar solution are cancer causing. However, I have seen people treating and actually riding of toe fungus through such use. The reason why it worked is that coal tar solution is a strong penetrant and kills fungus to some extent. However, mixing an antifungal solution of copper chloride would have been a more effective method. This method requires only one daily application, not because it worked better but because of safety issues of th