Terry (Dayton, Ohio) on 11/04/2011
Replied By Timbo2 (Huntsville, Al) on 02/05/2012
I took my dremel tool with a sanding wheel and ground off all of the infected nails down to the nail bed. Cleaned it with alcohol, wiped dry, and applied lamisil gel twice a day for six weeks. Each week I would grind off any new nail growth to ensure I kept the infected area exposed. On some occasions I had to grind off more nail because it looked to be spreading. I also wore "finger cots" when showering and tried to keep my nails water/moisture free. This leaves the finger bed/nail area very dry and flakey looking. After this 6 week treatment, I started the vicks vapor rub treatment (off brand) by applying a hefty amount at bed time and covering it with a bandaid. I did this for 2 months. As I said, my thumbs are completely grown out and normal now. My big toes only got the vicks treatment; right is completely cleared and left is still growing out so until it has completly grown out I honestly can't say. Some people claim to see immediate improvement or it worked after 2 weeks... etc. Don't believe it. It will cause a transparent efffect on the nails and make them "look" better but until the nail is completely grown out/connected to the nail bed the fungus is still under there. Most say to do the treatment every night without a missing a single night for 2 months, I say do it until the nail is grown out and looks normal, and that can take 12 to 18 months for toe nails. For me it was about 6 months but my fungus only went about half way back on my toenails to start with. Bottom line, I think the vicks will work for most people but not all, and, you have to be deligent. I did not miss a night, no matter what. If we went away for the weekend I took my vicks with me. If I was sick, I still applied the vicks. I'm very OCD when it comes to these types of things and you need to be to get rid of the fungus. Good luck.
Replied By Timbo2 (Huntsville, Al) on 03/04/2012
Replied By Dean (Seattle, Wa) on 12/10/2012