Feet!!

[Susieb]

Ladies and Gents

Apologies for bringing up such an unsavoury subject as fungal infection in toe nails however I was wondering if anyone has ever used any of the proprietary 'cures' with success or otherwise.

As some of you may know I've just spent 10 months in a plaster cast/air boot due to a charcot fracture and now have horrible nails (big toe) which my podiatrist says is due to a funal infection. I am a little bit dubious about the 'warnings' for diabetics on these products although the one I am considering buying says 'diabetics should seek advice for their feet' - well d'uh, thats all I've done for the last 10 months!! I'd be curious to know if anyone has any knowledge of these products or any strong opinions either way.

Thanks
Sue

 

[DeusXM]

It's just a usual 'catch-all' disclaimer. The standard warning about 'diabetics' on any product basically assumes you have every possible complication going and explode if you're placed in the same room as a Mars bar.

Seriously though, the warning is assuming if you have diabetes you have peripheral neuropathy - provided you can pass all the 'feel' tests your podo throws at you, you have less to worry about.

As for getting through fungal nail infections...they're a bugger to shift no matter how well controlled your BGs are. The best thing you can do is ignore instantly all the usual websites advertising all this "100% natural magical rare Indian tree miracle nail restorer cure that BIG PHARM doesn't want you to know about! Only ?49.99 for a three day supply!".

Go to your chemist and ask them for an anti-fungal creme (Lamasil is a good bet), powder and if possible, a nail lacquer (may need a prescription). Then you need to paint the laquer on your nail twice a day, give the creme a good rub around the surrounding area, and then finally dust off your feet with the powder and then if you're wearing socks, dust the inside of your socks. You'll need to repeat this for AT LEAST six months, even if the symptoms appear to completely disappear (although you might be able to just go to powder after a couple of months). Fungal spores are the ultimate opposite of a guy's ego, they are the smallest and most indestructable thing in the universe.

Also, after doing all this, wash your hands very well and think VERY carefully about where you scratch. Fungus loves dark, sheltered, clammy places, and there's one other part of the human body that fits this description perfectly. And you REALLY don't want fungus there.

If you don't keep treating, the infection will just come back again and again. Set yourself in for the long haul, at least six months. I've successfully cleared a nail of this kind of infection before, so it is possible with over-the-counter stuff. I didn't have any adverse effects either.

 

[Susieb]

Brilliant response !! Thank you very much. What more could I want, an answer to my question and someone who made me laugh too. I reckon I'm going to try something, what with the Charcot and the nails, they are pretty ugly feet. Thanks again

 

[Salinda]

Hi Susieb, half of my big toenail was blackened with a fungal infection and the advice I received from my podiatrist was to try Tea Tree oil. I use it almost every day and have seen a big improvement although I think that also has something to do with my sugar levels improving. Good luck with it!
Linda

 

[pippaandben]

I am still recovering from severe fungal infection of both feet. Dr initially prescribed Trimovate cram but as that had little effect after a week was put on Terbinofine cream and tablets (one a day). After 2 weeks skin infection much much better and signs at base of nails of recover. Told to stop cream but use the Trimovate if itchy. Must not use moisturiser all the time you are using the fungicide cream but now use moisturiser daily - cheapest supermaket own brand which specifies hydrating or similar.
Dr said had never seen such a severe infection (looked as if I had purple slippers!!) but after 8 weeks only slight discolouration of skin. Have been told I must take the tablets until all signs of nail yellowing has gone which may be another 2 months.
He also confrimed that the high blood sugar levels I had experienced just prior was the reason for the extreme re-action. The symptoms all appeared with c4 days and also had skin flaking as well. Hope this helps. Don't know if these meds are available over the counter but as with all creams use very thinly.