Fungal infection clearing up without treatment

[Martin.A]

For the last couple of years I've had nail fungus on three toes. GP declined to prescribe anti-fungal medication as it wasn't causing me any pain, and those over-the-counter treatments are really expensive. However, it's now almost cleared up on its own. I know that diabetics can be prone to fungal infections and I wonder if this is due to me having got my BG levels into a good place?

 

[MikeyBikey]

Good control does slow it down but not totally eradicate it. I was recommended MykoRed and it seems to be truly effective. It is also cheaper and far easier to apply.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mykored-Ti...707775&keywords=mykored&qid=1570436516&sr=8-1

 

[Drummer]

My skin hair and nails are looking much better these days - I would suspect that better BG levels are partly to blame....
I'd advise a total clear out of socks and slippers now, get a few pairs of socks to wear until the fungus seems to have gone, and then restock again. Leave not one sock to carry the infection.
The seam across the toes of modern shop bought socks is - apparently - a fungus refuge.

 

[mikeyB]

All this discussion is founded on ignorance. Our skin is populated by a variety of fungi and bacteria which cause no problem when the system is in balance. The bacteria keep the fungi under control. If that balance is disturbed, infections occur. Athletes foot, and fungal nail infections aren’t due to alien infections, it’s local conditions, damp and sweat that favour fungi winning the ongoing battle. Correct those local conditions, and things get better. BG has an effect too, if you add sugar to the equation. Suits the fungi.

So the lesson is, if the nail infection appears to be gone, then it is gone. A truce between the bacteria and the fungi has been achieved. It will, of course, come back if you have the same local environment. There’s no need at all to destroy old socks, the fungi live on you, not in the socks. They won’t survive a wash in bio washing liquid, anyway.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

So the lesson is, if the nail infection appears to be gone, then it is gone. A truce between the bacteria and the fungi has been achieved. It will, of course, come back if you have the same local environment. There’s no need at all to destroy old socks, the fungi live on you, not in the socks.

That makes sense of what happened to me last year. I lost about half a nail to fungus, bought some OTC anti fungal treatment but barely used it. Presumably the major factor in the healthy regrowth of the nail was my watching it and being much more careful about washing and drying my feet. (My GP seemed unconcerned (after checking the regrown nail).)