I read your suggestion to put 2 drops of distilled vinegar at the base of the nail twice per day. I have also heard to mix vinegar and bleach half & half. Would this work and would either treatment be any different?
In Reply to: nail fungus posted by Mitch on July 12, 1998 at 21:30:21:
Hi, Mitch.
The bleach has some risk and does not increase the effectiveness. Actually, since you need the full power of the vinegar, it might even reduce the effectiveness.
If anyone has has success (or failure) with this combination, I would like to know about it.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: nail fungus posted by Walt Stoll on July 13, 1998 at 08:15:41:
I tried the distilled vinegar method religiously for 6 months. It didn't work for me and I was very disappointed.
Any other suggestions?
In Reply to: Re: nail fungus posted by gene on July 15, 1998 at 12:37:20:
Gene, I had two different nail fungi lodging in all ten of my toes. The nails exhibited linear splits running straight out from the roots all the way to the ends of the nails. Each nail had at least ten of fifteen of these splits.
My podiatrist sent nail clipppings to the lab for analysis. The lab determed the two fungi and their types. My doctor then prescribed Lamisil in a daily dose of 250mg for ninety days. This treatment has now cleared up almost all the problem. It has been three months since I took the last pill. However, I plan to have more clippings diagnosed to assure there is no lingering fungus lurking about.
Sid
In Reply to: There's a Prescription Cure. posted by Sid on July 15, 1998 at 19:51:36:
Dear Sid,
I hope you will let us know what is happening a year from now. Without your doing something about WHY you are susceptible to this, it will be back. NOBODY'S nails grow out in 3 months. This infestation will ALWAYS recur if it is not treated till all of the susceptible nail is grown off the body (6-12 months).
There are LOTS of prescription things that will work as well as the vinegar. They are all a lot more expensive & have dangerous side-effects. I recommend the vinegar since it is at least as effective (used correctly) as anything else (used correctly). The KEY is understanding how, and why, these remedies work so they will be used intelligently.
ANY doc that treats nail fungus for less than 6 months is not doing it intelligently.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: nail fungus posted by gene on July 15, 1998 at 12:37:20:
Dear Gene,
I need you to meticulously describe exactly how you did this. If you did it right, you will be the first person, in 20 years, that this did not work for. I have always said that, since people are not machines, that NOTHING will work for everyone. However, the vinegar treatment has come closest to breaking that rule by always working till right now.
Also, I need to know if you have done anything to reduce your susceptibility to fungus infections of the feet (described in depth in the chapter of that name in my book).
Thanks for the followup!
Walt
In Reply to: Re: nail fungus posted by Walt Stoll on July 16, 1998 at 09:40:12:
I soaked my toe nails in vinegar every night for four months and also put tea tree oil up under my nails after each soaking.Cured!!!! not completely grown out but nail is growing in unaffected.After taking Sporanox for 3 months and waiting for a year, it did not work, I am thrilled this simple cure has worked.
In Reply to: Re: nail fungus posted by phyllis on July 19, 1998 at 11:55:25:
Thanks, Phyllis, for the testimonial.
Just a word to the wise: DO NOT STOP TREATING THIS TILL ALL OF THE INFECTED NAIL HAS BEEN TRIMMED OFF FOR ABOUT A MONTH.
Also, I hope you did not REALLY "soak the nail in vinegar". The 2 drops at the growing base is enough & gets better results than soaking the nail. Remember, the drier the nail is the harder it is for the fungus to survive there. Distilled vinegar is 96% water.
Congratulations, you are on the right track! Is it any wonder that only the most expensive remedies get advertised??????
Walt
hi,
I just had a few questions about toenail fungus. I have had it for the past 5 years and never did any thing about it. It has now grown. It is above my nail and not the bottom only on my pinky nail. I don't have insurance for some real medication but is there any other remedie I can use to take it away? Does it go away permanatly? My aunt us to have it on her finger nails and she took oral medication and it went away but I heared that the medication does harm your liver. Any advice will help.
thanks
In Reply to: Re: Toe-nail fungus posted by Erin on July 15, 1998 at 15:12:29:
Dear Erin,
This has been discussed so many times right here on this BB. The solution costs next to nothing--other than the effort on your part to learn. Use the link:
toenail and foot condition archives and read everything you can find on this subject.
let us know how you do. If you have more questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Toe-nail fungus posted by Walt Stoll on July 16, 1998 at 09:44:47:
Also check out the article on fungus of the feet on the main page of this site.
Bill
Dr.
I have what I believe is an extreemly advanced case of toe nail fungus. I have had it for as long as I can remember. My father had it also. Is it possible that I got it from him while growing up and showering, etc. in the same house? Are some families more suseptible to it geneticly, is it diet? I would like to stop my children from getting this, if possible.
My father was convinced by a podiatrist to have the nails totally removed! I told him" I'm not going to give up, there mayt be a cure someday." I'm going to try this vinegar program.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks
Louie
In Reply to: Nail fungus posted by Louie on July 15, 1998 at 19:24:22:
Dear Louie,
There is likely a genetic susceptibility. The information you would need to modify this susceptibility is in the chapter about fungus in my book.
Removal of the toenails is not very effective unless something is used topically, or internally, to alter the susceptibility of the new nail growing out for a month or so---which allows the fungus to be grown off the body. Even then, it would be a good idea to burn all old shoes and boil all socks before using them again (post-op).
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Nail fungus posted by Walt Stoll on July 16, 1998 at 10:59:30:
I am A nail tech and have been working for eight years. It is not often that I come across nail fungus but when I do I usually advise them to treat it with over the counter products. Should I even be working on them or do you think with treatment the problem will resolve ? I was glad to hear of the treatment with vinigar .
thanks,
Julie
In Reply to: Re: Nail fungus posted by Julie on July 19, 1998 at 23:31:07:
Dear Julie,
You would best help your customers by educating them about HOW these various remedies work. Nearly all remedies fail because the person does not use them long enough. NOTHING kills the fungus in place. The nail has to grow off the infected tissue while the treatment prevents regrowth into the new nail.
The cheapest substance that works is the best--expecially since it is also the safest.
While you are working on their hand, you have a captive audience for education.
Thanks for your interest. Walt
Hello Walt,
Hope your summer is going well in spite of the fires and heat.
1. Since reading your article on toe-nail fungus, I've treated the occaisional flare up of athlete's foot with some cheap distilled vinegar, et voila, its gone!
2. Ever since my childhood in the Philippines I've had outbreaks of small blisters on my feet - usually the bottom - filled with a clear fluid. There seems to be a relationship to heat. Any ideas?
3. I was fortunate in my youth that I had little facial acne, but have always had sporadic outbreaks on my back/shoulders.
Since I started taking EPA, Borage & flaxseed oil this past 6 months I have had none. I don't think it is the rest of my diet as I've really not dealt with the large amount of sugar that I eat.
Thanks again
Deryk
In Reply to: Re: Blisters on feet posted by Jim on July 16, 1998 at 10:39:56:
Jim,
I was told that there would be some encouraging testimonials from you about your experience with acne/wellness program. I searched through all of the "whole foods" archives and all of the "acne & accuate" archives and didnt really find what I was looking for. Do you think you could give me a little glimpst into the past of your life and write me up a testimonial. I REALLY need something encouraging to read while going through the tough yet exciting first stages of the wellness program. I would be VERY grateful.
Andrew
In Reply to: Re: Blisters on feet posted by Andrew on July 16, 1998 at 15:10:36:
For more than you want to know about Jim (smile) check out the Zintz Files.
Peace,
Bill
In Reply to: Re: Blisters on feet posted by Bill on July 16, 1998 at 19:03:42:
Thank-you, Bill. So true!
Jim
In Reply to: Blisters on feet posted by Deryk Bramwell on July 16, 1998 at 09:28:13:
Hi, Deryk.
Thanks for your testimonial!
A small % of people with chronic acne will see improvement (even clearing) just by taking the essential oils. This is because one of the ways the endocrinopathy helps cause this problem is by altering fat metabolism so people need more essential oils. Most people will not clear (permanently) with this alone.
I am surprised, but gratified, to hear that the vinegar is effective for skin fungus as well. I did not know that.
The blisters on the bottoms of your feet ARE fungus--albeit one of a deeper pursuasion. These are not so easily treated topically.
All of this suggests to me that you have some of the susceptibility factors described in my book in the fungus chapter.
The reason there is a relationship to heat is explained in that chapter as well.
Walt
Hello
I work for the Chicago Academy of Science and I am looking for a slide of atheles foot microscopy image for our new exhibit. We would return all materials and give credit for the donation in the museum. Do you have something like this or know where I could find this. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely
Audrey O'malley
bdfinspace@aol.com
Graphic Coordinator
In Reply to: Re: athlete's foot-again posted by Audrey O'Malley on July 16, 1998 at 15:29:36:
Dear Audrey,
Your local medical school has a pathology department that would have MANY of these that they would be happy to loan to you. The microbiology department probably has some too but I would go directly to pathology.
Those of us away from the medical school would not be likely to keep this kind of thing.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: athlete's foot-again posted by Walt Stoll on July 17, 1998 at 11:01:53:
My spouse has had an unrelenting case of athlete's foot for two years. We have tried lamisil topically and orally, difflucan, every over the counter product you can think of. He is very clean, changes his socks two times a day, uses anitifungal powder, etc. He has seen a dermatologist and a podiatrist, with no relief. As he is a surgeon himself, he has to keep his shoes on all day. What book covers this topic? Any ideas?
In Reply to: Re: athlete's foot-again posted by Karen on July 18, 1998 at 22:48:03:
Dear Karen,
MY book (link on this page).
Walt
I am getting married in a week and need a fast cure for nail fungus!!! I have it on only one thumb. The last time I had acrylics was a year ago and all my other nails have grown out long and look fine. I really don't have the money to be spending on an expensive treatment that doesn't work.
HELP ASAP please!!!!
In Reply to: Re: Toe/Finger Fungus posted by Amy on July 18, 1998 at 22:25:12:
Dear Amy,
If you have read the archives about this condition, you know that this cannot be resolved in less than 6 months (other than surgically removing the nail--something I don't think you want just prior to your wedding).
Your nail tissue is DEAD. Fungi only live on dead stuff. How could anything resolve this in a few weeks?
You need to understand this mechanism or you will spend years & lots of $ while it gets worse before you finally decide to do the painful learning needed.
I am being blunt because I am assuming that you are not any more interested in wasting time than I am.
Best wishes for your wedding & thereafter. If I can help more after you have done your homework, please write again.
Walt
Have you tried Colloidal Silver??
In Reply to: Re: Finger Nail Fungus posted by Janet on July 18, 1998 at 22:56:15:
I suffer some very strong irritating pain with mine ?
HELP ?
I could cut my finger off gladly at time, like NOW!
In Reply to: Re: Finger Nail Fungus posted by Harald GATENBY on July 26, 1998 at 07:22:20:
Dear Harald,
Fingernail fungus is rarely painful UNLESS it has become secondarily infected with bacteria. In THAT case, antibiotics and hot soaks (as hot as you can stand for 5 minutes every hour till the pain is gone) are indicated. Then, about 4 times a day till the antibiotics run out (about 5 days).
THEN, to resolve the fungus, use the distilled vinegar protocol on the FAQ link on this page.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Finger Nail Fungus posted by Walt Stoll on July 27, 1998 at 09:59:12:
I am a brnmad new user of the Internet, so, to get a reply so soon I am estatic.
Secondly the FNF. I dont have any etching of the nail, basically a patch under it half the width by the same depth in size. I have had my suspicions the treatment (First Lamisil) and now Griseostatin were not targeting the ruight area. I am off to see the doc and see if I can get a referral to a specialist and will report back to you in a m,ont or so thje outcome.
Many thanks H.
In Reply to: Re: Finger Nail Fungus posted by Harald Gatenby on July 29, 1998 at 07:42:12:
Dear Harald,
If this turns out to be a fungus (which, from your description, sounds likely, I hope you wil give the vinegar a try. It will work at least as well as any prescription out there and HOW you use anything is more important than what you use anyhow. Remember, I have practiced this stuff for more than 30 years. I know how to do both & which is most effective.
What you need right now is an accurate diagnosis.
Walt
Why can't I wear nail polish on the affected nail?
Please tell me it's ok because I can't stand to look at my toes without polish. I've been using listerine on my toes for some time with improvement but stopped while on vacation. Now I'm using tea tree oil but I don't want to take off the polish? I will be buying vinegar and trying that too. Thanks
In Reply to: Re: Toe Nail Fungus??? posted by Jeanette on July 27, 1998 at 10:14:47:
Dear Jeanette,
The drier the nail tissue the harder it is for the fungus to grow into it. If you use the vinegar AS DIRECTED, you will very likely clear this up even if you keep the toenail polish on. Polish is plastic and does not breathe. As such, the nail under the polish stays a lot more moist.
If the vinegar does NOT cure this (as described in the protocol) you may have no choice but to do without polish for 6-12 months.
Walt
thanks for the advice, I will try. I have an additional question. My nail fungus starts at the tip of the nail and is working it's way down towards the base on both my fingers and toes. Is the suggested treatment still applicable?
Thanks for your help.
In Reply to: Re: Toe-nail fungus posted by Bob A. on July 27, 1998 at 13:58:05:
Dear Bob,
This is how they ALL work AND, yes, the vinegar will work for this!
Walt
I have a freind who has two yellow toenails. His big toes on. I was wondering if this is foot fungus. His feet stink so bad it drives me out of the house. This is no joke they are really bad. Even his shoes when left behind for days still have the smell. He's tried some powders but to no evail. Was wondering on your thoughts on this. And what can we do to stop this. He is a 24yr Male.
thany you Scott
In Reply to: foot fungus posted by Scott Downs on July 27, 1998 at 14:42:14:
Dear Scott,
The main thing is for you to realize that YOU cannot solve this for him. He has to want to learn AND actually DO what he learns to resolve this EASILY RESOLVED problem. You can take a horse to water but you cannot make him drink!
The nail thing you mentioned IS onychomycosis (nail fungus) and the vinegar protocol will resolve this. However, he still does not know the most basic foot hygeine. Did he ever think about socks and why people wear them? Without learning how to KEEP his feet healthy, the nail fungus will probably come back AND that is not what causes the smell anyhow.
Of course, it is much too late for wearing socks to solve this. However, he is going to have to learn the purpose of socks or the problem wil recurr.
ANYHOW, I have an entire chapter in my book about his exact combination. When he gets serious about this, he needs a copy. He can ask his library to find him a copy so he doesn't have to buy one.
Walt
I had a pedicure today, when the girl took off the old varnish I saw a vertical line , slightly dark, on my right big toe nail. I thought it was a stain and asked her to remove it, she said it was fungus and said I had an opening in the skin, at the end of the nail. I am shocked to hear this, never had any fungus. The girl at the salon put some drops (Medication) and said to get them over the counter. At the pharmacy the pharmacist said to see a podiatrist. What should I do?
I don't have pain. I now feel some slight stinging sensation but don't know if it's due to my awareness or the pedicure I just had.
In Reply to: Re: Toe-nail fungus posted by Vivi on July 28, 1998 at 17:26:19:
Dear Vivi,
The solution to your problem is on the FAQ page about "Fungus Infections".
Do it right & you will need no expensive "stuff" nor a podiatrist.
Walt
Dr. Stoll:
I have searched and read all the postings and articles I could find on your site about problems with toe nails and nail fungus. I just found your site today after going through many months of agony! (Forgive me if I go into too much detail here!) I will order your book TODAY!
Last October I awoke on night to severe pain in my big toe. I had never had a problem with my toe or nails before. The first thing that came to mind was gout since I had heard this from other people. When the pain did not go away, I went to see my Dr. (the nail did look yellowish) and he diagnosed it as being fungus and prescribed Lamisil. I was to take the Lamisil for 1 week then stay off for 3 weeks then repeat that process for 3 months. I did that and noticed that there was something yucky looking underneath my toenail. I assumed it was the fungus growing off! WRONG ASSUMPTION.
Obviously, I am finished with the Lamisil, but following his direction I thought the nail would have to grow off before my toenail would be "pretty" again.
Last week, the pain came back and I went in to see him on Saturday. He removed my toenail (I have had 3 children--natural childbirth--no drugs) and I have never been through the pain that caused me and is still causing me. In any event, once the toenail was removed he told me I had a growth on the nailbed and that it would have to be removed.
The yucky stuff underneath my nail, that I thought was the fungus growing off, is a growth. He cut some of it off to send to pathology. What kind of growth grows underneath the toenail? I read one post about someone having a planters wart underneath the nail. I have never heard of such before and am concerned about what their next step is going to be.
Of course, I realize the growth must be removed in order for a new nail to grow and lie flat on the nailbed. Maybe I don't exactly know what my question is except.....is this normal? And by the way, I still do not know if I ever had a fungus, or if the pain was a result of this growth all along. Any comments you have would be appreciated. Thank You!
In Reply to: Toe Nail posted by Janet on July 29, 1998 at 13:20:37:
Dear Janet,
You probably never had a fungus. However, I may have made the same mistake, at first, since what you have is rare and the fungus is common.
I am glad that tissue was sent to the lab. You MUST have an accurate diagnosis! Unfortunately, the most common cause would probably BE a plantar wart, which is difficult to treat, and the very close second is a cancer.
Since both of these have something to do with your immune system, I would be learning about wellness as fast as I could.
Let me know what the pathology results are & perhaps I can help more.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Toe Nail posted by Walt Stoll on July 30, 1998 at 12:24:02:
Dr. Stoll:
The pathology report came back! Thank goodness the report showed nothing cancerous, but what it did show is quite baffling to me. My doctor said the pathologist found that the growth is "cartlidge"! Cartlidge growing out from the center of the nailbed on my big toe???!!!
I have been referred to a podiatrist. My doctor said it had to be removed, and I agree with that. Have you ever heard of such as this? I would like 2 opinions on this situation and have had many concerned friends say I should also see an orthopedic surgeon as well since they deal with cartlidge on a daily basis.
Do you have any ideas on this and what could have caused it?
Thanks!
Dear Janet,
Congratulations on this not being cancerous!
I wonder if ANY of your physicians have seen such a case? I have never heard of it & will watch eagerly for what happens. This shoud be surgically curable. I will be very interested in any theories of why this happened.
Walt
I recently purchase your book. I read that you recommend a 5% distilled vinegar solution to be applied to the base of the nail twice daily. Prior to purchasing your book I read your advice on your web site to use cheap distilled vinegar and no percentage was stated. The distilled vinegar I bought was 10%. Is it effective to use the 10% or should I buy a 5% solution?
In Reply to: Re: Toe-nail fungus posted by Steve on July 29, 1998 at 13:55:29:
Dear Steve,
Actually, the 4% works too. I was unaware that there was a 10%. It should work as well unless it irritates the skin, then just dilute it half & half.
As this clears, let us know how you are doing. lots of people out there are still struggling with this unnecessary condition or using the "more precious than gold" stuff advertized on TV--and STILL struggling.
Walt
HAD SMALL YELLOW DOT UNDER NAIL WHICH GREW LARGER OVER SEVERAL WEEKS WITH A LITTLE SORENESS. WAS WASHING FOOT AND THIS YELLOW STUFF RAN OUT FROM UNDER TOENAIL! HOW DO I TREAT ? THANKS
In Reply to: TOENAIL FUNGUS posted by d. smith on July 29, 1998 at 22:34:59:
Dear d,
This sounds like a bacterial infection best treated with hot soaks (UNLESS YOU ARE A DIABETEC IN WHICH CASE HEAT IS CONTRAINDICATED). Antibiotics will be needed if hot soaks cannot be used AND even if they are and the thing does not clear up in a few days.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: TOENAIL FUNGUS posted by Walt Stoll on July 30, 1998 at 10:34:31:
Is 5% vinegar ok to use?
Dear Cheryl,
Yes. Take a look at my response about this yesterday.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: TOENAIL FUNGUS posted by Walt Stoll on July 30, 1998 at 10:34:31:
I have been using your vinegar treatment for the past 6 weeks and have seen a difference in my toenails. I have also noticed something strange and wonder if it is just a coincidence. I have had a wart on the fingerprint surface of my finger for 5 years. I have tried having it frozen off and used some over the counter medicines but to no avail. The other day I realized that it is much smaller and seems to be going away. Could this be related to the use of vinegar on my toenails? I know it sounds strange but I haven't done anything different healthwise but use the vinegar.
Thanks,
Frank
Dear Frank,
I don't know but I would be very interested in hearing what finally happens.
Walt
I am currently using the vinegar method and have a question? Can I wear nail polish while doing this treatment?