As mentioned in previous posts, a topical toenail fungus remedy can take a frustratingly long time to work (if it does so at all). Topical treatments have to overcome a fairly tough obstacle (the nail) which they must penetrate to get to the infection. But, as pointed out in our post on How Long does Toenail Fungus Treatment Take, no matter what treatment you try, you won’t find overnight results in any of the available options simply because the limiting factor is always going to be how long it requires a healthy nail to grow in. Until then, you’ll have to live with that discolored nail even if the fungus has been effectively killed off.
You assume risks with any available treatment. There’s the risk of liver damage with the very successful product, Lamisil. Home remedies don’t have the benefit of FDA testing to assess possible risks associated with using various products in ways for which they weren’t intended. Even creams and liquid topical solutions specifically designed for toenail fungus treatment carry the risk of causing allergic reactions in some users.
At the end of the day, I’m inclined to feel more comfortable with something I brush on and can quickly wash off and stop using if I’m not happy with the results rather than a drug which will spend weeks in my system. For me, prescription medications are generally a last resort. I’m also a guy and, typical of my self-destructive gender, not prone to going to the doctor unless something has literally begun to fall off my body. That’s not a recommendation to the rest of you, just a commentary on my own stupidity. Having admitted I’m stupid, when it came time to treat my own toenail fungus problem, I avoided doctors and went with an over the counter topical solution and fortunately found success.
The product I used - Extra strength FungiCure ® Anti-Fungal Liquid by Alva-Amco, is an easy to use, brush-on liquid. Instructions call for the usual; wash and dry the area and then apply the medication twice daily. I noticed something a little worrying the first time I opened the packaging and that’s that the literature was a little vague about just how well this product might work as a toenail fungus treatment. Oh there was confidence oozing from the little pamphlet about how this stuff can treat fungus, but what had me thinking I might have screwed up was the line - “formulated to start to work fast and penetrate deep to help eliminate fungus infections of the finger and toe areas including on skin and around, adjacent to and under nails where accessible…” ruh-roh. What about where not accessible such as deep under the nail of my big toe?! Did I screw up here?
With a nothing-ventured-nothing-gained attitude, I decided to try the stuff anyway. I followed the directions and used FungiCure twice daily, ensuring I washed and dried my infected toe before each application. That lasted three days. After 3 days, I still used the medication but only bothered to do the washing and drying thing after my morning shower. The second dose I just applied before bed. That lasted another 3 days. From there I became even less devoted to the treatment plan. I skipped applications. I skipped days. I eventually stopped entirely. You’ll probably not be surprised when I tell you the product didn’t work. Not, I should point out, through any fault in the medication but due to my own laziness and lack of commitment.
Months passed and I still had that nagging toenail fungus infection. I decided my options were fairly limited. Either live with the hideous infection or get serious about getting rid of it and start using a toenail fungus treatment as directed. I opted for getting serious but, always happy to cater to my lazy side, I didn’t bother going out to hunt for another treatment. Instead, I reached for my mostly unused bottle of FungiCure and began the treatment all over again.
Now I don’t want to sell this as a Dave-comes-around-and-sees-the-light story entirely. Yes, I applied anti-fungal liquid twice daily. I did so fanatically and I did so liberally, ensuring I brushed the liquid over every nanometer of my toe and under the nail the best I could. And yes, every morning I washed my toe while I showered and dried it well before applying the treatment. But, truth told, I slipped out of the nightly foot wash habit fairly quickly. Applied the meds, mind you, but skipped the foot bath. I also ensured I slept without socks on every night (I get cold feet so this was annoying until I became used to ignoring it) and purchased a couple extra pairs of shoes to ensure I’d be rotating them out frequently.
Despite my less than stellar adherence to the directions, FungiCure Anti-Fungal liquid came through. After several months (I warned you this stuff takes time) I am now completely free of any discoloration of the nail on my big toe. I continued to apply the medication once a day for several weeks even after the fungus appeared to be completely gone just to ensure I’d killed it for good (I’ve watched enough zombie movies to know that hideous ugly things tend to get up even after you think you killed them so best to go a little overboard). Since that experience I’ve been free of toenail fungus entirely and can’t wait to run around barefoot and unashamed this summer.
If you’re in the market for a toenail fungus treatment but hesitant to try prescription medications or any of the home remedies I’ll write about in future posts, consider trying Extra strength FungiCure ® Anti-Fungal Liquid by Alva-Amco. Ensure you read all the literature and precautions before you make your decision. If you try FungiCure and it works for you, drop me a comment below. I’d like to know if others have similar results and we can all learn from your experiences.
My entire big toe nail was brown/yellow for over a year and I thought I would never be able to have someone see it without being disgusted and me being embarassed. Fungicure does work, you just can’t assume it will be gone in a week or 2 or be lazy and give up. I have about 1/2 the bottle left and my toenail is almost back to normal. It is working for me, that’s all I know. It was worth the $10 or whatever it cost.
I stubbed my big toe really hard about 2 years ago and the nail got partly detached. As the new nail grew out it wasn’t smooth as before and it had some discoloration. I realized that the space where the nail was detached was the perfect breeding ground for fungus.
I immediately began using Tea Tree Oil, which I always recommend in cases of fungal infection. I used it full strength, putting a few drops 3 times a day on the nail and in every crevice around it. During that time, I kept the nail as short as possible, cutting away as much of the bad nail as possible, being very careful not to cut into the skin underneath.
I used it every day for months, until I could see that the new nail was growing in normally. I then reduced the treatment to 1 or 2 times a day. It took almost a year to completely grow out, but it solved the problem.
Although my nail is completely normal, I guess it left me a little paranoid. I still put a drop or 2 of Tea Tree Oil when I cut a nail too deeply or I have any sort of irritation on a toe. I figure, better safe than sorry.
Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil extracted from the Melaleuca tree. It has antiseptic, analgesic and anti- bacterial properties. Although it’s very uncommon, there are people who may have allergies to Tea Tree Oil. Be sure the oil you buy is of high quality and test it on your skin before beginning treatment.
Tea Tree Oil is for topical use only and should never be taken internally.
Glad to hear it, Steev. I hope you stuck with it and found success getting rid of your toenail fungus infection.
Vardit - Fantastic and informative comment. I’ve been on the mountain lost in meditation, so to speak, and absent from this blog for far too long but my intent was to begin writing about home remedies for toenail fungus treatment and Tea Tree Oil was high on my list of issues to cover. You’ve just saved me a little work!