Te Nail Fungus

[potty64]

Anybody out there had any success ridding themselves of black/yellow to nails with out resorting to antibiotics?

[bednobs]

surely antibiotics won't help a fungal infection?

[Sqad]

Yes they will.
Anti-fungals are antibiotics.

[frugalfred]

I don't get that, Dr. Sqad. Fungi produce substances which attack bacteria; from these substances we derive antibiotics. So how come one can treat a fungal infection - which is not bacterial - by using a fungus-derived antibiotic?

[frugalfred]

Quote: "Note: antifungal medicines are different to antibiotics, which are antibacterial medicines. Antibiotics do not kill fungi - they kill other types of germs (called bacteria). In fact, you are more prone to getting a fungal infection if you take antibiotics."

[Sqad]

\\\\ by using a fungus-derived antibiotic?\\\

You don't, you use an antibiotic NOT derived from a fungus.(Plenty of those around.)

Antibiotics are drugs that kill organisms....fungi are organisms and hence antifungal drugs are antibiotics.

Unless of course that I have got it wrong.

[ubasses]

I got rid of mine with cureanail, it is about £20 and took a couple of packs on both my big toes. You have to use it weekly until every trace has gone and if the fungus is well down the length of the nail it takes up to a year to grow out.

[frugalfred]

I guess it's down to semantics then, Sqad

[Sqad]

\\\ The term "antibiotic" originally described only those formulations derived from living organisms but is now also applied to synthetic antimicrobials, such as the sulphonamides, or fluoroquinolones. The term also used to be restricted to antibacterials (and is often used as a synonym for them by medical professionals and in medical literature), but its context has broadened to include all antimicrobials. \\\

I hate quotes......;-)

[Sqad]

LOl..yes fred...I guess it is.

[malagabob]

Plenty of cutting back infected area and tea tree oil.

[bookbinder]

In February, 2014, one of my big toenails turned black. No apparent reason, and no discomfort. The GP seemed to be interested in it, but he asked me to bring in some clippings for analysis, which I did. Analysis revealed no infection, and that was that. A new nail began to form over the black part. After exactly one year, the black part had grown out. I didn't treat it with anything.

[CrapAtCryptics]

There is a laser nail treatment which allegedly only takes 2 treatments but it wont be cheap.

[tommy39]

look on the people's pharmacy .. i have toe nail fungus and what has improved it for me is white vinegar and water 50/50 soak for approx 30 min every day to start with,also listerene and vicks vapour rub . i tried the latter two with limited success. i think it's trial and error, but these appear to be better than prescribed treatments. good luck with it. forgot to mention the vinegar soak can be used more than once

[Jennykenny]

I'm with malaganob, bring out the Tea Tree Oil- get the 100%, and apply two drops a day.
If you do go down that route, cheapest is in the Saver shops - about £1.00 for normal (ie small) bottle. Don't for heavn's sake accidentally throw one in the trolley in Waitrose and find that you have paid over £5.00 for the same thing(!) ouch!

[potty64]

Thanks for all the positive answers. I didn't expect a debate on antiibotics! The doctor gave me some very strong antibiotics to take for 3 months with a warning that the fungal infection may come back so not wanting to risk liver infection, which is a possibility, tho is debateable (start another debate!) I'd much rather go down the alternative medicine road so thx those who suggested some! Off I go with fingers crossed (not toes)

[jomifl]

Ff, I don't think it is down to semantics but rather a misunderstanding. When I studied microbiology 50 years it was a given that antiobiotics were chemicals that affected living things(biota) of various types eg, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, unicellar organisms, etc.They could be derived from living organisms or be artificial. I think you are a victim of oversimplified explanations based on the story of their discovery.