[shortandcute]

I know this is gross, but I've been dealing with toenail fungus for about 21 years. I've gone to the doctors about several times--and I would just get told "Get a pedicure if you don't like it." I've tried all kinds of natural and home remedies, but to no avail. I've had my recent doctor for about a year now, and finally went to him about it today. He gave me a script, and I hope it works! The only thing is that I have to get my kidneys checked every 3 months.

Would a pedicure prevent it?

[unaluna]

No we wont give you a pedicure if you have a fungus. Fungi are like unkillable and very catchy. Basically, cooties. Ive heard of spraying with vinegar every day to kill it. I would be scrupulous in taking care of it.

[shortandcute]

no a pedicure would not prevent it--the doctor who told me that thought i was only bothered by it for cosmetic reasons

I used tea tree oil and it worked really well.
warm thoughts

[Vossie42]

There is a laser therapy that is very effective at reducing or eliminating the fungus. It might even be covered by insurance now. I got my treatment for about $100 (half off). The fungus in the little toenails cleared up, but it took longer for it to clear up in the big toenails. A pedicure is the last thing you want done. In my case, the nail polish did not allow the nails to breathe, and the fungus got worse. If you really want to wear nail polish, get the kind that is made for those with nail fungus. It's called Dr.'s Remedy. It's about $15 a bottle. But it does come in many nice colors.

I'm really surprised that a doctor would tell you to get a pedicure. Was s/he a podiatrist? That was really irresponsible for you and for nail salons. Nail fungus can be transmitted through non-sterile equipment and foot baths. Not all salons clean their equipment as they should. And responsible salons will not give pedicures to those with nail fungus because it is so difficult to eradicate.

I know, nail fungus is gross to even think about. Showing off my yucky nails to the world is the last thing I want to do. I do it anyway, because I have found that wearing sandals every day helps curb the nail fungus and athlete's foot.

[lynn P.]

Last summer I accidentally ran over my big toe with my own shopping cart. It hurt but no bruising and the pressure was on the top of nail where it grows. I didn't think anything of it until I saw a darkened shadow on one side near the cuticle. A month later the nail started to lift off and split...then started looking typically discolored. I think I damaged the nail bed which caused the abnormality and then the fungus. I normally have really nice looking feet and never had a toenail fungus. I was embarrassed but really we all have natural fungus on our bodies which just need the right conditions to grow.

Went to a Dermatologist and he gave me 3 choices:

- use a special nail lacquer and every 7 days file a bit off the top of the nail and repeat.
- could go on the medication your doctor mentioned but would have to have blood tests because its potentially risky of causing liver damage. Some have even died so I didn't want to risk that.
- could go to a Podiatrist and get it surgically fixed but not guaranteed because I may have damaged the root.

So I went for the nail lacquer and keeping my fingers crossed. Make sure if you're on other meds, to tell your doctor and pharmacist to avoid more liver damage. Make sure you fully understand the risks of this medication. I agree going for a pedicure is the worst thing and could potentially spread this to other clients. The majority of nail fungus transmission is from unsanitary pedicures and gym floors. We own a spa and you would be surprised how many salons don't sanitize the bowls and use the tools without cleaning - imagine a person with fungus, then using the same tools on another client. Make sure you let the toes breath as Vossie42 said. I really hope this nail lacquer works and will look into the laser treatment. I also got Cellulitis infection few months ago from having a vulnerable nail. After having nicer than average feet I hope this goes away soon.

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by Vossie42

There is a laser therapy that is very effective at reducing or eliminating the fungus. It might even be covered by insurance now. I got my treatment for about $100 (half off). The fungus in the little toenails cleared up, but it took longer for it to clear up in the big toenails. A pedicure is the last thing you want done. In my case, the nail polish did not allow the nails to breathe, and the fungus got worse. If you really want to wear nail polish, get the kind that is made for those with nail fungus. It's called Dr.'s Remedy. It's about $15 a bottle. But it does come in many nice colors.

I'm really surprised that a doctor would tell you to get a pedicure. Was s/he a podiatrist? That was really irresponsible for you and for nail salons. Nail fungus can be transmitted through non-sterile equipment and foot baths. Not all salons clean their equipment as they should. And responsible salons will not give pedicures to those with nail fungus because it is so difficult to eradicate.

I know, nail fungus is gross to even think about. Showing off my yucky nails to the world is the last thing I want to do. I do it anyway, because I have found that wearing sandals every day helps curb the nail fungus and athlete's foot.

no, actually, i did NOT want to go get a pedicure--the doctor i had at the time had no idea what she was doing--she lost a lot of patients because of that. I have a friend whose son has a bad heart, and this same doctor told the mom that it was all in their heads, and it could be fixed simply by drinking more water, and that doctor took him off his heart medication.