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Vicks Vapor Rub for toenail fungus

Submitted by Lorna

Massage Vicks Vapor Rub on toenail and in a matter of days the toe nail will start turning dark in color.The dark color means the vicks is killing the fungus. As the toenail grows out you will cut the tonails and soon your tonails will not only look healthy but will be fungus free. My mother-in law told me about this and she was told to do this by her doctor.This works!

Visitors comments

why not? Comments By: vsop Why not simply cut the toe off? I did. TipKing says: Bit drastic.   DOCTOR'S RECOMMENDATION Comments By: WILLIAM STEWART MY DOCTOR SAID HIS PATIENTS HAVE HAD NO LUCK WITH PENLAC NAIL LACQUER. INSTEAD HE SAID HIS PATIENTS HAVE HAD 95 PERCENT SUCCESS WITH VICKS VAPOR RUB. I STARTED USING IT LAST WEEK AND IT'S TOO SOON TO TELL THE RESULTS. I RUB IT ON THE TOE AND UNDER THE NAIL, THEN WRAP SARAN WRAP AROUND THE TOE AND SECURE IT WITH MASKING TAPE. I DO THIS TWICE A DAY.   won't work Comments By: Richard I used Vick's for 6 months with no benefit whatsoever. Then I even tried Vaseline, thinking I'd got the suggestion wrong. Still it was of no benefit.   Vicks works! Comments By: Marsha There are a number of types of toenail fungus, and it may not work on all of them, but it seems to be working for mine. I massage it in twice a day. It also softens the bottoms of feet, and helps heal the tiny cracks in my fingers.   Vicks works but....... Comments By: chris My wife had fungus pretty bad on two toes. We bought the Wal Mart version and it cleared up great !! Lot cheaper with same great results saving $$$ Say what you want, but here it worked.   day one- Comments By: danielle I rubbed it into my toes last night and was completely surprised to find my one toenail completely dark this morning. I am defiantely keeping this going, even if the only benefit is that one toe being fungus free.   Vick's vapor rub Comments By: Kellie I asked my doctor about my nail fungus and she said that she had read in one of her medical magazines to use Vick's vapor rub and I tried it and my nail also turned dark. I will keep using it to make my nail go back to normal.   ? Comments By: Jay why would it turn dark? TipKing says: Maybe it is when it is dying   Want to comment on above Saran wrap thing Comments By: Sharon Above someone said they were using Vic's and then wrapping toe with saran wrap. Not sure if thats working for you but I heard the fungus grows when the nail isn't allowed to breath so this might be hurting your progress. (I'm forbidden from wearing nail polish for my recovery period for this reason) I asked Podiatrist about Vics when she prescribed a $15 creme starting with Tine something. She was evasive and snarky with me and said she never heard of it and why would it work. I had heard about it on Dr. Gott. I bought the damn creme but nail is taking forever to grow, its been a month, so hard to say if its working or not. But since I can't wear polish am glad it didn't get dark like I heard Vics does.   Give it time... Comments By: stargazer I used it for a few days and my nail turned a little dark. I stopped and it started looking thick again. I am going to try it for longer this time. I think people give up too soon.   VIck's Vapor Rub Comments By: Anonymous It's been 3 days now using Vick's Vapor Rub on my toenails and they are looking so much better. I may loose half of my large toenail because it was really bad and has now become detached. But...its color has changed from dark brown to a whitish color. My other toes had small yellow spots and they have disappeared. So far my nails have not turned black so I will continue to treat with vapor rub. When I can start wearing nail polish again?   Vicks works Comments By: anom Vicks worked wonders for me. Applied it to toenails once daily for two weeks. They now are fungus free, clear and healthy looking.   Vicks for nail fungus Comments By: Sandi I used it on a finger nail fungus and it worked in a couple weeks. Amazing.   Hurrray Comments By: John I have tried everything I could to get doctor to prescibe me to get rid of my fungus lingering on for about 4 years . I overheard a converstaion at his office about VIck , looked it up on the net for verification tried it and WOW its working Im wearing sandles confident and happy , after a month's use .   Third Week Comments By: anon I'm into my 3rd week of rubing vic's into my toe nails. Can't tell if it's working yet or not, but one is getting dark. I'll keep at it.   Curious Comments By: Smp If your toenail is already dark and discolored from the nail fungus and you're using the Vick's Vapor rub, how are you to tell that the rub is working? Seems most have experienced the toenail becoming darker. Does the toenail get darker first and then clear up or have the natural coloring?   Vicks for Toe Fungus Comments By: Rosemary I've been using Vicks Vapor Rub Cream for three months now on both of my big toes and have seen a dramtic difference. It's been working for me and have been telling everyone to try it.   The 'cure'? Comments By: Anon Distilled vinegar twice a day will have similar effects. Most important is not to miss an application.   Vicks didn't work for me Comments By: Disheartened I have had a nail fungus on one of my big toes for years. I started using Vicks about tree years ago. My entire nail has come off twice, but as soon as it grows back, the fungus is still there. Don't be fooled into thinking you are cured after several months because it takes up to a year for a nail to completely grow back. I have a sensitive stomach or I would have gone to a podiatrist years ago to take the medication needed. Yes, the Vicks helps the look of the nail and you will think you are cured, but once you stop taking it, I guarantee it will return with the nail fungus there.   Vicks works Comments By: Jeanne My great toenail was accidently ripped partially off, surgery took the rest off. I was told it would never grow back. But it did, deformed and fungal.It developed a black area at the base. My doctor told me to live with it. Someone told me about Vicks. I applied it 3 times a day for about 5 weeks.It slowly detached, and as it did I stuffed Vicks under the nail as well as around it. This morning I cut thru the white membrane type of tissue holding it on. This left this white tissue covering the nail bed. Should I continue with the Vicks or start using an anti fungal cream?   Re: Disheartened Comments By: Mom of twelve you will get it back if you don't get new shoes cause it lives on in your shoes, so you really reinfect yourself.   Vicks works! Comments By: tammy Both my Mom and Uncle had nail fungus and they stuffed it under their nails every night. My Mom had it on her thumb nail too so you really need to make sure it is right before you go to bed. The Vicks will melt down under your nail bed while you are sleeping. Both are free and clear so if you are willing to give it a try, this has no side affects and great results. You must be patient though and be consistent!   You need just a little more Comments By: Anon I have been using vicks for my toenails, and they have been getting darker. I am waiting for them to look healthy again, but my podiatrist told me something I never thought of adding to the mix. Since the fungus is usually caused by a bacteria, make sure that your feet are clean and dry after your shower. If you have athletes foot, make sure you are working to get rid of that because that is where a lot of toe fungus comes from, and spray your shoes often with Lysol to kill any germs. Hope the extra suggestions help.   I was Skeptical Comments By: Rox My son first got it at two years old because his father has it and it is very contagious. We tried everything nothing worked. We tried Lamisil and it was risky because it causes liver damage and under warning says you can die from taking it!! My grandmother recommended he try Vicks. I thought it was a dumb idea but I was willing to try anything to help my son's toe nails look better! it started darkening and now it is clear!! It is amazing. When I told his pediatrican he laughed like it I was lieing wierd how the doctor thinks it its a joke! I am suprised myself. His nails were very bad thick that the toe clipper couldn't get through and a musty yellow color. It has been 2 years that we've used it and only two toenails look like it still has a little fungus on it. Very impressed with the results!   Vick's Vapor Rub Appears to be Working Comments By: carolyn Well, up until three years ago, I had never been bothered with dark toenails. One day I put my daughter's sandal on to go outside and check the mail,and vavoom! a few days later my nails turned dark. I was horrified. So I went online to read about homemade ointments that would clear it up. I saw Vick's Vapor Rub and I tried it and it really works. My toenail began to get clearer in just one week. I stopped using it and the darkness has reappeared. I will try using it a little bit longer this time.   i really hope this works Comments By: cathy i started the vics last nite on my 2 big toes and the toe next to them. im taken my kids to florida in october and i hope to god i dont have to wear gym shoes on the beach. im gonna give it a week and see. then let my poor 18 year old daughter try it. ill be back in a week. r   Toenail fungus & Vicks Vapor Rub Comments By: Optimistic!!!! I went to the doctor paid a $25. copay and only spent 15mins. for the doctor to tell me to use vicks Vapor rub on my toenail fungus which developed as a result of longstanding atheletes foot. I used it last night for the first time and haven't noticed any results but my doctor suggested that I use it once a day at night for 6 months in order to clear up the infection. Hope this works, but I am very optimistic about it!!! :)   ?????SHOULD I WEAR SOCKS WITH VICKS????? Comments By: chandra I'm starting to use vick's after many recommendations...but should I wear socks? I mean...I don't want them in the open 'cuz DUH...I'm embarassed by them and I don't want my loaded vick's feet walking everywhere and getting my sheets and stuff full of it. Is it ok to wear socks? and someone said get new shows 'cuz it grows in there...well you'll always have to get new shoes then...everyday..so I hear you should spray anti-bacterial stuff in there. ANY THOUGHTS?? TipKing says: Spraying your shoes is a good idea and I think that wearing socks is okay   what am I doing wrong Comments By: Judy I have been using Vicks for about a month. The big nails are looking better, but I now have 2 other toenails on one foot that the nail is coming off. Please help. My nails never did turn dark.   does it really work? Comments By: jenny have had nail fungus on my big toe and now is on another. Have tried tree tea oil and seems to make the nail very soft almost to come off then nothing happens. Is it going to be like that with Vicks?   help Comments By: suzie I been using vicks vapor rub for 2 months now. I dont see any new toe nail growing out. But boths my 2 big toe nails are coming off. I get up each morning I notice more of the nail as gone, due to using vicks. Is it suppose to eat the nail down. will the nail be completely gone then the new nail comes out. someone please let me know if this is happening to anyone. let me know if this is good or not.   Vicks-Generic Brand Comments By: Arizona I have been using vicks vapor rub the generic brand for about 2 weeks and applying it twice daily and I see results already, I cant wait until a couple of months and I am fungus free:)   Time to start again Comments By: Lynda Hi I have tried everything for my yuk toe nails including distilled vinegar. This worked to an extent but required application twice daily. It seemed to control the fungus but not eradicate it altogether. I have not used it for some time and guess what? The fungus is back as good as ever. I will try the Vicks remedy, starting today and keep my fingers crossed   acryllic nail fungus Comments By: Magnolia Hey fungi-family! I have acryllic nails and have gotten a fungus under one of my nails. It is lifting about to the halfway down point. I have spent big money on what my nail salon sells as fungus killer but to no avail. I just got the Vicks last night and I have to admit that my nail looks a bit improved. I just shove it up under the lifted edge and massage in on top and around my cutcile. I can't really take my nails off because a good manicure is one of the requirements of my job. (Seriously.) I hope it will still work under these. Has anyone treated with Vicks and kept their fake nails on? Good liuck everybody! I wish we could post before and after pictures. I also heard Tilex works...I guess that will be next if this doesn't do it!   RE: Magnolia Comments By: Stephanie hey I had acrylic nails and it ended up hurting the fungus...I would try and get rid of the nails!!!   7 yr. old with fungus Comments By: Tanya My daughter has gotten this fungus from her daddy. He has had it for years and we have tried many "remedies" to no avail. Even the "guarenteed" ones do not work! My daughter has gone through 2 huge tubes of prescribed meds and nothing. I called her Doc. today and said I wanted a referal to a foot Doc. That is when they told me about Vicks. They also said Listerine would help. Both are always in our home so I hope that something will get rid of it. My family might be free....finally!   Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus Comments By: Sharon I was prescribed several expensive treatments for my toenail fungus. To my dismay none of them worked. My younger sister passed on a little tidbit about using Vicks Vapor Rub for the problem as well as other problems. It is working!!!! I did a little research and it appears that one of the inactive ingredients is Thymol. I understand that this is the main ingredient to honor it's effectiveness against nail problems.   Vicks Worked for me Comments By: Hiker I have had thick yellow toenails for about ten years. I took Lamisil twice with temporary improvement and no change from the prescription nail polish. One of the women I work with suggested Vicks and I started 6 months ago. One of my big tonenails is almost completely grown out normal. The other one was a little slower to start to grow normally, but I can see some nomral nail at the base. One of the little toes next to my big toe started to look yellow and thick, so I upt Vicks on that one for a month and it looks great. I know from losing my toenails due to the fungus in the past that I take almost a year to grow a big toenail, so I'm optimistic.   vapour rub Comments By: alan tried all sorts over a year - drops of bleach applied with qtip which seemed to cause changes - too powerful though and too dangerous to skin and the carpet !tried canesten anti fungal - useless, germolene antiseptic - helped but it came back after 3 months while still treating - switched to generic vapour rub 3 weeks ago and looking good !saw changes in 2 days all the 'angryness' has gone out of the nail and no yellow streaks in recent growth..camphor and turps seems main ingredients... cutting nails very short too   Lets hope that 'Vicks' works for me.... Comments By: Anon Have been reading all the comments. I have had really severe nail infection on all 10 toes for about 15 years now. All nails are deformed, thick and yellow. Have tried Leucatin from the US but didn't work abit. Feel totally embarassed and never go anywhere without socks on. Will start trying the Vicks tonight !!! Don't have nothing to lose..   trying it Comments By: Derrick Well, I have had this discoloured nails and nails crumbling for a couple of years now, never found a decent solution to it, tried various creams and potions, so I'm going to try this vapour rub, but as my local supermarket didnt have any I have got their own brand, I dont know if its the same, but it smells like it, so may as well give it a try (well until either the fungus goes or the store brand runs out) got this other stuff, smells pretty much the same, but I bought it in Thailand, it fdor sore muscles, looks a yellowy colour and is a stonger smell, but pretty much the same (and it cost about 40pence, for the same size jar) I have nothing to lose but my fungus and god awful nails (havent been able to trim them, they just crumble away, and I just empty my socks) Anyone had GOOD results with this vapour rub though ?   Anyone heard of this ? Comments By: Derrick been browsing the websites for a cure for nail fungus and I found this stuff Luecatin, anyone else heard of it ? Anyone had any decent results from it ? It doesnt seem cheap ($67 a 4oz bottle) I've had no results with tea tree oil or vinegar, but my nails are changing colour with this store brand vapour rub and the stuff I got from Thailand (I cant understand the label, its all in Thai)   It works Comments By: P and P I was on an oral Lamisil for one year as part of a research study in NYC. I was required to have blood tests almost monthly to check for any poitential liver disease. The doctor proudly informed me after the year it was cured, only to find a reoccurance several months later. VICKS WORKS! Thanks for the TIP, tipking!   I would never have believed it Comments By: Jean London Have had fungus on my big toe for several months and on finding your site tried Vicks Vapor Rub starting just two days ago. Already there is a difference, its actually disappearing before my very eyes. Many thanks.   Try tea tree oil Comments By: sak I'm about to start treating my big toenail fungus. I've heard vicks rub, tea tree oil, and distilled vinager fights fungus. I will try all (separately) until the fungus is gone.   VICKS VAPOR RUB Comments By: DD ROSS I HAVE HAD NAIL FUNGUS ON TOE AND FINGER NAILS. I HAD THEM ABOUT 3-4 YRS NOW. I TRIED MOSTLY EVERYTHING. I EVEN TRIED WHITE IODINE. I HAD NOTHING. SO MY DOCTOR SAID TO TRY VICKS. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT A WEEK AND ALL MY NAILS ARE GETTING DARK. I HAVE NOTICE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THEM. I WOULD TELL EVERYONE TO TRY THIS.   Got a question? Comments By: dawn If VapoRub works for toenail fungus, will it help clear up athletes foot?   doc said to try it Comments By: isus All 10 of my mom's toes have fungus. The doc told her to use Vicks. So, going to start it tonight.   Thymol is the common ingedient Comments By: Scottie The reason vicks and listerine work is that they have a common ingredient which is thymol. You can also purchase Amoresse Thymol which I think has a higher concentration of the thymol just under 2%. Im not sure how how much vicks has. Listerine has about .67%   VICKS WORKS! Comments By: sweetgirl27 Vicks works I got rid of my fungus and also heard from a friend of mine that his hair is growing back by applying garlic juice to his bald spot every night for three months, sounds crazy but it's growing back! Who needs drugs.   Will Try! Comments By: Anon I have a real bad toenail and I am so embarrassed. My first time dorming in college was the worst. I am totally going to try it because I am afraid it will spread. Thanks all for the tip.   Vicks or no vicks Comments By: Round Rock Mom I have decided to try vicks vapor rub for a cure for severe toenail fungus. This is a problem that I have had for 15 years. I have had the Lamisil prescription it did not help and made me dehydrated. I have also applied plain unflavored Yogart and Apple Cider Vinegar to my toes. Each seem to help, but nothing has completely solved the issue. This is day three of my application of Vicks at night, and I discovered that when I rubbed my toes there were dead particles of fungus coming out if the pours. The yogart did this at first too. I will get back with you in a month and tell you my results.   LEUCATIN Comments By: Sara I tried Leucatin, but had an allergic reaction to it. Nothing too drastic - just put it on my toe once and all night my toe throbbed and was red and puffy. I'm maybe not the best person to answer since it seems I have a sensitivity to Leucatin. However, I have read many good results. Oh, and once you've purchased Leucatin and if it doesn't work for you, you can return it within a year for a full refund. Hope this helps!   Vicks for fungus Comments By: Grandma I saw my primary physician yesterday concerning a toe nail that I was certain had a fungal infection. I was concerned about being put on one of the prescription meds as they are hard on the liver as I am already on a lot of medication. You can imagine my surprise and amuzement when she told me to get a big jar of Vicks. I double checked with my home health visiting nurse about it. She laughed and said that it cleared up her husband's foot and three infected toes. I guess I am buying several jars of Vicks. LOL. My doc said that many primary docs have been recomending Vicks for several years but this is something that the pharmacutical companies have been fighting, big time. Who knew?????   Vicks Comments By: P I had toe fungus (not very severe) and the Vicks is working very well! There is a clear line of demarcation and I can see it is growing out healthy and pink. Just keep them short, clean them, wear socks and shoes, and use Vicks twice a day. I was surprised myself, but its great!!   I have to try this! Comments By: Misty I've had toenail fungus on all toes on my left foot for about 3 years. I've been to my dermatology doc and he gave me some creme first since I was trying to get pregnant and didn't want to take such a risk with Lamisil. After my son was born last March, I was put on oral Lamisil for 3 months. I noticed no change at all. Incidentially, my liver enzymes were up a bit during this time, but nothing to be concerned about. Either way, I just decided that Lamisil didn't work. I had heard someone mention Vick's and just passed it off thinking it was a load of poo. You all have changed my mind. I hope and pray that this is the answer. I am going to stop by the store on the way home from work tomorrow and pick up a big ole jar and have at it. I haven't been able to wear open toed shoes in public in years. Now that I have a little one, I want to be able to dress in flip flops and sandals for our outings. I pray that I have the same results as everyone here...even if I have to keep putting the Vick's on every day for the rest of my life. It'd be worth it to be able to wear a pair of shorts or capris this summer with sandals instead of having to wear socks and tennis shoes and look like a dork.   After 30+ years....it's working. Comments By: Scott Greenfield Have had foot fungus for over 30+ years from military boot camp. Tried Vicks Vapo Rub and after 30 years the toe nails have bgun to clear. The brown will disappear in time.   Vic's on the toe of a 5 year old... Comments By: Curious in CA ... after 5 years of a nasty looking big toe nail (he was born this way andit has never grown) I took him to a pod. doc. oc says its a bad case and suggested trying Vics... and if it does't woprk, my son needs tohave toe nail removed (big deal, since this doc would totaly put my son under anesthesia for the procedure!).... we started the Vics... but three days later his toe is red, puffy and looks angry... I'm thinking I should cenase the Vics... anyone else seen similar reaction.. perhaps this means it's working?? HELP> *)   Vick's and oxygenated water Comments By: Max Well just tried the vick's treatment for 2 weeks and it's gone... I had to give my feet an oxygenated water bath everynight because I had a calous on my feet and this works, i don't know if the oxygenated water helps or anything,don't actually know, but I do know that most people forget that oxygenated water helps in many cases and is the cheapest product ever.   Lost two..one to go Comments By: Toenailless Wonder Lost two toenails...one to go...big toenail still hangin' on. Will Vick's help it fall off?? I'm avioding going to the doc if I can help it.   I smell too Comments By: don Trying it . Have had fungus for a few years, so nothing to loose. Will let you know   Vicks Works for me Comments By: XQUISIT ONE I have had dark toenails as far back as i can remember (lil kid) and i researched everything a few years ago and i decided to go to my primary care to get the medication sporonox which i can say it did clear half of each nail on both feet and did not return however never cleared all the way i have never been able to wear flip flops etc that expose all the toes unless i had covered the nails with dark polish so i would try anything not dangerous to my health to have that experience. Moving along, i ran across this and other discussion boards that several fungus victims have commented on vicks and tea tree oil (tea tree oil 2-4 daily and vicks vapor rub 2-3 daily) so i decided to try. Results thus far, i applied vicks the first night and after showering the next morning i took a good look at them and noticed a couple toes were clearer than the day before :-) so i will continue to apply even if it means for the rest of my life (lol) i also apply tea tree oil 3-4 times daily (whenever i think about it) and did a smaller dosage of bleach soak (two caps of bleach and filled foot spa halfway with warm water). well guys and gals i hope the best for us all to have the perfect or close to perfect clear nails were searching for since it is a personal complex with how we feel about oue selves (can't leave the lil toes out :-). I WILL RETURN IN A WEEK TO KEEP YOU POSTED AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL   It seems to be working. Comments By: Optimistic I have been using the Vics for about a month now and I can already tell a big difference. My husband is also using it, but not as noticable of a change. He is the one who gave this to me to begin with. Hopefully it will continue to work!   Vick's and White Vinegar Comments By: Kathy I had a bad fungus on my big toenail. This is what worked for me: First, wash the toes and feet with hot soapy water. Dry well. Soak toes for at least 30 minutes in distilled white vinegar (you can buy a gallon of it at Wal-Mart for $1.50). Let the area dry naturally. Before bed, I load up the Vick's (again, Wal-mart brand works just as well) all over the nail and at the base of the nail where new growth comes from, using a Q-tip. Cover it lightly with a bandaid so the gunk doesn't get all over the sheets. In the morning, take off the bandaid and shower. It's been 2 months, and the fungus growth has stopped. The new nail growth is clear and pink!!!   vicks user Comments By: llee I have used vicks for 2 days should I not have the polish on?   HOPE IT WORKS!!! Comments By: tamirra My dads going to try it tonight, the stuff the docs gave him never did and he used it for about 6 months, so keeps all crossed for this working.   vics helps nail grow faster Comments By: Anon I've had my nails fall off a couple of times. It usually takes about two years (!) for it to grow completly back. I started putting vicks on it the last time it came off and it took only a year for it to grow back. I'm not sure the fungus is gone though. It looks a little bit better, but time will tell if this nail hangs on.   vick vapor rub Comments By: april i went to see my doctor about the hard dry skin on my feet, he told me to use vicks vapor rub on them every night for five days. just rub it on and wrap it in saran wrap, then put on a sock. its only been 1 day for me and i already see a difference in my foot. it is softer and smoother. only down side is my foot smells like vicks even after it is scrubbed.   Can so many users be wrong? Comments By: Lynn I got a nasty toenail fungus after I was cut during a pedicure. Never had any problems before. That was two years ago. I went to my regular doctor and was sold a product called Restore AF. It did nothing. After a year and a half of painting over them so no one would know, I went to a foot doctor. He prescribed Lamisil. I thought I had found my cure. The nail grew out beautifully. But 6 weeks after I ended treatment I noticed a dark area forming at the base of the nail...IT'S BACK!!!! I am starting VapoRub today. I live in South Florida so my toes are on display year round. I hope so many happy Vicks users can't be wrong. I'll let you know if it works for me.   Worked For Me Comments By: nice nails I had one nail with a light case of fungus and Vic's cured it in a couple months. My big toe was much worse, it's now been about 18 months (I put Vics on the nail in the morning and before bed) and I can finally say it looks completley normal (for the last 6 or 8 months it has looked very good, just not perfect) My nail never turned black. My podiatrist told me she has never seen it work before. I'm sure the reason it worked is I rarely missed a day.   Day 3 Comments By: Sadie So after reading all the comments, I thought I would try it. And I have to say, I'm a little shocked that something as simple as this is working!! I have it on three nails, and one of them (the one thats been bad for longest) has started to go brown. I'm spraying my shoes as suggested, and doing the Vicks morning and night. I'll keep you updated!!! Sadie   Vicks cured my severe toe nail fungus Comments By: Rudy Puhalla I had severe fungus on my toe nails. A podiatrist recommended that I use vicks vapor rub. My toe nails were actually black and miraculously they are white again after 6 months of daily applications. I can't thank him enough.   Seems to be helping Comments By: anon Have had a discoloured large toe-nail for a while but was ignoring it stupidly. thought it may vitamin deficiency..then heard a friend mention fungus so checked out the chemist who mentioned medication and creams ..very expensive and worried about side effects..saw the Vicks thing on internet and have been using for couple of weeks and although it hasn,t turned black it has improved.. it seems to have lightned the yellow colour and slowly disappearing up the nail to the top.. hope that is a good sign and now have to get something for my shoes to spray in.. hope to clear it by the summer.. keep you posted.   Slight modification to Vicks regimen Comments By: Oreganoguy In order to enhance efficacy of Vicks regimen, add a few drops of PURE oil of oregano. Pure oil is very potent, so mix drops incrementally, until the desired strength is achieved.   Are our shoes the culprit? Comments By: Anon I started using Vicks several weeks ago and see new pink smooth nails emerging on all of the nails on my toes that had a fungus. I too have used Lamisil and had new nails emerge, but had the fungus return not only on the original toe but several others. I have worn sandals almost exclusively for my entire life because I live in South Florida, but this last winter spent several months travelling in the north and wore one pair of closed toe shoes. I wore those shoes several times a week after returning from my trip and now I am convinced that the shoes themselves may be the culprit for the spreading of the fungus to my other toes. Does fungus live in your shoes? Does anyone know? If you have one infected toenail and cure your infection can you get it back by just wearing shoes that you wore while your toenail was infected? That would seem to be an answer for why so many people in this post are getting re-infected. Should we just throw out shoes that we wore while our toenails were infected?   vicks works Comments By: Please Believe it! first my left big toe started to turn yellow then dark.. then my right.. that was about 7 years ago/..( good lord its been that long..) I want to wear sandals and am so embarrased.. I never go to the beach and have been in a long term relationship with a man who has never seen my feet.. in any even I tried the vicks and it did start to work noticeably the very same day.. I have been washing them, soaking them in listerine, drying them, then caking on the vicks like its nobodys business.. who care about the smell, just to be able to see them lightening up a bit more each day is a dream come true.. I cant wait until the end result.. my Doctor was the one who recommended.. I didnt believe her and took a while before I tried it.. I should have tried it then, I would have been all clear by now..   Only wish it was quicker!! Comments By: Daphne I too had disgusting big toe nail rot thanks to previous job but thanks to you guys tried Vics and WHAMMO nails are growing (SLOWLY) back fresh and lovely. One part of nail in the middle wants to break off but think I shall leave it and just continue to apply vicks and foot powder twice daily after bathing.   Vicks Vapor Rub at the tips of my big toe nails Comments By: Jason Williams I use it under the tip of the front of my toenails and it stopped the thickening and seperation. I agree that you should do it at night with little white socks on very clean, very dry toes. I only had the fungus very mildly on the big toes only I also blow dry my feet after every shower, including the toes and between the toes. My feet look very good and my nails look perfect.   Hopeful Comments By: Anon I seem to have a fungus (hard to tell!) on a few nails. The nail on one big toe stopped growing a few years ago (maybe it's not really a fungus, and is a result of trauma to the toe, e.g. tight shoes...?), and there is a space between the nail and the nailbed. Took Lamasil for 3 months, no results. I've been using grapefruit seed extract (pure)for the past 6 weeks. I thought the fungus was getting worse, because some areas of my nails have become dark, but after reading your postings, maybe it is working after all. In any case I will start using Vicks today. Does anyone have any experience with nails that have stopped growing? If it's a fungus, will the nail start growing again if I use Vicks?   excited Comments By: Caroline I had fungal toenail for over 30 years tried vinager for a couple of months and nothing, started vick's yesterday no change yet but feel it working, if nothing happens ive heard bleach is good.   The Doc. Confirmed this is real Comments By: Snoopy My 12 year old daughter has nail fungus. I now have it too. We went to a dermatolgist who told us to use Vics vabor rub on the infected toes 2 X Daily (AM and PM). The nails that have the fungus are turning black around the cuticle and under the nail.   The best cure for toenail fungus Comments By: June Holland Hi everyone. Its true that some simple home remedies don't do much for nail, toenail and foot fungus. I'v written a number of articles on the subject because i myself was a toenail fungus sufferer. I'v written articles related to the subject, eg http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/toenail-fungus-cure-451742.html be patient, it takes 30 seconds to load and also how i cured my own toenail fungus which can be found at http://nailflora.com/howicuredtoenailfungus.html. I also have a Squidoo page on the subject at http://www.squidoo.com/toenail_fungus_sufferer To all your success!   getting surgery in 2 days Comments By: anon I have surgery scheduled and have never heard to use this vapor rub before! Should I cancel the surgery and try this? Please answer this! TipKing says: There is no guarantee that vapor rub works. As you can tell by the different feedback that this site receives   continue how long? Comments By: anon Do you keep putting the vapor rub on indefinately after the good toenail is growing out, or would that keep it black?   Vics has tree oils and turpentine Comments By: ken I have bad toes but recently they look better. I've tried: bleach, apple cider vinager, tea tree oil etc. my toes nails always dried up and nothing seemed to work. The vics keeps my toes oily...and because of this it is easy to get under the toes and keep it there. I think the combination of tree oils and turpentine is a winner. I believe all of my toes look a lot better. I wear sandals now without hesitation. I am a big believer of vics. I put it on twice a day.   Starting Vicks Tomorrow Comments By: Donna I am going to give this a try. My toenails aren't that bad, but one one foot the nails are thick and discolored but not that bad. I hope that my toe nails don't have to fall off and grow back, I hope that they just clear up. BUT! If they have to come off to go back on beautifully....then oh well. I really hope this works I want to wear Sandals sooo bad.   I'll have to try it... Comments By: Anon I'll have to try the Vicks remedy soon, it'd certainly be cheaper than Terbinafine or Lamisil. I took oral RX Terbinafine from Sept. - Dec. 2007 and did notice the elimination of the foot fungus/terrible athletes foot I'd suffered with for the past few years. I've also had toenail fungus since 1998, which started when I was still in college! Anyway, even though the RX worked on the skin rash on my feet and was starting on my toenails, the entire time I had abdominal pains in my right side. I'd started the Terbinafine RX a week after finishing an antibiotic RX for a UTI/kidney infection, and for whatever reason I continued to have abdominal pains the entire time I took Terbinafine/Lamisil. I got tested by my doctor and he couldn't find any abnormalties in my liver, before and during the time I took the RX, but still I don't know why I had those issues...other than a possible reaction to the RX? My toenails have pretty much stayed the same, and the skin of my feet had stayed clear...until recently I've noticed a familar rashy area appear again along the side of my left big toe. I'm tempted to take the last 8 RX pills I have left, to see if that would clear up the rash(/fungus?) before it spreads all over my foot again, or should I just use hydrocordizone creme, or may OTC Terbinafine creme (if I can find it), or Vicks (which wuld be cheapest)? I can't afford another trip to the doctor plus another round of Terbinafine/Lamisil, especially if I have side effects like the last time!   Leucatin Not Effective - It's just overpriced Tea Tree Oil! Comments By: Nikki Several people have mentioned Leucatin. I tried it 2 years ago and used the entire bottle with very little effect. Don't waste your money on that stuff! All it is is Tea Tree Oil which you can purchase from Wal-Mart for a lot cheaper. I'm currently using the Vapo Rub and have had much more success, except my nails keep getting reinfected. I just found out about the chance of being reinfected by my shoes, so I'm going to begin spraying them down every night with Lysol. My feet sweat a lot so I'm also going to begin powdering my shoes and feet every morning.   Vicks for me! Comments By: Gigi Both of my big toes had a very bad case of fungas. Ugly toes. It's been 5 years since I've worn a sandel. I started using Vicks about 8 months ago and have stuck to the regimen daily. After I shower, I completely dry my nails and then put a big glump of vicks on the nails. The left big toe is now clear! yea! The right toe has about 50 percent clearness. It's taking a long time, however, I'm sure the right toe will catch up. My goal is to wear flip-flops next summer. It's worth giving a try. I use the wal-mart stuff because it's only a couple of dollars per bottle. Good luck to all of you...   Vicks and Advanced Dry Skin Lotion Comments By: Al Jonson Guess I will have to join the club. I too have started using Vicks day and night. Hope it works. My doctor suggested "Carmel" an advanced dry skin lotion. I put it on after leaving the gym, but I use the vicks at night. Something should give, i hope   Hopeful Comments By: Anon I went to my dermatologist and was told I have a fungal infection (only on one foot) She prescribed Lamisil, but I'm afraid to take it considering the potentially harmful side effects. Then, I read online about peroxide and vapor rub. I spray peroxide on my toenails and foot after my shower every morning, then at bedtime I apply vapor rub on my entire foot and wear a sock. I've only been doing this for about a week, but my toenails are already turning dark. I hope that's a good sign. I'll try to update later on the results.   I'm Over Here Now MR FUNGUS !! Comments By: Steg Lash I've had it on all 10 toe nails now for a coupla years, i tried the oral treatment and the lamsil and no result at all. It seems like toenail fungus is one of the most un researched problems around, i just wanted to look at one of those little fuguses under a microscope on google images and i found nothing ! i mean just to see what it is i'm actually at war with !! and i also reckon that the reason its so un researched is cuz the drug companies don't wanna just say 'yeah go and use vicks, that'll do it, its got Thymol in it' the bottom line is, they dont actually want to cure this fungus, just keep giving em the money for something (like Lamsil) that doesnt work....anyway i've been reading loads a stuff on the net about Vicks so i thought i'd give it a whirl. I got so fed up with this thing that i actually nearly took all my nails off, i got an industrial file and filed the nails down to almost nothing hoping those little bastards were screaming as i was doing it ! then i got a nail clipper and took away as much of the fungus as i could without actually causing myself to bleed, then washed my feet and simply applied vicks vapor rub with a brand new paint brush. I apply it twice a day and because i live in a very hot climate i wear flip flops whenever i can, at night i wash my feet, dry them, and apply another load, then wipe my feet with a tissue so just enough stays on and to not cover my wife in the stuff while we sleep. After 2 weeks, specially when i'm washing my feety it seems like the white fugus has stopped growing, but i think its gonna take patience for the whole nail to grow back and i reckon that the vicks also slows down the nail growth ..... so the key to this war is determination, perseverance and patience and eventually my friends.... you will see results.   Vapo Rub plus Tea Tree Oil Comments By: Harry I've been using a combination of Vapo Rub and Tea Tree Oil with great success for two months. I apply the Tea Tree Oil with a Qtip when I have to wear shoes and socks and during the evening I take off my shoes and go with the vapo rub. The results are great. The dark color thing I think relates only dirt being picked up when the vapo rub is applied.   Vick's works for me Comments By: Jim I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and have seen good improvements. I was freaked out about reading all the comments on the side-effects of lamisil so I figured why not give a $3.00 home remedy a try. I'm hoping I dont have to continue once the fungus is no longer among us.   adrenals and toenail fungus Comments By: Tchima I have had athletes foot for 4 years since the birth of my second child. Tea tree oil worked once, but then it resurfaced a year later. Lately, I have tried vinegar which seemed to help but not completely. Finally I visited the dermatologist who said the athletes foot probably came from the fungus in my little toe. I had not paid much attention to this as the nail is small and only a little yellow. So, I tried econazole nitrate cream for the athletes foot. It may have helped, but after two weeks I stopped as little bumps have surfaced under the skin. I have a call into the dermatologist to see if it could be an allergic reaction. I may try the Vics for the little toe so it does not spread for the others. I can not afford to throw away all my shoes, so what works for killing the fungus in shoes? Can VIcs help athletes foot? The reason I am writing is because I have a condition called adrenal fatigue. It is due to chronic stress and over time your "adrenals" get worn out and you do not produce enough ccrtisol, your bodies natural anti-inflammatory. I finally connected my adrenal insufficiency with the athletes foot/toenail fungus. I was reading in Dr. James Wilson's "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome" Book that adrenal problems open you up to being suseptible to foot fungus among other health problems. So for those of you with chronic fungus problems, you may want to find a naturopath who can talk to you about adrenal fatigue and get your cortisol levels tested (a simple test) or check out the book I listed above as it will get you on the right track. There are many nutritional and supplement ways to heal your adrenals, but I have had so many setbacks in my healing process that I am leaning to try small, phyiologic doses of bioidentical cortisol. I am hoping this will help get rid of the fungus. Fungus is everywhere, and I believe that if our immune systems are tip top, we will not contract these issues. I believe the fungus is a sumptom of a larger problems with hormonal balance, immune system etc. I have had a lot of random health issues and now I know they are all under the umbrella of a larger health issue. Okay, I know this is not a mainstream medical idea, but I think that it needs to be.