This Little Piggy
Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from onychomycosis?
That’s pronounced: onako-my-kosis. And if it doesn’t have a catchy ring to it, it’s far more appealing than calling it what it really is: toenail fungus.
Not pretty, but what can you do? This common problem affects more than 12 million Americans. And many HSI members too, judging from the numerous postings on the HSI Forum that have addressed this annoying health problem.
Recently, a member named Bill posted this typical question: “Does anyone know of a non-prescription way to clear up toenail fungus?”
The key phrase here is “non-prescription,” because one of the ironies of this condition is that it’s not harmful to your overall health, but the drugs used to address it definitely can be.
A stitch in time
You may have seen the TV commercial for a toenail fungus medication in which a cartoon fungus spore lifts up a toenail and burrows in under the nail where he and his fungus friends wreak havoc. It’s an uncomfortable image, but that’s about how it works. When your bare feet are exposed to damp conditions in public areas – such as locker rooms or swimming pools – a fungus called trichophyton rubrum can slip in under a toenail and begin growing. Damaged nails are most susceptible, and people who have immune system disorders, diabetes or a history of athlete’s foot are particularly vulnerable.
Toenail fungus can be unsightly, but it doesn’t hurt, and except for extreme cases it doesn’t create any health problems. But once a nail is infected, the fungus can spread to other nails, including fingernails, so it’s a good idea to treat it early, before it grows out of control.
Some of those toenail fungus commercials will lead you to believe that medication is the only way to treat the problem, but don’t you believe it. And, as I said above, the side effects for those medications are far worse than the fungus. They include headaches, nausea, rashes and even blood disorders. Liver damage is also enough of a danger that patients taking these drugs need to have their liver function tested during the medication period, which can take up to a year or more. That’s because toenails only grow a couple of millimeters each month, and the healing progresses at the same slow speed – whether you use a prescription or natural methods.
Fungus fighting oils
One of the most common natural treatments for toenail fungus is tea tree oil, which is discussed at length on the HSI Forum. A member named Lynn says that after trimming her nail back (easy to do when it’s in a deteriorating condition), she used a soft toothbrush to apply the oil twice each day. This process took nine months, but the nail eventually grew in just fine.
Lynn might have helped her cause by taking one additional step. In a Health e-Tips e-letter last year, Amanda Ross wrote about some of the safe treatments for toenail fungus recommended by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. Because it’s sometimes hard to get natural anti-fungals (such as tea tree oil and oregano oil) under the nail in sufficient concentration, Dr. Wright suggests applying DMSO, a natural solvent available at many natural food stores. Amanda writes: “DMSO carries the natural anti-fungal solutions right through the nail where they can start to work against the fungus.”
Amanda also notes that oregano oil appears to be the most effective natural anti-fungal, but cautions that it’s very strong. If it irritates surrounding skin, it can be diluted with a little olive oil to reduce potency.
Powerful stuff
In one of the toenail fungus threads on the HSI Forum, a member named Rosie says, “Dr. Wright recommends the good old fashioned topical antibiotic iodine for toenail fungus, specifically potassium iodide (SSKI).”
Rosie’s correct. Dr. Wright has written many times about how SSKI can inhibit or kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, and he highly recommends it in combination with DMSO for treating toenail fungus.
But SSKI use comes with a couple of warnings. Very few people are allergic to iodine, but those who are should avoid its use in any form, including SSKI. Iodine can also suppress thyroid function when taken for long periods of time. So to be on the safe side, consult with your doctor or a naturopathic healthcare professional before using SSKI. Those with thyroid conditions need to take special care in monitoring thyroid function while using this treatment.
And then there’s the sock problem. If you apply SSKI to your toes and then put on socks, the iodine may stain the fabric with an orangey-brown color. So if the appearance of your socks is a concern, take care to reduce contact with toes that are freshly treated with SSKI.
SSKI sometimes requires a prescription, but may be available without one in some compounding pharmacies and health food stores.
Getting off on the right foot
There are a couple of things you can do to help prevent onychomycosis from ever getting started. If your feet are regularly exposed to damp conditions, avoid using nail polish, which can help trap moisture beneath the nails. Keeping your feet clean and dry also helps, as does changing your socks or hosiery daily.
And by all means, at the first sign of toenail discoloration, flaking or deterioration, begin treatment immediately and you may avoid spending the next year with your feet smelling like oregano.
Sources:
“Could one bottle in your medicine cabinet hold the healing secrets for everything from cysts to toenail fungus?” Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Nutrition & Healing Newsletter, November 2002, wrightnewsletter.com
“Toe the Line” Amanda Ross, Health eTips, 1/30/03, wrightnewsletter.com
