Feral fungal toe nails

[Jane_s]

a distasteful subject I know but I'm in week 39 of 48 and for about the last 2 months I have developed a fungal infection under one of my toenails. Apparently one of the causes of this type of infection is when your immune system is low, well hello -that is just one of my many side effects. I've been using the correct anti fungal stuff for this problem but to no avail. HAs anyone else had this problem, anyone got any solutions, or do I just wait out the next 9 weeks until my immune system starts to pick up again... thanks guys

[TnHepGuy_]

I'm sorry to hear of your sx. I had/have a surface-skin fungal infection that occured around the same point of my tx as yours has. I have been putting an anti-fungal cream on it for months now - and the best I can do is keep it in semi-check.

It's now 5 1/2 weeks since I've ended tx and I think my immune system is just beginning to get to the point of being able to work on the infection in conjunction with the ointment. Though it's been so long now that I wouldn't be surprised to see the low-grade infection continue on for a fair amount longer.

If you can, go and see a dermatologist and explain that your immune system is compromised. Ask for the strongest medication that works against your particular infection - of course always checking with the doctor, pharmacist and drug company to be sure of it's toxicity (or lack there of) upon the liver.


Hopefully, you can knock this out real soon - or at least keep it in check until your immune system rebounds.


TnHepGuy

[retired 98]

I have not done treatment, but have had experience with toe nail fungus.  It it difficult to treat and the only effective treatment that I have found are oral perscription medicines.  These are very liver toxic.  On one occasion, I developed drug induced hepatitis as the result of taking one of these drugs.  My bloodwork went crazy and my skin turned yellow.  Everything returned to normal once I stopped taking the medicine.  This was before I had hcv.

I would suggest that you wait until you have finished treatment and cleared the virus before considering these medications.

[Ambush]

I also acquired a fungal infection in a toenail during tx.  I'm 6 months post tx now and still can't get rid of it.  I'm using one of the liquid drug store "cures" to no avail.  I hesitate to ask for oral meds for it because of the liver consequences.  I just keep hoping it will resolve, but am not very optimistic. Maybe someone will come along with some ideas?
ambush

[Honey15637]

Yep,,,also got that and everyone is right,,,a prescription for it can not be great for liver.  I read somewhere that you could rub vicks right on toenail in morning and night and it takes awhile,,,about a month,,,doing this everyday...but it did clear it for me.  Yep,,,vicks vapor rub and its so much cheaper also!

[zitface]

An Old Time cure for toenail fungus is take a footbath and fill with 1 inch corn meal and enough warm water to cover toes... about another inch.  Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes nightly for a month.  It sounds hard to do, but it works.  My step dad did this and we could look at his feet without throwing up after a while.  His fungal infections were so bad, but this treatment worked.  I think my mom read about it in Reader's Digest.  good luck

[wkwithit]

There's something natural called Leucatin.  It's supposed to work....I saw it on TV.   Either that or Lamisil in pill form  but it csn br toxic to the liver and you have to take it for 6 months.

[DRAGON SLAYER]

Maybe I can propose a solution since I have suffered from a nail fungal infection during Tx & by using the below described product I resolved this problem.
Good luck all,
Ben

Ciclopirox Nail Solution

Active Ingredients: Ciclopirox Nail Solution
Representative Names: Penlac
Available Product Images:
What is ciclopirox nail solution?
What should my health care professional know before I use ciclopirox nail solution?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with ciclopirox nail solution?
What side effects may I notice from using ciclopirox nail solution?
What should I watch for while taking ciclopirox nail solution?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What is ciclopirox nail solution? (Back to top)
CICLOPIROX NAIL SOLUTION (Penlac™ Nail Lacquer Topical Solution 8%) is an antifungal solution for treating fungal infections on the nails or within the nail bed. Generic ciclopirox nail solution is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I use ciclopirox nail solution? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•taking corticosteroid medication (including steroid inhalers, cream, or lotion)
•diabetes mellitus
•history of seizures (convulsions)
•HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection
•immunosuppression or organ transplant
•large areas of burned or damaged skin (skin abrasions)
•peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ciclopirox, isopropryl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Ciclopirox nail solution is for external use only; do not take by mouth and avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly. Wash and dry your hands before use. Apply the nail solution as described below for the full course of treatment prescribed, even if you think the infection is getting better. Use at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not use this medicine for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed.

Every day of treatment:
1. Avoid contact with skin other than skin immediately around the treated nail(s).
2. Do not use regular nail polish or other cosmetic products on the treated nails.
3. Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or nail files as advised by your health care provider.
4. Twist open the screw cap of the ciclopirox nail solution bottle. To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the nail solution bottle, do not allow the solution to get on the outside of the bottle.
5. Apply ciclopirox nail solution once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush. Apply the nail solution evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, nail solution should also be applied to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Contact with the surrounding skin may produce mild, temporary irritation (redness). Allow the nail solution to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait at least eight hours before taking a bath or shower.
6. Close the nail solution tightly after every use to prevent it from drying out.
7. Repeat the process (steps 3 through 6) each day, applying a new coat of medication directly over the old coat.

Once a week:
1. Once a week, you will need to remove the ciclopirox nail coating completely with alcohol. You should file away (with an emery board) loose nail material and trim nails, as required, at this time. After filing, apply a new coat of ciclopirox nail treatment as above (steps 1—7).

Removal of the unattached, infected nail, as frequently as monthly, by a health care professional is needed with use of this medication.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or take extra doses without advice.

What drug(s) may interact with ciclopirox nail solution? (Back to top)
Other skin products may affect the action of ciclopirox. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply ciclopirox nail solution at the same site as other skin preparations without the advice of your prescriber.

What side effects may I notice from using ciclopirox nail solution? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•increased irritation (redness, itching, burning, blistering, peeling, swelling, oozing)
•infection gets worse

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•mild reddening of the skin
•temporary burning or stinging (mild) at the site of application
•nail discoloration

What should I watch for while taking ciclopirox nail solution? (Back to top)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms worsen. It is important not to use ciclopirox nail solution more often than prescribed.

Four to six months of treatment may be needed for the nail(s) to improve; some people may not achieve a complete cure or clearing of the nails by this time.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. If your nail infection returns after stopping using this product, contact your prescriber.

Do not get this solution in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Contact your prescriber if eye irritation occurs.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C); do not freeze. Protect from light by storing the bottle in the carton after every use. Caution: Flammable. Keep away from heat and flame. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.


Last Updated:02/09/2000

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.


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[cuteus]

it is very hard and takes committment. i also heard of the vicks cure.
i have been using an ointment on the nail Myco-triacet II. nytastin works also. all prescribed.  it takes months to clear it, but won't hurt the liver like the orals. mine was there before tx. i think the fungus is always lurking, waiting to pounce at the first chance.
one time i started a regimen of daily vit b complex 50 mg, vit c 500, vit a & d, and vit E, just to feel better. a month or so later a toe nail fungus went away, never to come back. 20 yrs ago.  i should try it again.. nice side effect.

[Lynne5477]

Yep, got the toenail fungus.  In fact, on one foot it spread to all the toenails, other foot just the big toenail.  Both my GI and my Internist said they did not think tx and the low WBC had anything to do with it.  Go figure.  Anyway, once I finished tx, I did get a RX for Lamisil.  You take it for 90 days and they test your LFTs every 4-6 wks while you are taking it.  I takes 9-12 months for new toenails to grow out.  Mine are now about 1/3 grown out with nice clear nails.
   My GI said this would have no effect on my SVR but it was a good idea to finish tx first in case the LFTs spiked.
   Suggest you check with your dr and see what you can get.
   I'm hoping mine are grown out enough by summer that I can wear polish and sandals this year.

Good luck to you.

[jevs2]

I had candida while on treatment. The only thing that worked for me was to cut out all yeast and sugar from my diet as this feeds the 'fungus monster'. So no bread and no fermented foods, mustard, vinegar, check labels on everything you eat. Best to steer clear of refined foods altogether.
Best wishes
Joanna