By Sam Fowler, PMAC, Office Manager Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates
For two months we have busted common foot product myths including products that claim to treat bunions and hammertoes as well as socks and shoes that claim amazing results. We busted or confirmed claims on foot slings, socks, spreaders, and even shields. This month is all about fungus! We have four products that patients commonly use to treat onychomycosis, more commonly known as toenail fungus. These products are not designed specifically to treat this condition, but as fungus is one of the most common podiatric problems patients suffer from, it’s easy to understand why people try some at-home remedies.
Product: Vick’s Vapo Rub
Verdict: BUSTED
Facts: Vick’s Vapo Rub does not kill toenail fungus. However, just as Vick’s will open up your nose and help you breathe easy, it also helps to open up the pores in your nail. The nail is porous, so using Vick’s can help open up the pores, allowing for deeper penetration of topical medication. Vick’s usage for toenail fungus has been such a common misconception that the company actually had to add a FAQ online addressing this mistaken belief (www.vicks.com/faq/)!
Product: Vinegar
Verdict: BUSTED
Facts: Vinegar does not kill toenail fungus. What it does do though, is help to soften the nail bed, again allowing for easier penetration of fungal medication. Keep the vinegar in the kitchen, not in the medicine cabinet!
Product: Garlic
Verdict: CONFIRMED
Facts: Not the verdict you were expecting, right? Believe it or not, garlic bulb extract is an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent that works synergistically with vitamin C to help kill harmful germs. Dr. Oz, “America’s Health Expert,” has raved about the use of garlic on nails on his show. He recommends adding chopped garlic to a bottle of nail polish, let it “stew” for 7 to 10 days and then paint onto nails for stronger nails. Rather than bothering with a clove of garlic and smelling like a vampire killer, we suggest that you simply use nail polish that already has garlic formulated into it.
Product: Tea Tree Oil
Verdict: CONFIRMED
Facts: Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil containing antiseptic and antifungal qualities. It is made from tea tree leaves native to southeast Australia. Don’t confuse the tea tree with the tea plant used to make black and green teas. Just like with garlic, we recommend purchasing a nail polish that has tea tree oil infused in it to help with the treatment or maintenance of toenail fungus.
If you have questions about your nails take the guesswork out of it and visit your podiatrist who can properly evaluate your condition, provide expert advice, and recommend treatment that works.
For help with any foot or ankle pain, you may contact Dr. Melissa Lockwood at 309-661-9975, or www.heartlandfootandankle.com. Their office is located at 10 Heartland Drive in Bloomington and she offers evening and weekend appointments. All the products they carry come with a no-questions-asked 100 percent money back guarantee.
The previous “busted” articles can be found online at
www.HealthyCellsBN.com.
Photo credit: anyaberkut/Thinkstock