Fungal nail infection

[Kate2628]

Can l just ask if anyone one has had to deal with a fungal nail infection while on methotrexate doctor wont give medication can’t buy anything from pharmacy while on methotrexate so not sure what to do any help would be appreciated thanks

[helixhelix]

It took at least a year, but I cured mine with Dr Organics Tea Tree Oil for fungal nails from Holland and Barratt. Needs patience! And a pain doing it every day but it did work.

[springcross]

Hi Kate. I agree with HH, Tea Tree oil is a really good antifungal and it also kills certain types of bacteria and viruses (externally of course). You could also try vinegar foot soak - one part vinegar to two parts water (I don't think this is wise if you are a diabetic). Good luck. x

[Neonkittie17]

I did develop a grotty thick middle toe nail but it was what was termed as “micro trauma” by a dermatologist I saw as there was some black on one of them. He looked at it under the UV microscope light and said it was simply dried blood under the nail and sure enough it grew out. (Always best to check on dark marks on nails.) The thickness and dark marks were from my toes bumping up against my inner shoe ends bashing them and making them thick and scaly. 😫 I had a couple of thicker nails painlessly filed down with a wet power file at the health centre but one always grows back thick. I have a phobia about anyone touching my feet but this lady was so good and fast! I had a clipping sent for analysis and there was no fungal evidence. I was told by a couple of doctors you have to be careful what to put on toenails as some anti fungal OTC products can affect the kidneys if used for a prolonged period. He didn’t object to me having a foot bath with a few tea tree oil drops in it. I file my own thick toe nail now (long oval emery board with a handle meant for your dry foot skin primarily, attached to a long ruler with sellotape🤪 (oh the things we do!) but not too harsh an abrasive that you can’t gently file. Takes time over a few sessions to slowly smooth it down carefully. I then dab Savlon over the nails to ensure they are clean and protected with once showered.

[Downtime]

I used Curanail from boots on one a few years ago and it was great. Took a couple of months to go completely.

[WillowsMother]

My husband and I have tried all the well known remedies and the only thing that has really helped is a bit bizarre, but it works... it's a dandruff shampoo called selsun. You gently tip/push a bit under the infected nail and leave it on every day until the fungal infection disappears. Works like magic! If you Google it, you'll find some people swear by head and shoulders too, but I think selsun has more of the active ingredient in it.

Hope you rid yourself of it soon!

[chalky1938]

Not had Methotrexate for years as it upset me so much and I lost a stone in weight and yes I did have fungal infection but it never cleared up hope this helps

[Egpa]

If you are under the hospital, why not give the nurse a ring, might surgest something else, I have not had this problem with mtx the only problem I get with mtx 25mg is my hair is going curley. I wonder if any one else has noticed this?

[Dayli]

Rubbing Vicks Vapour Rub into nails twice a day has been recommended by several people. My big toenails on both feet have white powdery marks, the pharmacist wasn't sure it was a fungal infection; could have been caused by friction with shoes. The Vicks certainly covers it and leaves a slightly shiny polished effect which considerably improves the appearance at least, so will continue to use it and see if there is an improvement.

Apparently, toenails take nine months to grow out so, whatever you use, continue treatment for that time unless problem clears.

Good luck Kate2628!

[-Terry]

I went to the hospital foot clinic for a very sore big toe. I mentioned my fungal nail problem and they said don't worry about it. Pharmacy products do not work so just leave it.

[MarshaM]

I haven't had any luck getting rid of the toenail fungus. And I don't know if it has anything to do with MTX? I've tried the vinegar nail soaking, the tea tree oil for quite a few months, vitamin e oil, and over the counter fungal creams and everything just seems to stay the same

[mmb50]

I have problem with toenail fungus but hadn’t connected it to Methotrexate. Thanks for posting and for the replies. Will give tea tree oil a go.

[kimmypoos]

I have found Emtrix to be effective

[Carolinej2708]

Hi i am on methotrexate but I have had finger and toe nail issues for about 20 years, I've had psoriasis for 32 years. I had both my big toe nails removed about 15 years ago but the problem still kept returning. Its caused by my psoriasis not my medication. I am now under a podiatrist who has tried to file the thick nails down but they have now decided they need to be removed again as they are thick and curl under both sides from the base into my toe and pinch my skin at the tip and the nail bed may also be removed to prevent the nails growing back. My thumb nails have the same problem. They grow like in growing toe nails and are extremely painful., again caused by my psoriasis.