Losing Fingernail thro' fungal infection, what now after seeing doc?

[solvitquick]

For over a year, I have been "treating" it with over-the-counter medicines without consulting my doc. It's now breaking-up and I fear I've lost the nail before my doc can help. Probably undiagnosed diabetes 2. Anyone been thro' this? Only friends who have been through this experience answer please. Will I lose the finger as well?

[boxtops]

Go to the doctor - please don't waste time asking on here. Fungal treatments from the GP or a podiatrist take time, but are available. I hope you haven't left it too late....

[maggiebee]

Would make an appointment ASAP with your GP. I had a fungal toenail infection treated with a prescription nail application. My "old" nail practically disintegrated, but the new nail grew in perfectly without any infection.

[wildwood]

The nail will most probably grow back once the infection has been treated properly.

btw I think you are a little bit of a nincompoop to 'treat' it yourself for over a year without consulting proper medical advise.

[modeller]

Don't worry about the nail coming off this happens as the new nail is growing underneath, unfortunately just because a new nail grows it may still be infected.especially if it's in the root.
There is no quick fix from any of the medication . If you go on to Google you will see dozens of posts concerning the problem. It can be cured but it can take years . I didn't find any of the doctors prescribed medication particularly effective. There is one over counter medication which many people recommend and that is Vicks vapour rub. I'm trying it and it seems to be working.

[RATTER15]

Vicks vapour rub!! mmmm, I will give that a try, I have a fungal toe nail.

[solvitquick]

Dear Friends.
Thank you for your kind replies. As usual, difficult to select a best anwer. Went to Docs today and have started Terbinafine, with usual paper instructions "don't use if....". It's the same with all medicines today where the Med. Producers virtually say "don't use or buy our product unless you are in absolutely perfect health and not taking any other medicine". Just protecting their backs!
So, THANKS FOLKS LET'S END IT NOW. ONLY-JUST Best Answer and good luck to Vick's User: serious but amusing stimulus to others I see. TY ALL. xxx.

[beso]

Once the nail comes off it tends to make the fungal treatment more effective because it can get to the seat of infection.

Also note that there are different types of infection and some strains are resistent to some treatments. I had good results using two different treatments together.