People's Pharmacy

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Posting Date: 07/21/2003

Q. For years I have read questions in your column about nail fungus and various remedies to treat it. I found them amusing but did not need the information so I don?t remember any of them.

Now I notice that my nails are getting thick and harder to trim with nail clippers. A few of my nails are turning brown and I think that now I too am suffering from fungus.

Where does this stuff come from and what can I do about it? Also, do you have any tips on smelly feet? My family hates it when I take off my shoes.

A. We cannot diagnose your nail condition, but it sounds suspiciously like fungus. A dermatologist can tell for sure. No one knows where nail fungus comes from or why some are more susceptible than others.

Prescription drugs such as Lamisil, Sporanox or Penlac fight fungus, but they are quite pricey. Home remedies include applications of Vicks VapoRub, vitamin E or tea tree oil to the infected nail. A daily soak in a dilute vinegar solution can help control both fungus and foot odor.

We are sending you our Guides to Smelly Feet and Nail Care for more details on defeating fungus and how to use prescription urea paste to remove infected nails nonsurgically. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. HF-312, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).