An elderly lady (87) has problems with her toes. Very thick nails and what seems to be a fungus and/or infection. She refuses to see a doctor. My husband thinks he saw an article in Countryside about using vinegar as a soaking agent but we can't find it. Any suggestions?

-- Victoria Tompkins (vtompkins@earthlink.net), July 30, 2001

Answers

I can tell you that my mother had the same problem and I had her soak her feet in vinegar everyday. It cured the thick toenails (fungus?). I have to warn you that it took at least 4 months but vinegar is cheap and she reused it over and over. Personally, I've had a reoccurring problem with my toes for many years. The skin between them would crack and peel-no pain,no itching. I tried all the over-the-counter remedies with no luck. Finally, I tried vinegar and it cleared it in about a week. Now, I spray my feet and toes with vinegar after every shower.

-- Ardie from WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), July 30, 2001.

Yes--this works! I'm guessing we use a cup in a bucket of warm water for soaking. Perhaps someone has a better ratio. Don't rinse--just pat dry. Best of luck to you!

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), July 30, 2001.

I'd recommend Tea Tree oil. Check with the folks at the health/natural food store where you purchase it for more specifics about application. It will cure just about anything!

J

-- j (jw_hsv@yahoo.com), July 30, 2001.

Victoria; I don't know about toenail fungus but I do know a thing or two about body oder. I grew up with bad bad bad body oder and my parents took me to doctors and they gave me all sorts of pills and expensive creams plus I had to take at least three showers a day and it still didn't keep it at bay. Talk about problems in school. But my mom met this elderly lady one day in the grocery store and you know how it goes. One thing led to another and my mom told her about my problem. Well, she said buy a gallon of white vinegar and put about a cup of it in the bathwater and bathe in it for about 30 minutes. By that time I was willing to try anything. At the time you are bathing it definitly smells like you are in a big jar of vinegar but the smell leaves a few minutes after you get out and not only that but it leaves your skin soft like you were using baby lotion. I haven't had to use those pills or creams in years and I'm down to taking one bath a night. Thank you Mrs. Conway!

-- vicky (bullride99@msn.com), July 30, 2001.

I think Tea Tree oil soap has stopped the fungus b/t toes (it took a week land hunting w/out using the soap to be sure). The thick nails are unbelievable though. They hafta wear hard hats if they're gonna be in the same room when I clip 'em. I tell ya......Gonna try the Vinegar.

-- rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), July 30, 2001.

Thanks folks - very helpful and informative :)

-- Victoria Tompkins (vtompkins@earthlink.net), July 30, 2001.