Summary: If I were starting over, I’d go all-in with oral terbinafine plus amorolfine lacquer right away. I’d also keep using the lacquer as a preventative measure even after finishing the pills. I’m a 45-year-old guy who developed fungus on both big toes back in 2010. I ignored it for years, then tried natural remedies like Vicks and tea tree oil, but they were too messy. In 2017, my doctor explained that liver issues from terbinafine are quite rare for healthy people and that I’d notice symptoms if something was wrong. I monitored my bloodwork closely. Initially, terbinafine worked, but the infection returned after I stopped. I tried a pulse-dosing method (one week a month for a year), but it didn’t fully clear up. I even tried ciclopirox lacquer alongside the pills, but it wasn’t effective for me. Six months ago, while in Europe, I bought some over-the-counter amorolfine lacquer. I’ve been diligent about filing the nail, cleaning it, and applying the lacquer weekly, filing off the old layer each time. It’s actually working! Amorolfine isn’t sold in the US, but you can find it abroad or through UK-based online shops. I plan to keep using it for years to ensure the fungus stays away.
Did you give up caffeine?
How soon did you notice a difference? I’ve been struggling with this for seven years and really need some guidance.
That’s great news! It must be a huge relief. Since you’ve had relapses, have you considered your footwear and socks? They can harbor spores, so you should either replace them or treat them with high heat and antifungal sprays. Bleach your whites and use vinegar for darks. Replacing socks entirely from a place like Costco is often easier. Make sure to disinfect your grooming tools with something like Barbicide so you don’t reinfect yourself. Other tips: avoid going barefoot in public areas like gyms or pools, swap your shoes and socks if they get sweaty, and let your shoes dry out between wears. Don’t share footwear and handle your healthy nails before the infected ones. Hope this helps!
This is encouraging. I’m also fighting a stubborn case of nail fungus, so thanks for the info. Do you recall the specific brand of Amorolfine you bought? I’m trying to track it down. Thanks!
Did you file your nail down quite thin before you put the lacquer on?