Help with Fingernails

Updated on April 12, 2009
K.A. asks from Medford, MA
8 answers

My two year seems to have a fingernail fungus infection. When I spoke to the doctor a few weeks ago when just a couple nails looked infected, he said there wasn't much to do at this age because the meds available are for adults. He said we put some Lotrimin on the nails if we wanted. We were concerned about the safety with this since his hands are near his mouth all the time. Now more nails looked infected. Anyone experienced the same with their child? Any other suggestions? I'm going to call the doctor next week but thought I'd check here too.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Boston on

You can try two things first, trying dipping his fingers in warm water and vineger [white] equal poarts 1 cup each...or {regular bleach 3~parts water and bleach usually works] it sounds extreme but it usally works. Try it three times a day for a week...let me know how it workd out take care S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.F.

answers from Boston on

K.,

Go to a pediatric dermatologist to further evaluate the nail fungus infections. I wouldnt wait to call, poor little guy!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.V.

answers from Boston on

We are going through the same thing with our daughter. She got fungus (or so we think) on her right big toe which spread to her other big toe. Like your doctor said, ufortunately the medicine out there is too strong for young children and even still it's only about 50% effective. From what I hear, you can live with fungus for the rest of your life and really only try to keep it at bay with medicine or topical cream.

My pedi did take samples of her toe nails a couple of weeks ago to make a conclusive determination that it is indeed fungus because I guess some people are born with nail growth abnormalties. We haven't heard the results yet but I'm hoping it just the way her toenails grow - I'd hate for her to have to deal with fungus.

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice just wanted to comment I'm right there with you.

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I don't love the idea of putting stuff on the nails at this age - like you, I worry about the kids ingesting that stuff! Soaking in vinegar might be okay but I wouldn't go anywhere near the bleach idea. It's so hazardous. It sounds like this may be some sort of systemic fungal thing - yeast/candida and whatnot. Have you considered a nutritional approach? I know so many people whose children have "allergies" who solved them with a great nutritional supplement. I think an internal balance is what you could consider aiming for. One friend had a child with 50 "food allergies", another had terrible candida thru her body, several others had various skin rashes - they all sound like they might be related to your child's issue. Before you get into heavy meds or massive food avoidance issues, let me know if you want to talk to some of my friends who solved this problem by ADDING the right nutrients rather than TAKING AWAY all kinds of things and using chemicals. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Hartford on

Try soaking it in listerine. I hear it works wonders for fungus.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Boston on

I second the tea tree oil - it's very potent, so make a solution with a few drops in a little dish of water and soak in that, or put it on band aids and put that on his nails. Or put it on q-tips and rub straight on. Tea tree oil is great! There are other natural alternatives - I would find a good naturopath near you for alternatives to drugs!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.K.

answers from New London on

My daughter developed a fungus under her toe nails. She's 6 but there is no way I'd let her take any of those dangerous drugs they use for fungal nail infections.
We soak them each night for about 2 mins in hydrogen peroxide and use tea tree oil as an ointment afterwards. We use the tea tree oil twice and sometimes three times a day.
I also cut the nails back as far as possible without them bleeding. There is no room for the fungus to grow if the nails are short.
We have been doing this daily for about 2 months now- she had the fungus in 3 nails on one foot and all on the other. Now she has only a small spot on one foot and down to 3 nails on the other. They are looking much better, not as gross looking.
It's working for us. I would also warn you to keep things very clean as it is contagious.
Good luck,
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Boston on

tea tree oil is great for fungus, in fact there are products available that are specifically for nail fungus. It is available at any health food store. You don't need those harsh chemicals that the doctor prescribes, there are so many natural alternatives!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions