The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Nail Issues
Posted by Mary (Ponca City, Oklahoma) on 01/20/2009
Why do I get black lines under thumb nails? Need to know what black lines under thumb nails could be caused by and treatment to get rid of this.
Nail Issues
Posted by Mary F (Jeanerette, Louisiana, USA) on 01/21/2009
This is the precursor of nail fungus. Treat it now before it worsens.
Nail Issues
Posted by Anon (Somewhere, US) on 03/23/2009
Smashed Fingernail Remedies
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 06/09/2015 523 posts
Perhaps what we need is a safety net for physicians. Most doctors truly want to help people and dealing with the fact that they are required, by law, to sacrifice the well-being of human beings to support an industry is and HAS been taking quite a toll on them.
They're stuck between an industry that won't let them do what they sought to do when they became doctors and the population of patients who are getting fed up with it and blaming THEM, are increasing daily.
With no support system, it is understandable why the health profession hovers around the #1 spot in suicides. They don't want to take the "social status" enjoyed by their families away from them but they also don't want to hurt people.
We need more dialogue and doctors need some support, pronto.
The pharmaceutical industry is made up of people - and, yes, lawyers ARE people - and it consists of people who, and whose familes, often require medical care and are subject to the exact same dangers as everyone else. Politicians, judges, law enforcement and even the people of the FDA are ALL subject to the same industrial abuses as anyone else.
It is said that physicians are just as vulnerable as everyone else, with most being merely 2 months from bankruptcy. Meaning, that 2 months without income would thoroughly ruin them, financially. Granted, that's not the public's problem, but they're every bit as vulnerable as everyone else.
If doctors had support, they could easily end this mess. They could prescribe what's needed, rather than what the law requires that they prescribe and stand up to the mechanism that is killing them and those they want to help.
Those who work in the medical industry are aware that lives are being sacrificed for the sake of their jobs. To whom can they turn? There is, currently, no one. They are perceived as "the enemy" by both sides.
The pharmaceutical industry isn't the problem. The problem is this society's worship of "social status". A medical professional, some of whom are here, on Earth Clinic, and some of whom have loved ones who visit here, regularly, is unlikely, in a social-status-driven society, to sacrifice the status of his/her family to "doing the right thing" and suicide increasingly becomes the more attractive option because, to one who is stuck in that loop, their personal "social status" loses its priority.
Why not work to "save the doctors"? Both, from persecution AND prosecution? Because their feelings of powerlessness are the only thing keeping the medical machine in operation and they're killing themselves, literally, left and right.
Imagine, if you can, a computer program that diagnoses and treats, charging thousands of dollars. Because it wouldn't take a very complicated program to do what doctors are confined to doing. You could put the whole thing in a Microsoft Excel file and don't think for a minute that unthinking people who are far removed from the audience of watching people suffer and die aren't considering that as a way to get around the problem of the only thing that is an actual threat to THEIR jobs, which is the doctor.
There is no industry as vulnerable as the pharmaceutical industry and there is no greater threat to it than the doctor, himself. With some real legal and public support for doctors, the whole despicable system could be turned around in a single generation.
If you know a doctor and understand what I'm saying, then tell him/her that you believe that his/her life is of more value than anyone's social status - including their spouse's, children's, friends' and parents'.
Sunlight
Posted by Michael (On) on 06/07/2017
Did this work???? I am trying this too! Been a month but I do it more than once a month!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tammy (Wichita, Ks) on 11/03/2013
★★★★★
Over the past few years, I've had more than a few cuticle infections or small cuts on my hands or toes that became infected. Some were bad enough that I had to get antibiotics to treat. After twice going to the doctor for them, the next time I had an infection, 1. I didn't want to spend the money on an office call, and 2. even worse I didn't want to take antibiotics. Did a bit of research on the net and saw a post to use vinegar & water, 50/50 and soak your hand in that for 20 minutes 2 times a day. My finger around the cut was swollen and had turned black and yellow, so I decided to jump in and use 100% ACV. Soaked my finger 3x per day and on the end of the 2nd day I could see a big improvement. I continued a few more days till the infection was gone. I've done this several times for finger or toes. Now when I get a cut that turns red and starts to swell, I don't wait for it to become infected, I just soak a few times in some acv. Works great and has saved me money from paying the doc and even better, saved my body from antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carmen (Laguna Woods, Ca) on 06/12/2017
Dear Sir or Madam, Began ACV soak not quite two weeks ago. I am hopeful. Does the ACV have to be unfiltered? Very expensive. $20 for a gallon which only lasts three days. Is it safe to reuse a batch? If so for how long? I was not able to get any response from the on-line chat. Would appreciate knowing. Thank you, Carmen
Vertical Ridges on Nails
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 05/03/2013
Hi Joy, I thought vertical ridges where due to anemia? I am anemic and I have these ridges! I am not dehydrated I know this as my urine is pale!
Vertical Ridges on Nails
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/03/2013
As far as I know by bloodwork, I am not anemic, but taking a full spectrum mineral and sea salt and plenty of water, my ridges have improvement. My next move is the topical oils. I have put coconut oil on them daily for a few months.
Hope your ridges improve also. I googled recently to find some information to treat the ridges on my nails. They have only been there for a year or so, so want to nip them in the bud.
You can have clear urine and be dehydrated because electrolytes are needed to hydrate the body...check out watercure.com
Vertical Ridges on Nails
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 05/03/2013
Vertical ridges on my nails and toenails were an early sign of an autoimmune disease called Lichen Planus, and is a sign, also, of hypothyroidism. I imagine there are other problems that show up this way, too.
Biotin
Posted by Tania (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) on 10/26/2012
Hi, I have had very soft nails since I can remember. Thet would bend both ways without a problem - people thought it was so weird. Any way, I started taking biotin tablets and it really help - they are normal and quite hard actually. My mum had problems with her nails also, because they kept splitting thiknesswise and biotin tablets helpt, although she still has the same problem, but wouldn't take them as regularly as I did (one every day).
I tried stopping them after a few months too, but the problem returned, so I stated taking them again.
Another friend started taking them for hair loss and really helped her too.
Biotin
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 10/26/2012
The two things that gave me a huge improvement in my nails are 1) protein and 2) cutting out colas. Even just cutting out colas, I noticed a phenomonal improvement in the space of inside a week. Now about 6 weeks on, I cannot *get* my nails to break, no matter how hard I bend them, and they don't chip or split anymore, and I haven't had one hangnail since. I also have to cut them every week now, where I was only having to do it every 4-6 weeks before. I found biotin more helpful for hair strength rather than nails. I can speak for this as last year, while regularly using biotin, when I began upping my protein intake to 50g per day, my nails grew amazingly. But not with the same strength and hardnesss I get from abstaining from cola drinks. It's the phosphoric acid that draws the minerals out of your nails. You really will notice a difference quick.
Biotin
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 10/27/2012 2048 posts
Citygirl27: It's good to here of your improvements. As for sufficient Protein, Jim Humble recently devoted an article to it's merit. Many folks nowadays are vegetarian (for whatever reason) and do suffer from certain Amino Acid deficiencies (although many are in denial of this condition). Over the yrs, and especially in the event of very bad health, it simply breaks my heart to see anything (plant or animal) suffer; but I try not get over-sentimental about the animal ethics or cruelty issues and at the same time support organizations that help prevent unnecessary suffering of either wildlife or livestock. I think a good model for animal protein consumption would be the Native American, where gratitude is given to the animal as well as the Great Spirit. Ultimately it's how we live our life after eating animal derived protein.
Infection
Posted by Sondra (St. Louis, Missouri) on 04/03/2012
As a child I originally got a nail fungus from a splinter climbing up a garage door in the early 1960s. By 1976 I had three fingers infected. More became fungal as the years went by. They would clear up while on medicine but come back when medication was stopped. I had gotten up to six fungal nails by the time I had given up trying to get them cured before 2000. Between 2002 and 2004 I tried again and one new medication worked on six of the seven nails(I was up to seven nails by then). It was the last one that didn't get better.
I've been reading this site for two days because I have two nails that are fungal again, one last year, the other a few months ago besides the nail that never got better. Last year the previous oral medication didn't work anymore. On 3.28.12 I started using Piggy Paste. I will try the remedies I have read about here for fungal nails but my question is about the most recent fungal nail because it has developed a new problem. In the past month it really looks ugly. It has pus like a blister under the skin on the side of the nail bed at the cuticle and is sore.
I found this website "www.skinsight.com" with pictures and one is exactly what my thumb nail looks like. It says it's a Nail Infection, Bacterial(Paronychia). The pus will harden or go away but the skins peels off in a few days then it starts over again. If anyone has a remedy for this I'd really appreciate it. Just the fungus is bad enough but this really deforms the nail and makes it peel from the nail bed. Ted from Bangkok, Thailand usually has a lot of remedies, maybe he'll see this. I'm looking for help from all that may know one. Thank you.
Infection
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 04/04/2012
I'm such a firm believer in organic VCO. Please read all the posts that is listed at EC under virgin coconut oil. All I know is that I have taken 2 tbs a day (internally) for well over a year and I can't remember the last time I was sick. Anytime I have a skin issue or infection, I put on the VCO and within a day or two, it is starting to heal.
You might consider that the re-occurance of your fungus is internal. Start out small. Too much could really make you sick. I wish you well.
Infection
Posted by Oregon (Bend, Oregon) on 04/04/2012
Sondra, Try taking 5000 mcg of Biotin. Make sure to take a B-50 or B-100 with it. I took it for a nerve issue and found out a month later that my nail fungus was gone. The nails get harder and make it difficult for the fungus to grow. Hope this helps.
Infection
Posted by Sondra (St. Louis, Missouri, Usa) on 04/05/2012
Thanks for all your responses. I do take Biotin but not the B-50 or B-100. I'll be trying it all. I haven't taken ACV in a while, will have to get some. Will also get the VCO. Taking natural product does a body good. I will also start back to detoxing to get myself back to cleaning out the stuff that keeps this on going. It seems like this has happened since I haven't detoxed in almost two years. Thanks again Debbie, Oregon and Sue M.
Pterygium Inversum Unguis
Posted by Alana J (Maui, Hi) on 03/14/2012
I have thick skin under a couple of my toenails. From what I've read so far, it's called pterygium inversum unguis, if you google it there will be a picture to give you an example. It looks very odd to me, although nobody has noticed it, I am self concious about it. I don't think it's a fungus, and it has been this way since I can remember. The thick skin under my nails is sensitive, I believe it has alot of nerve endings, so I can't just go cutting away at this stuff. I was wondering if anyone has a remedy to rid myself of this thick skin! It's only on 3 nails, I believe. Both of my big toes, and one other toe. I just put coconut oil on it tonight in hope maybe it will soften up and recede, but even the thought of touching the skin makes me squeemish. Any ideas, please share! Thanks!!
Nail Psoriasis
Posted by Tm1900 (Suwanee, Ga) on 09/06/2011
Great site, thanks to all who contribute. I have had nail psoriasis for years now (no skin psoriasis) and tried several doctor recommended tratments without success. Ocasionally, the symptoms do improve temporarily to only come back with a vengeance later on. It does seem like stressful times are exacerbating the problem. Are there any remedies that you would recommend for nail (toe and finger) psoriasis?
Thank you!
Nail Psoriasis
Posted by Cindy (Houston, Tx) on 09/07/2011
My sister has psoriatic arthritis and one of the symtoms is her finger nails and toe nails literally rot off - she went to a specialist and was prescribed methotrexate and humira - I wish I knew something natural but nothing ever worked for her but these meds - she hasn't had any more outbreaks since.
Swollen Toenail Beds
Posted by Bonnie (Tooele, Ut) on 06/19/2011
I ran 8 miles downhill and now my toe nailbeds are swollen, what should I do?
Swollen Toenail Beds
Posted by Don (Denver, Colorado) on 11/16/2011
I'd like to prevent one or two of mine from coming off if possible as I have a similar problem to yours. Did you ever get any feedback as to how to get the swelling down and keep the nail?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cadillacrob (San Antonio, Texas, Usa) on 04/08/2011
HELLO IM 28 YEARS OLD AND HAVE A TOE NAIL ISSUE FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS, FROM HAVING INGROWN TOENAILS, TO A NAIL FUNGUS AFTER THE REMOVAL OF NAILS, PRIMARILY ON MY BIG TOES, IVE TRIED LAMISIL, AND THAT JUST DOESNT WORK, I HAVE EVEN TRAVELED AS FAR AS MEXICO TO TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT WITH NO LUCK. I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED THIS WEBSITE AND I DECIDED TO GIVE THE ACV A SHOT, SO LAST NIGHT I WENT TO MY LOCAL STORE AND PURCHASED THE UNFILTERED TYPE OF ACV, IT WAS ABOUT 10.00, AND A TUPPERWARE CONTAINTER TO SOAK MY FEET IN. I SOAKED LAST NIGHT FOR 45 MIN. AND AGAIN THIS MORNING FOR ABOUT 35 MIN. ONE OF MY QUESTIONS IS SHOULD I REUSE THE ACV OR SHOULD I USE FRESH ACV, PLEASE HELP, I WILL CONTINUE TO POST THE PROGRESS. IM HOPING THIS WORKS!
Honey
Posted by Val (Colac, Victoria,australia) on 02/16/2011
★★★★★
I have been having honey on crumpets, english muffins & toast of a morning[not all 3 daily ] for the last few months and have found that my weak brittle nails have become quite strong and haven't been breaking. Is there proof that honey will strenghten nails? This is the only food difference that I have added to my diet.
Has anybody else had this success?
Smoker's Yellow Stains
Posted by Nina (Marengo, Oh) on 01/24/2011
is there any folk remedies to remove yellow stains on fingers from smoking??
Smoker's Yellow Stains
Posted by P. (Sa, South America) on 01/25/2011
Yes, there is. Quit smoking! Kidding aside, my heart has a special place for smokers. To quit this addiction has been the hardest thing I ever had to do, and I have achieved some pretty amazing things in my lifetime... I personally tried all methods and prescribed medication out there.
What worked for me was the patch in conjunction with liver detoxing. If you detox right you will get to that state when you first started to smoke where you had to force yourself to do it since it was so nasty (no one was born enjoying cigarette smoke). Juicing along with coffee enemas comes to mind (sort of like Gerson therapy). Also, I ran into this and haven't tried it, but maybe it could help you: http://www.doctoryourself.com/cstop.html
Smoker's Yellow Stains
Posted by Ellie (Evansville, Wi) on 01/25/2011
have you tried Food grade hydrogen peroxide?? Add 1 &1/2 oz of 35 % to 1-gallon water and soak.. Always dilute H2O2.. Same for soaking feet for athlete'a feet prevention and cure.. Beauty shops use this always use only food grade.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Aubergine (Washington, Dc) on 12/26/2011
I've had ridges on my nails for as long as I can remember, and as they grow out they split along the ridges. My former dermatologist had no idea why. My current dermatologist said they were just brittle and I should take fish oil. They aren't actually brittle - they're soft and flexible - but I got the fish oil anyway since it has other benefits. It has been about 18 months since I started taking fish oil and my nails aren't any better. More recently (about 3 months ago) I started drinking organic unfiltered ACV, usually 3-4 Tablespoons over the couse of a day. Still no nail improvement. In fact they're worse because a couple of them seem to have developed fungus - the nails are pulling away from the nail bed. I started applying ACV directly to the afflicted nails at bedtime. This seemed to help at first - I had cut off the separated part of the nails and they grew back in a bit - but after a few weeks the nails started separating again (even though I was still doing the nighttime ACV regimen). I'm now soaking my nails in ACV instead of just applying with a cotton swab (typing this with the other hand) - will keep soaking nightly and see if the condition improves.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 12/27/2011 2048 posts
I have read that marked ridges and cracks on fingernails is a sign of Iron deficiency.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Aubergine (Washington, Dc) on 01/18/2012
Trinh, in my case I don't think the ridges are caused by iron deficiency - I have always taken multivitamins with iron, and my iron levels have always been fine whenever I've had bloodwork done. Anyway, to follow up on my 12/27/11 post, for the last 3 weeks I have been soaking my fingernails in straight ACV for 20-30 minutes a night (had to skip a few nights here and there) and I'm definitely noticing an impact on the fungus. The nails are starting to grow a little higher up the nail bed (they had only been attached about halfway up; I had been clipping off the detached parts). I can also see a color difference between the new growth near the cuticle (light pink-ish) and the older growth (slightly darker). The new growth still has ridges, but I'll keep soaking to keep the fungus away.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Ann (Sydney) on 10/06/2017
Bleug's lines are HORIZONTAL lines. Not vertical lines.
Dark Patches: Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Blanche (New Iberia, Louisiana, Usa) on 07/21/2010
Is it possible that the darker colors of nail polish are staining your nails and the hydrogen peroxide is bleaching the stains away?
Dark Patches: Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by L. (Red Deer, Alberta Canada) on 07/21/2010
No, it's definitely dark red/brown patches, with every passing year another nail is affected. I actually do not wear dark polish that often anymore because of this and at that, just in the summer months/special occasions. When I used to wear the pinks and reds more often, the polish would stain all the nails yellow and it would have to just grow out. These 3 patches do not grow out which is why I've resorted to a 'strong' peroxide. The question I'm left with is, is this a nail fungus? I was hoping someone else had a similar experience.
Dark Patches: Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Lucy (Brimfield, Ma Usa) on 11/18/2011
Do you use a base coat before the polish? I've found that these make a HUGE difference in not only keeping the nails from being stained after wearing the polish, but it also helps to keep the polish on and looking good without chipping or flaking off as much.
Onycholysis
Posted by Lora (Bonita Springs, Florida) on 07/10/2010
Ted, or anyone. Does anybody have a remedy for onycholysis? (nail separating from the nail bed). The doctors and dermatologists tell me it is trauma but I have had this condition for about 5 yrs. And I know it is not trauma. I take Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism and have noticed (on some websites) a link between this medication and onycholysis. I OP and take Ted's ACV and BS remedy every day.
Onycholysis
Posted by Karen (Sacramento, Ca) on 04/23/2013
This is nail fungus. I had it for 12 years. I tried everything... Wasted $1300 on the pin point laser treatment... The nail lacquers... Nothing worked... I also take meds for my thyroid. It was just on two of my toes. I got so tired of it I went and got the Rx from my doctor... For only $5! 3 months later.. My toes look great and my liver from the meds is fine. Nothing u do.. Will get rid of it... Trust me... I have tried them all.
Onycholysis
Posted by Man (Sojouring America) on 02/14/2014
I need more information about this nail separating issue. What is Ted's BS remedy? I know what the ACV means, (apple cider Vinegar).
I have noticed recently that I have this painful finger tip issue and they hurt bad. I have put my fingers into ACV and then I dipped them into DMSO and that was a strange experience. I don't know if it helped or not. but I have a little relief now. Anyone with experience with painful finger tips?
Nail Biting
Posted by Karenann (Houston, Tx, USA) on 10/09/2009
I have been biting my nails for years, and have tried various remedies. Even to the point of wearing gloves while watching t.v. or just relaxing. Please does anyone have a tried and true method? I will be grateful for the feedback.
Articles
Posted by Man (Sojouring America) on 03/24/2014
★★★★★
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Forevemine1958 (Rialto, U.s.) on 11/08/2010
What kind of plaster did you secure it with?
Bruised, Purple Toenails
Posted by Beverly (Pikeville, KY) on 02/02/2009
I use Earth Clinic for so many of the wonderful remedies. Yesterday I hit my middle toe on my right foot and immediately the nail turned purple. It's very sore to the touch and I wondered if anyone knows of anything that might help me keep my toenail from falling off. I have an appointment for my very first manicure and pedicure 2 wks from now and i hate to go with a black nail ready to fall off. Any suggestions?
Bruised, Purple Toenails
Posted by Alana (Maui, Hi) on 03/14/2012
Like a blood blister under your nail? If it's what Im thinking of, its filled with blood under there making it sore. This is what my husband does when he crushes his finger in something and gets one of those; he heats up a needle red hot, and pushes slightly on the nail, very slightly. The needle should slip right through, into the blood pocket so it wont hurt anything. The pressure is relieved, and no further damage is done. He once did this to his aunt's foot after she hurt it, and the blood squirt like 5 feet into the air! Talk about pressure!
Bruised, Purple Toenails
Posted by Conni (Hegewisch, Il) on 03/20/2012
That's exactly what the Doctor in ER did to me but he used a large Paper Clip and shoved it right through my fingernail! While it was painful at that moment I was relieved of the pain and pressure.
Nail Issues
Posted by Sky (NY, NY) on 01/21/2009
Very interesting question and sorry, I have no idea what the answer is to that one. Sounds like some kind of deficiency or heavy metal toxicity. We need to locate a page on the web that has all the things that happen to nails and what they mean.
While we're on this subject, I have 2 toenails growing in pure white on my right foot. Can nail fungus appear as white or is this indicative of another condition? Thanks.
