L.K. asks from Los Angeles, CA on July 16, 2008
My 3 Month Old Has Fungus on One of Her Nails!
Somehow my 3 month old managed to get a fungus on her nail. It's on her index finger on the left hand. And now that her hands are in her mouth all the time, so is that finger with the fungus nail. I noticed it several weeks ago and when we went in for the 2 month check up, dr said to wait a little and if it is indeed fungus then she will give her medication. Well she is 3 months now and we're going to the dr tomorrow but i dont know if i want her to be on medication right now, while she is so young. I read about the anti-fungal meds causing damage to liver. Anyone experienced this at all?
1 mom found this helpful
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J.E. answers from San Diego on July 18, 2008
Hi L.:
I know this will sound weird, but dab some listerine (yes, the mouthwash listerine) on it a couple of times a day and that may help. My 14 month old daughter had a wierd fungus thing on her big toe nail (it became yellow, very thick and seemed to stop growing). I started putting listerine on it and now it is starting to grow and look normal.
Good luck!
C.A. answers from Los Angeles on July 17, 2008
My son also got an infection on his thumb at about 14 months. He loved his thumb. In order to treat the thumb we had oral medication for a deep infection. The doctor suggested that I sew socks to his Tshirt to try and keep the hand drier and keep the saliva off the thumb. It helped some. I don't remember if it was a fungal or a bacterial infection but his thumb was red and swollen and looked very painful. The temporary sock solution seems to have helped as he was aggravated by not being able to suck his thumb as much. His thumb did heal after a couple of weeks. He finally quit about age three when he went to preschool. I did not notice any medical after effects of the medication. Topicals didn't help. The oral medication did work. I just can't remember what it was. You can ask for a second opinion. You can try to keep her hand in a mitten to prevent saliva from getting on it. I don't know what else to suggest. Good luck. It will get better.
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J.F. answers from San Diego on July 17, 2008
Dear L.,
My daughter was on an anti-fungal antibiotic when she was 3 months old (I think it was called furidantin...spelling???). She was on it, ironically, for chronic UTIs (long story). My daughter was on this particular antibiotic for about a month. She was actually on antibiotics for the entire first year of her life and guess what? She is totally fine, normal, and healthy! Relax, take her to the doctor, and all should be well. Remember the doctor would not give a medication to you daughter was not healthy for her. I know having health problems with our little ones are stressful. Take care and I hope all will be well!
H.W. answers from Los Angeles on July 17, 2008
Hi. My child had a fungus on her scalp. We learned that if a fungus is on the scalp and/or nail it must be treated with oral medication--the topical stuff won't work. The topical stuff is effective for athletes foot or jock itch. Our doctor said a month course of the medication is fine for the kids. If more than a month is necessary, the doctor will do a blood test to look at the liver function. If you are nervous about the liver, you may wish to ask for a blood test prior to her taking the meds. They can check the liver function and make sure all's well.
Good luck!!
J.F. answers from Las Vegas on July 17, 2008
Please be very careful about giving any unregulated "treatments" to an infant. What works well in an adult can have very different effects on a newborn. In addition, please do not put a band-aid on her finger! It could easily come off while she is putting her fingers in her mouth and cause a choking hazard! In an infant so young, work in conjunction with your health care professional to ensure her safety. Also, be sure to ask your doctor what might be causing this problem and if there is anything you can do to prevent it in the future. Good luck!
D.W. answers from Los Angeles on July 16, 2008
YIKES! 1 keep it dry, 2 put some of that violet stuff on it, Riteaid or whatever... its cheap too
R.S. answers from Los Angeles on July 18, 2008
Hi L. - I also have nail fungus although I'm quite a bit older than your little one :-) but what works for me is Tree Tea Oil. Ask your doctor about using it. I just massage it around and under my nails. It does have warnings on it but I would try that before a prescription. You can get it at most drug stores and health food stores. Good luck!!
L.H. answers from Los Angeles on July 17, 2008
You are right, anti-fungals are not good for you and I believe you have to take them for quite a bit of time. I once got a fungus at the nail place and my dad suggested bleach! Since she is so tiny I would be super careful but maybe dab a little on with a q-tip... it's better than antibitics!
You may also want to go to the health store and get her some acidipholous to boost her immune system.
C.A. answers from Los Angeles on July 17, 2008
My son also got an infection on his thumb at about 14 months. He loved his thumb. In order to treat the thumb we had oral medication for a deep infection. The doctor suggested that I sew socks to his Tshirt to try and keep the hand drier and keep the saliva off the thumb. It helped some. I don't remember if it was a fungal or a bacterial infection but his thumb was red and swollen and looked very painful. The temporary sock solution seems to have helped as he was aggravated by not being able to suck his thumb as much. His thumb did heal after a couple of weeks. He finally quit about age three when he went to preschool. I did not notice any medical after effects of the medication. Topicals didn't help. The oral medication did work. I just can't remember what it was. You can ask for a second opinion. You can try to keep her hand in a mitten to prevent saliva from getting on it. I don't know what else to suggest. Good luck. It will get better.
S.B. answers from Los Angeles on July 17, 2008
I read that applying vinegar several times a day will help. It definitely won't hurt her!!
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