One of the problems that afflict many cruisers in tropical and even semi-tropical climes is athlete’s foot caused by fungal or bacterial growths picked up from showers shared by lots of people, from perspiration inside rubber shows or being barefooted in damp climates. Only slightly less common, is the same bacteria or fungus creeping under toenails, which then turn black and unsightly. This leads eventually to the toenail thickening and curling. The normally recommended medical cure for fungal problems which just affect the open skin between toes is Canesten cream or a similar product which must be used for several days after the symptoms are gone.
But when the fungus or bacteria is under the toenail, the only cure is to take oral medication for a minimum of three months. This medication can have dangerous side affects. By good fortune, we happened upon a pharmacist in Tonga who found the locals could not afford prescription medicines. He tracked down a cheaper, far safer cure, which takes three months to work, just as with the oral medicine. Eucalyptus or Ti Tree oil as found at health food shops will do it, but even simpler, Vicks Vapo Rub, which contains the same oil, is what he recommended. Larry tried this cure. He rubbed a generous dab of Vicks onto the affected toenail then put a band aid over it each night to make sure the cream stayed in place. Within a week we could see the first bit of clean, unaffected toenail growing out. Three months later his toe looked like new. We even came to like the aroma.