http://blog.genesage.com/toenail-fungus-vicks-vapor-rub/
What busted up nails?
Over the years, my toenails were larger battered, with soccer, skiing and hiking. All Both "high". The two big toes are healthy at the inner half where they are connected on the bed below. Whereas both are fungused the outer half where it is essentially an air space. Vicks Vapor Rub the fungus kills quite fast, but leaves a residue fungal yellow or black. Is there a way to get the outer half of the nail to reach underneath the bed? Thank you.
Hello, It sounds as if one could cut the "floating" external fingernails off, leaving only the two halves within which are healthy. It is easy for me to tell you, I know to dig into your bed toenail can be very painful! The advantage of this is that you could be sure the skin under the "floating" Nail has not been infected by the fungus (or treat it if it was.) One of the reasons for the new-grown nail to remain "floating" maybe the skin of the nail bed underneath is not healthy. If the infection by the fungus grew down and nail-root, where new nail is being made, then it might be difficult to eradicate the fungus with topical applications, and you may need to seek tablets or capsules Griseofulvin Sporanox or similar from your doctor. The fungus antibiotic drugs by mouth, would find its place in the roots of nails and nails freshly made. I am saying that I think that the fungus needs to be eradicated in (a) the underlying skin of the nail bed, (b) nails visible, and (c) the hidden roots of nails. Sometimes, the original "rising" was caused by a contusion the big toe, ie a clot of blood collection between the nail and nail bed. It seems that if you have the kind of sporting life that could lead to toes blue quite often. Where better, I think you should consider a greater protection of your toes. 
Hope this helps. Belliger (retired UK GP)
