Q:  I have a number of autoimmune diseases and had recurring problems with my thumbnail.  I read a letter in your column from a writer whose toenail symptoms (black under the nail, warped nail, cuticle issues) perfectly described my thumbnail.  The letter writer had a chronic fungal infection that caused these symptoms.  Vicks VapoRub cleared it up.

Nothing had worked to alleviate my thumbnail symptoms.  I wondered if the toenail remedy would work for me.  I started using Vicks twice a day every day a few months ago.  My thumbnail is cured and looks healthy and normal.  I’m no longer embarrassed by my left hand.

A: Thank you for sharing your story.  A study of AIDS patients, who have compromised immunity, reported success with this approach (Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, January/February 2016).

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times