Iodine for fungus

DEARHELOISE » While looking for colorless iodine, I came across your column. I’ve never heard that iodine strengthens nails, but I will tell you from a lifetime of use, it can kill nail fungus infections.

It works better if you can use a dropper rather than the brush. Toenails grow very slowly and the area should remain exposed as much as possible (toeless socks!). It’s a long process and depends on how far under the nail the fungus resides. A minimum of six months to get clear. — Monika H., Yonkers, N.Y.

Monica, I have long touted decolorized (also known as colorless or white) iodine to strengthen weak and brittle nails. Use every day for one week, and then once a week for maintenance.

I’m glad to hear that white iodine also works for fungus on nails, but always check with your medical provider or pharmacist. Look for decolorized iodine at the pharmacy or online.

HANDBAG STORAGE

DEARHELOISE » I see some girls store their leather handbags in plastic dust covers. This is a no-no for me. Leather needs to “breathe.” I store my bags in plain white pillowcases. I attach a picture of the bag on the outside, so I know what’s inside. — Gia in New Mexico

Gia, great storage idea! I love reusing old pillowcases, and picture labeling makes a lot of sense.

THE TIME IS NOW

DEARHELOISE » With all the recent downtime, I’ve been making a point of doing the many things I’ve been meaning to do!

Deep cleaning the house is an obvious goal, but I deep cleaned my car and garage also!

Visiting people was off-limits for the most part, but I video called some of my close friends to check in on them.

Finally, researching those odds and ends subjects I come across that I’ve always meant to look up.

These past few months were the perfect time to do that. There are lots of things in life we don’t have control over, but my goal is to make the most of the things I can control. — Edie in Pennsylvania

BETTER TV WATCHING

DEARHELOISE » During the quarantine, I imagine lots of people were bingewatching TV shows and movies. My family and I have a better solution. Instead of mindlessly watching show after show, we research the shows and watch those that we are most interested in. This makes a better experience for us. — Ginny in Florida

MOVING PICTURES

DEARHELOISE » I love to work jigsaw puzzles, and I know some of my friends and neighbors do too. When I complete a puzzle, I break it apart (all the way — no cheating!) and pass the puzzle on to my neighbors. They get a kick out of working them too! — Helen in Florida

Helen, how nice of you to share. I have some friends who like to frame their favorite completed puzzles. Both are great ways to recycle.