How Long Does It Take To Recover
You need to be consistent with the treatment in order to see results. It usually takes a few months for the nail to heal completely. Healing time depends on how severe the infection is and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.
The fungal infection is cured when youve grown an entirely new nail thats free from infection.
You can continue the tea tree oil treatment after the nail has healed to ensure that the nail fungus doesnt return.
Its important that you use a high-quality tea tree oil for best results. Here are some things to look for when buying tea tree oil:
- The oil needs to be 100 percent pure.
- Buy an organic oil, if possible.
- Look for a tea tree oil that has a 10 to 40 percent concentration of terpinen. This is one of the main antiseptic and antifungal components of tea tree oil.
You can buy tea tree oil online or at a local health store. Always buy from a brand that you trust. The supplier should be able to answer any questions you have about their product.
Research your brands and manufacturers. Essential oils can have issues with purity, contamination, and strength. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate essential oils, so its important to purchase from a supplier you trust.
Does Tea Tree Oil Work
Results from scientific studies supporting the use of tea tree oil to treat nail fungus are mixed. Some of the research points to tea tree oils potential as an antifungal, but more studies are needed.
According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil was effective in reducing growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that can cause infections such as athletes foot and nail fungus. Improvements were seen after 14 days.
This study used an in vitro model, which is sometimes called a test-tube experiment. In in vitro studies, the experiment is done in a test tube instead of on an animal or human. Larger human studies are needed to expand on these findings.
Combining tea tree oil with standard medicated creams is also an option. A small 1999 study found that participants were able to successfully manage toenail fungus by using a cream that contained butenafine hydrochloride and tea tree oil.
After 16 weeks of treatment, 80 percent of participants who used this cream cured their toenail fungus with no relapses. No one in the placebo group cured their nail fungus. Further studies are needed to determine which of these ingredients is most useful in treating nail fungus.
Results of a 1994 study found pure tea tree oil was equally as effective as the antifungal clotrimazole in treating fungal toenail infections. Clotrimazole is available both over the counter and by prescription.
Even with diluted tea tree oil, always do a skin patch test before use:
Care For Your Nails With Tea Tree Oil
Nail health is important. Not just from the standpoint that you need to maintain nice, manicured nails so they dont snag on things like your favorite sweater, but from the standpoint that biting them or picking at your cuticles and hangnails could lead to infection. Taking good care of your nails can also help you become hyper-aware of any changes that may occur, which could be an indication of a larger, more serious issue. Be sure to add tea tree to your cuticle care regimen.
How to use
Add 2-5 drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, or olive oil and apply the solution with a cotton ball or tissue. You can also add 5-10 drops of the tea tree oil to a small bucket of warm water and soak your whole foot. For added benefits, add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar to the solution in order to chase the fungus away with an acidic environment.
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How To Cure Toenail Fungus With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that has a promising effect on fungus. The benefits of tea tree oil are that it has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Tea tree oil is an option for those who are worried about side effects from traditional medicinal toenail fungus treatment. With tea tree oil usage, the most common side effects are redness, itchiness, and slight stinging where applied, but there are ways to reduce these effects.
Using tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil – which also has antifungal properties – helps diminish the harshness of the highly concentrated tea tree oil.
To apply to your toenail fungus, mix a bit of coconut oil with several drops of tea tree oil. Then, rub on your toenail fungus. It’s important not to add to the moisture of your foot, so make sure all oil has been wiped off before putting on any socks, shoes, or tights.
After applying this mixture, you can see how your skin tolerates tea tree oil. If you seem to be tolerating it well, you can lessen the amount of carrier oil so that you have a more potent effect on your toenail fungus.
It’s important to note that tea tree oil is not a simple solution and can take several weeks to fully treat toenail fungus. Staying consistent with your application ensures you that, down the line, you can cure toenail fungus.
Does Tea Tree Oil Treat Fungal Nails
by Louise | Oct 7, 2019 | Foot Care, Nail problems, Podiatry |
Last week I saw two patients who booked a podiatry assessment because they thought they had uncontrolled athletes foot. They both presented with a red, overly itchy rash which hadnt responded to over the counter athletes foot creams. One patient only had the skin around the toe affected, one both feet were red raw, with open skin which bled in parts. Both had tried Lamisil creams to no avail over a number of months. Both had also tried homeopathic treatments including tea tree oil, to no avail.
My diagnosis? These patients werent suffering from athletes foot at all, no it was something far more simple. Both patients had actually been applying something highly toxic to their skin which had caused all of these symptoms. What was that product?
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Does Tea Tree Oil Clear Up Fungus Fast
When you use a treatment to fight back against toenail fungus, patience is a virtue. Start using a solution at the very first sign of an infection. Many people either dont notice the infection at first or wait too long before treating it.
A fungal infection doesnt become severe overnight. So, its impossible to think that a treatment will work in 24 hours. Unfortunately, even the most powerful antifungal treatments can take months to work. It depends on their potency, how your skin responds, and the severity of the infection.
Keep using the treatment for as long as necessary. Even if some symptoms have subsided, treat the infection for several extra weeks. Toenail fungus regrows and spreads if its not completely killed off. Because tea tree oil is natural and has few side effects, you can continue to use it until the fungus is gone.
Erase Mistakes With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a safe way to remove stains like permanent marker without running the risk of damaging or ruining surfaces. Plus, tea tree oil smells way better than other stain removers like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
How to use
To remove a permanent marker stain using tea tree oil, place a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball or Q-tip and rub it over the stain.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Nail Fungus
Since essential oils such as tea tree oils are derived from natural sources, it is generally safe to use the oil topically, if the essential oil is suitably diluted.
Because of the potency of the oil, it is always advised to dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil. For every 1-2 drops of tea tree oil, have ½-1 teaspoon of the carrier oil. Apply a few drops of the oil on your forearm to do a patch test. If you do not develop any allergic symptoms such as redness, irritation or inflammation, the oil is safe to use. If any allergic reaction is caused, discontinue use immediately.
It is advised to never use the oil for internal uses. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must use the oil only after consulting with a physician. Avoid using tea tree oil for children and pets.
Do You Want A Natural Treatment For Nail Fungus Try Tea Tree Oil
Using tea tree oil to combat fingernail fungus is an effective natural treatment, although it does take time and persistence. The best way to do this is dip a cotton ball into the tea tree oil and then apply directly on the affected fingernail two to three times a day you should see some positive improvement within a few months.
Another way to use tea tree oil for fingernail fungus is to soak your fingernails. Heres our recipe for a tea tree oil foot soak:-
- Add 1 cup Epsom salts to a basin/tub filled with hot water.
- Add 4-5 drops of essential tea tree oil.
- Soak your fingernails for 15 minutes.
- Dry fingernails thoroughly after soaking.
Repeat this treatment daily for at least a week to help in the treatment of fingernail fungus.
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To Treat Toenail Fungus
Research has shown that concentrated pure tea tree oil is an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
If applied for at least 3 months, it can permanently cure the worst toenail fungus you can ever think of.
Heres how to use tea tree oil for toenail fungus
Pro Tips:
Be careful while using it so that it doesnt touch your skin. The concentrated form of oil can cause skin irritation.
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Tea Tree Oil For Athletes Foot
Jessica J. Krant also said that tea tree oil might be effective for athletes foot in milder cases. In fact, a study in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology has shown that solution with 25- 30 percent tea tree could clear up athletes foot within 4 weeks. However, 4 percent of study participants developed an itchy rash.
Tea tree oil can fight against fungi that cause athletes foot. In particular, the ingredient can relieve the itching and soothe burns. To deal with athletes foot, you can:
- Soak a cotton ball in water
- Then, add two or three drops of tea tree to it
- Apply the mixture of water and tea tree oil on your foot
- Let your nails dry, then wash it off
Many studies have found that tea tree oil can be less effective at treating athletes foot than antifungal medications. Tea tree oil cannot work best if used alone. So, experts recommend antifungal treatments that include other associated substances. For example, Fugacil is one of the best treatments for skin fungal infection. It contains Garlic, Tea tree oil, Vinegar and Coconut oil that can powerfully fight against fungi. Most people apply Fugacil and observe the result in less than 6 days.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Use On Nail Fungus
Generally speaking, tea tree oil is safe for external use. However, you should never consume this essential oil.
Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and allergic reaction in some people, resulting in redness, inflammation, and itchiness. Hence, it is recommended to perform a patch test, even if you use small amounts of tea tree oil for nail fungus.
To safely use this essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil and apply it to your skin or nails. Avoid using it directly without diluting it on your nails or skin, as it is quite potent.
To conduct a patch test, apply a few drops of the oil mixture to your forearm. If you develop any redness or irritation, discontinue its use immediately. If not, you can continue using it. But first, you should prep your nails for the treatment. Find out how to do that in the next section.
How To Apply Tea Tree Oil To Fungal Nail: The Complete Guide
The first step to applying the oil is to ensure that the affected area are well prepared, followed by administering the oil. So how do novice like you go about the preparation? Heres a quick guide that is sure to walk you through.
You can do this by
You can do this by washing your nails with mild soap alongside with water after which the oil can be administered.
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Pro Tips:
Do this each time you want to apply the oil on your nails if youre keen at seeing results within a few months.
Now that youre done with the cleaning and dressing process, its now time to administer the oil
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Tea Tree Oil And Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels which creates an inhospitable environment for fungus to thrive. Its antifungal properties kill the fungus while its acidic nature prevents it from spreading.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Soak finger or toenails for up to 40 minutes and towel dry.
- Using a cotton ball, apply diluted tea tree oil on the infected tooth and leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day
Alternative Method: Combine apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Apply on the affected nail with cotton ball or Q-tip.
Tea Tree Oil And Cornstarch
If you are a sports person or if you have to wear shoes daily for a longer period of time then this process helps to prevent the infection. The cornstarch absorbs the moisture in the shoes and prevents the fungus from thriving.
- Add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch into a plastic Ziploc bag.
- Add 15 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of lavender oil into it.
- Close the bag and shake it to mix the ingredients well.
- Let it stand aside for 24 hours.
- Apply powder to nails daily before putting on socks. Make sure to shake well before use.
Note: You can use unscented talc powder instead of cornstarch.
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Tea Tree Oil Garlic And Calendula Flowers
The allicin present in garlic possesses strong antimicrobial properties which are effective in dealing with fungus. Calendula flowers also contain antifungal properties. This combination is effective in treating moderate to severe nail fungus infection.
- Heat 3 tablespoon of olive oil on low flame.
- Add 4 garlic cloves and 10 shredded calendula leaves.
- Let it simmer for 7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, strain, and let it stand aside overnight.
- In the morning, stir in 1 tablespoon of vitamin E cream or oil and 3 teaspoons of tea tree oil.
- Mix well and apply enough amounts of the mixture on infected nails.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a day.
Note: Store the remaining mixture in an airtight container for daily use.
Symptoms That You Have Nail Fungus
When your finger or toenails look yellow, thickened, brittle and flaky, you very likely have nail fungus. A small amount of this fungus is not likely to cause you a problem however, if, given the opportunity to grow, youll begin to see a full-blown nail fungus infection.
At the root of a nail there will be an overgrowth of fungus. This happens when nail fungus is unable to grow naturally on your fingers or toenails.
Correcting its growth will help relieve side effect symptoms associated with this condition which are pain, itchiness and tender skin on the affected area.
As fungus decreases the side effects vanish with time. This, however, can take time and therefore you have to treat the affected area regularly. Basically, the affected areas of the nail will need to grow out and the sore, tender areas of skin will need to heal.
This is normal, and it means that you are resolving the root cause of your nail fungus for the long-term.
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Tea Tree Oil And Pau Darco
Pau dâArco contains various napthaquinones, lapachol, xyloidone and other compounds which inhibit the fungal growth by restricting its ability to reproduce or replicate.
- Mix 8 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Pau dâArco tincture, ¼ teaspoon of tea tree oil, ¼ teaspoon of lavender oil, and 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint oil.
- Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and hold it against the affected nail for up to 20 minutes.
- Remove the cotton ball and pat it dry completely.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a day.