How Does Tea Tree Oil Break Down Fungus
Toenail fungus isnt exactly attractive. Many people hide their feet in socks and sneakers instead of addressing the larger issue of the actual toenail fungus. However, with summer right around the corner, perhaps its time to try something new. Tea tree oil provides a simple and effective solution that truly works to make you feel and look much healthier, all without the harmful chemical additives and steroids that are often found in prescribed medications.
Tea tree oil attacks the build-up of fungus by breaking down the structure of dermatophytes, more commonly known as the fungi that cause the appearance of yellow toenails. This fungus can be accidentally picked up from walking around public pools while changing in locker rooms, and from other similar types of activity. Dermatophyte thrives in wet, warm environments, so feet, unfortunately, make the perfect host. Its not uncommon, but its also not desirable.
Luckily, this oil is extremely potent in its antibacterial capabilities, so dermatophyte is no match for this powerful natural treatment. Once its applied, it seeps down into the bed of the nail and starts to infiltrate the accumulated bacteria. It takes time, but you will notice a steady improvement as long as you are consistent with your applications.
How Long Does Tea Tree Oil Takes To Work On Toenail Fungus
Ive read somewhere that tea tree oil has antifungal properties and when applied to the toenails, it seems to help clear them up. Does this work on toenail fungus? Well, the best way to answer that question is to say that it doesnt work on toenail fungus. It might have some effect, but its not very good. I suppose if you used a different type of remedy for your toenail fungus then it wouldnt hurt to give it a try, but if youre like me you dont want to waste your money or your time.
Another question that someone might ask about tea tree oil is, does it contain any side-effects? Well, theres one major side effect and thats it can make your nails grow in a different way. You see, tea tree oil basically acts like an antiseptic and helps kill off the fungus thats causing your problem.
Other things that it may help with is, if you have a fungal infection in your toenails then you can also use it. Its been known to help soothe cuts and sores. So, now you know how long does tea tree oil take to work on toenail fungus? It depends on the type of fungus that you have. The better informed you are, the better youll be when it comes to choosing the right treatment.
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Best Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
If a product does not mention pure tea tree oil, this is a red flag that you may be looking at a lower-quality product that wouldnt offer the same benefits as a 100% tea tree oil shampoo. Your hair and scalp type. Tea tree oil shampoos come in as many varieties as regular shampoo and are not limited to any one hair type or scalp type.
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How To Apply Tea Tree Oil On Your Nails
Tea tree oil is an extremely active and potent ingredient. Remember to dilute the tea tree oil in a suitable carrier oil such as coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil or jojoba oil in the ratio of 5-10% tea tree oil in the rest of carrier oil.
After preparing the nails, it is time to apply the oil treatment.
Method
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What Else Can I Do To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Tea tree oil is a good treatment for existing nail fungus. But, you should think about how to prevent a fungal infection in the future. It may not always be possible, but there are precautions you can take.
Keep these preventative measures in mind to help protect yourself:
- Keep your toenails short and clean. This will help to prevent moisture and debris from getting stuck under the nail. It will also prevent the buildup of dirt and other types of bacteria that may cause infection.
- Wear ventilated antifungal socks, and let your feet air out. If you are prone to toenail fungus, choosing socks made of synthetic material is best. They wont allow moisture to build up inside, like cotton and wool might.
- Always wear shoes in public places. Its easy to pick up a fungal infection, so keeping your feet protected is important. Its especially important in places like the gym, or when youre walking around a public pool, etc.
- Practice good hygiene. Again, its easy to often ignore our feet until we see or feel a problem. Keeping your feet clean and dry is a simple way to protect yourself from infection every day.
Free Your Foot How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Foot Fungus
Foot fungus not the prettiest of issues, but nonetheless a very real and common concern that affects millions of people worldwide. As our feet and toes emerge from their fall and winter hibernation, its time to step into something sandy, something strappy, and something opened toed but are your feet really ready for this?
Before we discuss treatments for nail fungus, its important to understand what nail fungus is and how it is identified.
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is usually caused by moisture being trapped in warm conditions, where fungi thrives. Unfortunately, some people develop fungus through swimming and other activities involving consistent dampness, sweating or prolonged moisture in the foot area the ideal environment for growth of fungus. A fungal infection occurs when the fungi infect one or more of your nails leading to the discoloration and thickening of nails. Leaving this condition untreated can result in the cracking, splitting, and even the complete loss of ones nail.
Why Tea Tree Oil?
There are many natural remedies for treating nail fungus and on the top of that list is tea tree oil! Tea tree oil is rich in natural elements that are used to treat various skin problems due to the oils antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Tea tree is especially effective in treating nail fungus and other skin ailments because the oil acts as an antibiotic. In other words, being able to inhibit the growth of and destroy microorganisms.
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Precautions While Using Tea Tree Oil
Although its natural and safe, there are a few things to keep in mind while using this oil on your body to treat infections. This oil is toxic if ingested, and it should be reserved for topical use only. If not, it may cause undesirable side effects. It can also cause skin irritation in some people, so performing a skin patch test before using it is highly recommended. If an infection gets worse or doesnt seem to improve after several months, you should consult a doctor for medical advice. Finally, always make sure that your oil comes from a reputable and safe source so you can trust that itll work to safely clear up infections.
Tea Tree Oil To Treat Toenail Fungus: How To Use
Toe nail fungus is the most difficult situation to deal with. Toe nail fungus is caused when moisture gets trapped in warm conditions and fungus starts collecting over that place. Nail fungus problem starts with white or yellow spot beneath the tip of finger or toenail. we can say it as an infection if there are more spots like this on your other nail as well . It leads to discoloration of the nails also .
Tea tree oil is most useful because it has been used extensively for healing injuries in skin and their rich medicinal values makes them good enough in fighting against infections. Applying tea tree oil on a regular basis is said to cure fungal infections on nails.
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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Preventing toenail fungus may not be at the top of your to-do list, but perhaps it should be. A healthy foot depends on good hygiene, so it is crucial to keep the toes clean and dry. Follow these six tips to prevent nail fungal infections.
- Short and Clean Nails You can make use of a manicure kit to brush up your nails. Keeping nails short and clean will prevent the bacteria from getting clogged under the nails.
- Use Preventive Gloves Wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning clothes will not only prevent you from getting in contact with the bacteria but also keeps your hand dry.
- Wear Ventilating Socks If you plan to sweat while wearing socks, it is better to avoid both cotton and woolen socks. This is where synthetic socks have an advantage, as they wont allow moisture to buildup and get clogged inside the socks.
- Wear Shoes in Public Places Make sure you always wear shoes or sandals at places shared by others like gym, stations, malls, etc.
- Personal Hygiene Last but not least, try to practice good hygiene. Allow maximum air to reach your nails. It can be achieved to a great extent by avoiding tight shoes that may create a sweat environment for your nails. It is always better to opt for open-toed shoes.
Findings From Studies Involving Humans
Two earlier studies investigated the effects of tea tree oil on nail fungus in humans.
A found that tea tree oil applied directly to toenail fungus is as effective as clotrimazole cream. Clotrimazole is an antifungal cream available on prescription or from a pharmacy.
A study published in 1999 investigated whether an antifungal cream containing tea tree oil could help manage toenail fungus. The researchers used tea tree oil alone as a placebo. Participants applied either the combination cream or the placebo for 16 weeks.
The combination cream completely cured the nail fungus in 80% of the participants. However, none of the people who used the tea tree alone saw any improvement. This suggests that tea tree oil alone may not be an effective treatment for nail fungus.
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How To Apply Tea Tree Oil To Nails: Step By Step Guide
The first step to applying tea tree oil to nails is to ensure that you know exactly what youre about to use.
Getting the right knowledge on how to use the oil will not only save you from complicating issues but will hasten the healing process.
So whats the best way to do this?
Know this tea tree oil has been proven to contain a lot of properties anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and what have you.
It is as a result of the numerous benefits loaded in it that over time, has become the most sought-after remedy to fight nail fungal infection.
Onychomycosis is the term for fungal infection of the nails, particularly that of the toenails.
Pro Tips: Before administering tea tree oil to nails, be sure that they have been diluted according.
Now that you have the right knowledge on how the oil works, lets look at the steps or methods involved.
Tea Tree Oil And Coconut Oil
Fatty acids present in coconut oil insert themselves in lipid layer of the fungal cell membranes. This eventually leads to disintegration and destruction of fungus. Apart from that, it also improves the health of nail and skin surrounding it.
- Melt ¼ cup of organic coconut oil and stir in 15 drops of tea tree oil.
- Pour into glass container and let stand until solidified.
- Apply the cream on nails 2-3 times a day, especially after showers and before going to bed.
Alternative Method: Combine 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 10 drops each of oregano oil, tea tree oil, garlic oil, peppermint oil and clove oil. Apply the mixture on the infected nail and massage gently. Leave it to dry completely. Repeat the application daily.
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When To See A Doctor
You should see a doctor if your nail fungus is distressing to you, or if your symptoms worsen over time.
People who have diabetes or a suppressed immune system should address minor cases of toenail fungus right away. In these situations, nail fungus can lead to more serious health issues like cellulitis or systemic fungal infection.
Your doctor may recommend medicated nail polish or cream. These products may take up to a year to work.
The most effective solution for the majority of people is a prescription oral antifungal that you take for six to 12 weeks. However, these medications may affect your liver, so you need to have blood tests periodically while you are on them. They are not recommended for people who already have certain health issues, like liver disease.
If you have a severe and stubborn fungal nail infection, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the toenail.
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Why Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is yellowish and is extracted from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. They are a native of Australia but are also found in other regions. Tea tree oil is well known for its antiseptic properties that aid in fighting against ailments like skin infections, burns, and much more. They are found to be useful as clotrimazole, a type of fungal medication used for the treatment of nail fungus. Applying tea tree oil regularly to your nails can cure fungal infections. They can also improve the appearance and health of nails at a rapid pace.
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Remedies And Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-Counter Antifungals
Antifungal remedies help to stop the growth of the fungus. Over-the-counter options do not claim to cure toenail fungus, but they can help to improve the look of the affected nail. These products do not work as well as prescription medications. To cure toenail fungus, a remedy has to penetrate the nail and nail bed. Most over-the-counter remedies for nail fungus are topical and do not penetrate deeply enough.
Trim, Buff, and Thin the Affected Nail
Keeping your nails trim, buffed, and clean helps to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails. Additionally, buffing the nail can allow topical antifungals to penetrate more deeply. Make sure to wash your hands promptly after touching the affected nail, especially before touching other nails.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a product marketed for people with coughs. However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27.8% of participants fully cured their nail fungus â and 55.6% of participants saw partial improvement. However, more study is needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.
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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.