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Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Toenail Fungus

Thyme Essential Oil For Toenail Fungus

Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Toenail Fungus? Is tea tree oil good for toenail fungus?

Just like essential oregano extract, the thyme or the White thyme oil also contain thymol and carvacrol. Both these ingredients are very effective in treating skin infections, caused both by bacteria and fungi.

Applying thyme oil for toenail fungus can affect the infection.

The thyme oil has the following ingredients.

  • Thymol.
  • Linalool.

How to use it?

To use the thyme oil for toenail fungus, you need to mix it with any carrier oil. In winters the best carrier oil for thyme oil will be olive or mustard oil.

In summers try coconut oil. Mix a few drops of thyme oil, in three table spoons of the carrier oil and it is ready to be applied on the infected toenail.

Side effects of thyme oil

Thyme oil is not very reactive and damaging to the skin. So, it is safe to use.

However, if someone has allergy to the pungent and strong odor of mint may feel it a bit annoying while applying.

Nail Fungus Signs And Symptoms

Nail fungus can occur on the finger or toenails. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is caused when fungi infects the bed of one or more of your nails. The fungus may begin as a small white spot at the edge of your nail 1. As it grows, it can cause more discoloration a thickening and crumbling of the nail. The nail bed can become very sore and if left untreated the nail may fall off.

  • Nail fungus can occur on the finger or toenails.
  • As it grows, it can cause more discoloration a thickening and crumbling of the nail.

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Is Tea Tree Oil For Fungus Treatment Safe

Like most natural products, tea tree oil is largely safe for usage especially in the right proportion, and is approved by the FDA. Nevertheless, it could have a stinging effect on the skin around the nail hence the need for proper dilution with carrier oils such as olive oil and sweet almond oil.

Although tea tree oil for toenail fungus works, Tea tree oil is designed for external use and must never be taken internally.

Before using this oil on children, consult a doctor for approval.

Even with proper dilution, tea tree oil could still result in an allergic reaction. Some people could experience skin redness, itching, and inflammation. Hence, it is good to do a skin patch test before use.

Skin patch test for tea tree oil

  • Dilute one or two drops of tea tree oil with about 12 drops of a carrier oil
  • Apply a very thin layer of the diluted oil on a tiny portion of your forearm.
  • If after 24 hours of this application, you do not experience any skin reactions then you are not likely to see any allergic reactions when applied elsewhere.

Cotton application

After dilution with a carrier oil as stated above, use a cotton swab to put a thin layer of the diluted oil on the affected area and leave it to dry. You can also soak a cotton ball in the diluted oil and place it on the infected nail for a few minutes.

Foot soak

Note:

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Additional Tricks And Considerations

Even though these treatments are pretty great, there are a lot of other things that you can do in order to increase your chances and reduce the overall length of the treatment.

For example, it is very important to have proper foot hygiene. You will have to wash your feet regularly and dry them out. We suggest that you use the same towels for this purpose, and never interact with other parts of your body. This can lead to the spreading of the fungus. Disinfection of shoes and socks will also help. Lastly, make sure to wash your stuff on higher temperatures in order to kill the fungus that mightve stayed.

It is especially important to keep proper toenail hygiene. Your nail clippers will have to be disinfected all the time with alcohol. Try to cut your toenails as often as possible, and cover them while outside. When you get back home, if the weather was rough, make sure to wash your feet once again and dry them out.

You will have to be very attentive during the summer as your feet will sweat and stink all the time. Going without socks will help a bit, but you will also have to wash your feet.

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Toenail Fungus Treatment Options

Does Tea Tree Oil Really Kill Toenail Fungus ...

You have likely already examined many treatment options for fungus. As previously mentioned it can be difficult to get topical treatments to the area where they will do the most good, under your nails in the nail bed. This is one reason several prescription options were created.

Toenail fungus is quite frequently treated with an oral anti-fungal such as Lamisil or Sporanox. These medications go directly to the blood stream and work from the inside out to eradicate fungus. Oral anti-fungal drugs tend to work more quickly than topical options. This is one reason why they are so commonly prescribed by doctors.

Unfortunately, oral medications like these can have serious side effects, from mild rashes to serious live issues. Generally, you will be required to have regular testing for liver output while you are taking these medications. All in all, it can take 4 months or more for the toenail fungus to clear entirely, and if you are suffering liver problems, heart failure or taking certain medications your doctor could refuse to prescribe them.

This is yet another reason individuals will turn to nature for their solutions, hence tea tree oil for toenail fungus!

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Tea Tree Oil For Athlete’s Foot

Tea tree oil may be effective for milder cases of athlete’s foot, says Jessica J. Krant, M.D., M.P.H., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a member of Consumer Reports medical advisory board. Thats because it is known to be antiseptic, mildly antifungal, and mildly antibacterial, she says.

In fact, a study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology in 2002 found that twice-daily use of a 25 or 50 percent tea tree solution for four weeks cleared up athletes foot for more than half the people who used italthough nearly four percent of study participants who used the tea tree oil solution also developed an itchy rash.

While these results seem encouraging, theres no guarantee that consumers will get the same results from the tea tree oil products they buy. Thats because study researchers use ingredients that are purified and analyzed to ensure that they contain exact concentrations of high-quality tea tree oil. But tea tree oil products arent regulated in the way that medications are, so theres no way to be sure that a product from the drugstore contains the ingredients that will have the desired effect, says Krant.

Its also important to note that other studies have found tea tree oil to be less effective at treating athletes foot than over-the-counter antifungal medications such as tolnaftate .

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.

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Experts Answers For Readers Questions

What kills toenail fungus fast?

You can ask your doctor to prescribe antifungal creams and gels or oral medications to kill the fungal growth in your nails quickly.

References:

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  • Antifungal Activity of Nanocapsule Suspensions Containing Tea Tree Oil on the Growth of Trichophyton rubrum
  • Tea Tree Oil And Olive Oil

    How to Prevent Toenail Fungus with Tea Tree Oil–

    As per few studies, olive oil contains hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant which is effective in killing the fungus, yeast and molds associated with toenail or fingernail fungus. Olive oil also helps to speed up healing process of skin surrounding the affected nail.

    • Mix equal quantities of tea tree oil and olive oil.
    • Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on nails and allow to dry.
    • Rinse with water and pat dry.
    • Repeat the process regularly.

    Note: You can use olive leaf extract oil or ozonated olive oil instead of virgin olive oil.

    Alternative: You can use lavender oil instead of olive oil and follow the same process. Lavender oil possess antiseptic properties and volatile compounds that fight against the fungus.

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    Coconut Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus:

    Coconut oil is one of the most effective oil for any problem, it has anti fungal properties, because of its strong properties it is considered a natural remedy in treating toenail fungus.

    Ingredients:

    • First take a cotton ball put 1 drop of coconut oil
    • And then 2 drop of tea tree oil
    • Then bind the ball with bandage to you toe before going to bed and leave it overnight.

    Best time & Repetitions: Apply the mixture once in a day preferably at night. You can notice improvements within 4 weeks.

    True Remedy Natural Store For Toenail Fungus

    It is a guaranteed product, so you do not have to worry about anything at all.

    It is easy to apply, a stress-free routine which will eventually root out the toenail fungus. It is a mixture of tea tree oil, oregano oil, jojoba oil, and eucalyptus oil.

    Pros

    • Exclusively designed for nail fungus.
    • Gluten-free.
    • Takes a lot of time.

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    Are You Able To Apply Tea Tree Oil On To Toenails

    A 1994 research discovered that tea tree oil utilized on to toenail fungus is as efficient as clotrimazole cream. Clotrimazole is an antifungal cream accessible on prescription or from a pharmacy. A research revealed in 1999 investigated whether or not an antifungal cream containing tea tree oil might assist handle toenail fungus.

    Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Nail Fungus

    Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus: A Remedy That Actually Works

    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.

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    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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    There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated. This allows your toenail to regrow healthy, clear keratin that then pushes out the old, discolored, damaged areas.

    Traditional fungal nail treatments take a little longer to work. Topical medications have to be applied every day to the infected nails for as long as it takes to destroy the infectionwhich can be months. Oral medication is more efficient, since it travels through the blood stream to combat the fungus. Depending on your situation, you may have to take pills for a few weeks to a few months.

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    How Long Does It Take For Tea Tree Oil To Work On Toenail Fungus

    Review of Tea Tree Oil for Treatment of Toenail Fungus by Seattle Podiatrist Dr. Larry Huppin

    In response to a 2013 research, tea tree oil was efficient in lowering development of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that may trigger infections resembling athletes foot and nail fungus. Enhancements have been seen after 14 days.

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    Prepare Your Nails Before Applying Tea Tree Oil

    Before applying tea tree oil, one must have to make specific preparations on nails to get the best out of tea tree oil.

    Step 1: Remove all dead nails using a nail clipper. Make sure you get rid of all the dead nails even if it may consume more time. But on the process, try to avoid cutting off your skin.

    Step 2: File down all the infected nails with a coarse nail filer. File away as many dead nails as possible. It is more beneficial to file each nail with a medium grade or fine grade filers.

    Step 3: Clean your fingernails or toenails with soap or lotion along with water to get rid of dust and dirt.

    Once this is done, you can apply the oil onto your nails, and this is how it is done!

    Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Infections And Fungus

    Skin fungal infection is the most common disease occurring in the summer. The diseases affect the skin of humans and cause inflammation in any part of the body. Some common skin fungal skin infections are acne, ringworm, nail fungus and athletes foot. These conditions are not serious, but really annoying and irritating. However, you can treat them easily by medications.

    If you search for a quick fix for a case of the skin fungal infections, you may see many products that contain tea tree oil. In fact, tea tree oil is a liquid derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree . Now, you can find the ingredient in over-the-counter treatments that promise to remove dental plaque and freshen breath. But, does tea tree oil work? Many experts believe tea tree oil can do for fungus and infections.

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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.

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