Does Tea Tree Oil Treat Toenail Fungus

When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus

If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.

Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.

Stop This Skin Infection In Its Tracks With These Over

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Toenail fungus is a common fungal condition that often starts after a rash on the foot spreads to the nails. When mild, it looks like white and yellow spots growing under the nail beds. But if left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes.

The fungus often begins in the form of athlete’s foot between the toes or on the soles of the feet. At this stage, the fungal infection is easier to treat with over-the-counter medication. But Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, told Verywell Health toenail fungus can be difficult to treat because of how slow the nails grow. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies, she says.

Diagnosing the fungal infection early is key to make treatments effective. Dr. Lipner recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist to properly treat the infection if it grows to be too severe.

Here are a few of the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatments on the market.

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.

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Toenail Fungus Treatment Using Tea Tree Oil

Toenail fungus can be treated naturally without going to the hospital. Using essential oils is the best way to treat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil can be used for treating fungus as long as you use it correctly and maintain consistency.

When you decide to use tea tree oil, make sure that you buy pure and organic oil. You need to buy good quality oil so that you can gain the maximum health benefits from the oil. Since tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it has healing abilities to get rid of nail fungus over time.

How does tea tree oil work for toenail fungus treatment?

Before trying any toenail fungus treatment, it is essential to understand how it works. The method of treatment should be backed by scientific proof so that you can know whether it will work or not. Using tea tree oil is of the natural fungal therapies that work.

Tea tree oil works by killing fungus on your nails, but that is not the only role of the oil. Apart from destroying the fungus, tea tree oil forms a barrier on the skin and prevents the growth of fungus. The oil can penetrate the nail, and this is important when treating fungus. Since tea tree oil forms a bond with your skin, it becomes impossible for the fungus to penetrate further into your skin. The oil has a sweet fragrance, and it will keep your nails smelling fresh.

How to use tea tree oil for toenail fungus treatment

Clean your feet

Find good base oil

Use a clean applicator

How long should you use tea tree oil?

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What Is Tea Tree Oil Good For

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree, proper name melaleuca alternifolia native to various parts of Australia. In its native land tea tree oil has been utilized to treat a wide range of skin ailments including burns, abrasions, infections and fungus. This natural remedy was first discovered in the 1920s but it would be several decades before commercial production really took off.

It should be noted that while the tea tree was first used for extracting this essential oil it has since been successfully extracted from multiple melaleuca plants and trees. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-fungal essential oil. It is meant for topical application only as it can be fatal if taken internally.

Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication

One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.

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Using Tea Tree Oil On Your Nails

Before using tea tree oil for toenail fungus, make an appointment and talk to your doctor about your infection. You may need to take a prescription medication to deal with the problem if you have any other illnesses or health conditions. Your doctor can let you know if tea tree oil is likely to work safely for you. Once you have talked to your doctor, return to Walgreens, where youll find many tea tree oil products. Choosing a liquid extract will likely be best for your needs. Typically, tree oil soaps and skin care creams do not have a high enough concentration of the herb to fully address the fungal infection, which can be difficult to treat. Use a disposable cotton swab to spread the oil onto your toenail. It can take several months for nail fungus to respond to any type of treatment, so be sure to continue to use the product as recommended by your doctor for as long as he or she suggests. Tea tree oil may cause swelling of the skin or redness around your nail. Be sure to keep the cap on the bottle of your extract, as the oil is more likely to cause reactions when it is exposed to the air. It may not be safe for young boys to use tea tree oil to address toenail fungus due to concerns about how the herb affects hormone levels in the body.

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Clean Socks And Shoes

Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.

Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.

Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

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How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus

Hydrogen peroxide can be used separately to kill toenail fungus or in combination with other active antifungal agents such as vinegar.

Hydrogen peroxide foot or hand soak

It is a fact that using hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus is quite effective but how do you go about it? Soaking the affected nail in hydrogen peroxide will increase the oxygen level around the infection which is hostile to nail fungus. This is called an oxidate therapy.

• Get hydrogen peroxide with concentration level not higher than 3% to prevent skin damage
• Dilute hydrogen peroxide with warm water in a bucket or basin
• Soak the affected hand or foot in the hydrogen peroxide solution for about half an hour at least once a day
• Then dry the nails thoroughly

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:

• 2 drop Tea tree oil
• Cotton ball

• 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.

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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.

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!

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Primary Uses Of Tea Tree Oil:

The earliest documented use of tree oil within the industrial medical field was in Australia during the 1920s, and tea tree oil use has since spread worldwide. Tea tree oil, nowadays, is used primarily for antimicrobial purposes and is only applied topically, due to the low threshold of oral toxicity effects. A low threshold indicates that the bodily tolerance for tea tree oil is extremely low without the presence of harmful side effects or possible fatality.

Tea tree oil also contains a low threshold for dermal toxicity effects and must be diluted to at least 10% within all formulations. When used for dermatological treatments such as skin conditions, skincare and beauty, tea tree oil is usually diluted in a carrier oil or water base. Tea tree oil is considered an essential oil, which are potent oils which go through a distillation process in which the liquid substance is heated and the remaining vapor is condensed. On the other hand, carrier oils are extracted from plant seeds through a manual process and are used to safely carry the essential oils through the skin layers without burning or other negative effects.

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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.

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Tea Tree Oil And Mustard Oil

Mustard oil contains strong anti-microbial properties which help to kill the fungus causing infection. This process is effective for treating mild to moderate nail fungus infections.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of mustard oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil.
• Apply the mixture on the toe or finger nails and allow to dry completely.
• Repeat the process once or twice in a day.