How Effective Is Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus

What Are The Risks Of Taking Tea Tree Oil

• Risks. Topical tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions that can be severe. Tea tree oil may also cause redness, itching, and blistering. It may aggravate burns and skin conditions like eczema. Using large quantities of tea tree oil on the skin could cause severe side effects.
• For topical use only. Tea tree oil must never be used in the eyes or swallowed. Even in small amounts, swallowing tea tree oil could potentially cause severe reactions, including severe rash, nausea, confusion, and coma.

Given the lack of evidence about its safety, tea tree oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Ozonized Sunflower Oil And Other Ozonated Oils

Ozonized sunflower oil combines sunflower oil and ozone and is made by treating the sunflower oil with ozone which leads to an ozone reservoir that slowly releases into the skin or nail area. Ozone is one of the best bacteriacidal, antifungal, and antiviral agents known and represents a promising and needed alternative to current antimicrobials, because it is cheap to make and can avoid resistance. A laboratory study showed ozonized sunflower oil inhibited the growth of 5 different strains of fungi, although this was less than with conventional agents such as fluoconazole or itraconazole. Another study that compared ozonized sunflower oil twice a day for three months to ketoconazole 2% cream, found 90.5% were cured and 9.5% reported an improvement in their nail fungus with Oleozon compared to only 13.5% cured with ketoconazole and 27.5% improved. 59% remained the same.

Verdict: Ozonized oils including ozonized sunflower oil are promising antifungal agents that appear significantly more effective than conventional agents when used to treat toenail fungus.

Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus

Now, if you ever had experience with toenail fungus, you probably know how tricky this condition is. You can use drugs for it, but unfortunately, most of the products have very strong side effects. This is why people opt for alternative medicines such as coconut oil.

In this specific case, coconut oil will affect the toenail fungus because of its antioxidant properties. It also has a terrific impact on your immunity and overall wellbeing, which is another perk.

We also have to mention that this natural oil is great because you can use it at your home. There is no need to expose yourself to doctors!

Here are some of the main things you need to know about this fantastic product.

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Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.

Oregano Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus:

Oregano oil has fungicidal properties which makes it an effective remedy to get rid of nail fungus.

Ingredients:

• 30 drops of Oregano oil
• 30 drops of tea tree oil
• Cotton ball

• Take a bowl add 30 drops of each oil
• Mix them well
• Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture of both the oils on the infected nail

Repetitions: Repeat the process once a day.

Best Time to apply: Before rest.

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For Every 4 To 5 Drops Of Tea Tree Oil Add 12 Drops Of A Carrier Oil

Before applying tea tree oil for toenail fungus you must have to make certain preparations on nails so as to get the best out of tea tree oil.

Step 1 : Make sure you get rid of all the dead nails with a nail clipper. Start by sterilizing your nail clipper, by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution for 10 minutes.

Step 2 : File away any bits of dead toenails at the corners. If needed, use a medium or fine nail filer to smooth any jagged or rough areas. The more the skin is exposed to the tea tree oil for toenail fungus treatment, the better the chances of inhibiting fungal growth.

Step 3 : Gently scrub and wash infected nails with soap and warm water to remove dust and dirt.

Step 4 : Use a cotton swab to apply a few to several drops of the diluted tea tree oil to the affected nail, and allow to air dry.

Step 5 : Apply thoroughly, so the oil penetrates the affected nail as much as possible, pressing it gently but firmly so that the liquid comes out.

Step 6: Gently scrub the affected nails with the help of a toothbrush, so as to make sure the oil reaches deep into the nails.

Repeat the steps on how to dilute tea tree oil for toenail fungus 2 to 3 times per day. To improve the odds this tea tree oil treatment will work, be prepared to apply the oil at least twice daily for several months.

More Ways To Use This Toenail Fungus Treatment Formula

While neem oil can be applied directly to skin, I dont recommend this for anything except your nails as both neem oil and tea tree oil can be overly drying. However, if you want a super speedy cold sore home remedy, reduce the tea tree oil to 6 drops and the lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to 2 drops each. Then apply solution directly to cold sore. It will literally almost disappear overnight.

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When Should You Consider Visiting A Doctor For Toenail Fungus

If it is a mild fungal infection, tea tree oil can arrest the fungal growth and heal it completely. If the treatment is not improving the infection and your nails and surrounding skin become inflamed and painful, consult your doctor immediately.

Also, if you are developing an allergic reaction to the essential oil, discontinue its use immediately. If the reaction persists or becomes worse, visit your doctor.

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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Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Rose geranium essential oil is known for its uplifting aroma and its ability to treat a range of emotional disorders but recent research indicates that it also possesses powerful anti-fungal properties.

The research which was published in 2014 examined both the antibacterial and anti-fungal effects of rose geranium essential oil and found that it was very active against all of the bacteria and fungi tested comparably with prescription medications.

Indeed when it came to its ability against candida albicans, researchers observed a complete inhibition of fungal growth and development. The abstract is available here

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

It depends on the type of ringworm you have. Tea tree oil effectively kills both dermatophytes and yeast infections when used consistently for several weeks so that it will work on any ringworm you attempt to treat with it.

• If you are using tea tree oil topically, apply it to the affected area for several weeks.
• If you are using it as an oral supplement, then it will take longer than that because your internal organs must absorb it first before getting into your system and circulating the body.
• The length of time will depend on how severe your case of ringworm is. However, if you are using it consistently, then the tea tree oil will affect your ringworm.

See 5 Steps To Support Good Nails and Hair

See Keravita Pro a natural dietary supplement that supports hair and nails.

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How Much Tea Tree Oil Should You Use

Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment. It should never be taken by mouth.

Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition. For instance, a 5% tea tree oil gel might be used for acne, while a 10% or higher tea tree oil cream might be used for athlete’s foot. A 100% tea tree oil solution has been used with toenail fungus. If you use tea tree oil, follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor.

Treating The Underlying Cause

Speaking of natural treatments, how about a truly natural treatment? One potential reason for the poor long-term benefits of any therapy is that it may be treating only a manifestation of underlying disease, such as generalized immune suppression or peripheral micro- or macrovascular disease. Maybe fungal nail infections are just a manifestation of poor peripheral blood circulation that would normally allow your bodys natural defenses to keep the fungus from taking root in the first place. Evidently, there was a non-English language study of 400 patients that looked at the relationship between blood circulation of the skin and the development of fungus diseasethat was the titleand found a greater than 50% reduction in blood flow in patients with compared with patients without these disorders. So, If fungal nail infections are just a symptom of an underlying process, then treatment aimed at eradication of a pathogen may be unrealistic. No wonder it just grows right back. A more appropriate goal, then, may be to just give up and live with it. But wait! If its a circulation problem, why not try to instead improve the circulation?

Weve known since the 1950s that you can effectively switch peripheral artery circulation on and off, like a light switch, within days by switching people between a low-fat plant-based diet and the more conventional diet that contributed to the problem in the first place.

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Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus

Now as you are aware about the use of the tea tree oil for toenail fungus which are the safest way to apply this, the pros and cons, it is better to learn about the potential side effects of the tea tree oil for toenail fungus.

• It can cause skin irritation many people have sensitive skin. The strong chemical components in the tea tree oil can cause skin irritation.
• Dermatitis is a severe allergy, which is the horrible thing occurs when your skin gets irritated and shows some strong reactions. It is a rare situation not many people are going to face it, but the ones with a bad skin may get this.
• Burning sensation may also arise, the skin would feel warm, and gradually it will feel burning. It is not worse, if you feel that way simply wash the skin.
• A slight stinging sensation may also be felt when you are applying it for the first time. continuous apply with the slight stinging is fine, but if it gets worse stop using that tea tree oil.

To avoid any of these side affects you must ensure that the tea tree oil you use is already diluted.

Many people think that the companies have the already diluted tea tree oil which is not the case every time so you must ask the seller and check if the tea tree oil is diluted.

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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Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Nail Fungus

Yes, tea tree oil is one of the more effective essential oils for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. A study conducted in 2013 demonstrated the efficacy of tea tree oil in reducing the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, a common nail fungus .

Combining tea tree oil with other medications can also successfully reduce nail fungus. One study demonstrated the use of a cream that contained butenafine hydrochloride and tea tree oil. When applied for 16 weeks, this cream had a success rate of about 80% in treating toenail fungus infection with no recurrences .

Several other studies have also shown promising results in the use of tea tree oil for nail fungus. But, is this essential oil safe to use? Find out below.

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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How Can You Maximize The Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Apart from the oil application, you can follow a few tips that can help improve the condition of your toenails and resolve the fungal infection faster.

• Trim your nails regularly. It will prevent the underlying healthy nail from getting infected and allow the oil to penetrate the nail bed better.
• Always wash your nails clean with soap and water. Remember to pat your nails and the skin around them dry to prevent any moisture from entering the nail bed.
• Use footwear in public places such as washrooms, locker rooms, and pools to prevent spreading it to others.
• Opt for footwear that has ample space for your toes. A narrow toebox will cramp your toes together and apply pressure on your toenails. The repetitive trauma can make them susceptible to fungal growth. Choose sandals instead. Alternately, you can apply an antifungal spray to the inside of your shoes to prevent fungal growth.
• If you must wear socks, invest in ones made of natural fibers as they absorb moisture and sweat, unlike their synthetic counterparts. Change and wash your socks regularly.
• Always sterilize your nail tools such as nail clippers, nail file, etc. Avoid sharing them with others as they can spread toenail fungus.
• Lastly, check your nails regularly for any change in color, pain, or irritation. If you notice any such changes, get treatment immediately to prevent the fungal infection from spreading further.

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