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.
Why You Should Use Essential Oils To Treat Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, known as onychomycosis in medical terms, is a common nail infection that affects about 5% of the general population. There are many conventional oral and topical treatments for nail fungus but in most cases, even after using these treatments, the nail fungus returns and even spreads to other nails. Using essential oils is a powerful natural remedy that eradicates nail fungus once and for all. Certain essential oils such as the ones listed below have potent anti-fungal properties that help fight off nail fungus fast.
Before using any of these essential oil treatments, first clean the affected nail or nails with warm water and a mild soap and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Treating Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a common problem. Because its so common and contagious, there are many different treatments available. Options range from over-the-counter products to DIY remedies. Essential oils tend to fall somewhere in between. You can use them at home, but they need to be bought.
The primary benefit of using essential oils to treat toenail fungus is that they are all natural. For most people, that means there is little risk of experiencing any adverse side effects. But, its still important to use them the right way.
Essential oils are highly concentrated. For some people, they can cause irritation or inflammation. You can always do a small skin test on yourself with any of the oils listed here. If you experience any irritation, rinse off the oil and avoid using it or dilute it with a carrier oil. Allergic reactions can also occur if you use too much of a certain kind of oil.
In most cases, these oils are completely safe, and you wont experience an adverse reaction. But, they should be applied with caution and applied correctly. When they are used the right way, they are an excellent alternative to chemical-laden toenail anti-fungal remedies.
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Basic Steps For Applying The Essential Oil
To apply your essential oil blend specifically for toenail fungus, use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the oil to the affected area. Alternatively you could use an empty new nail polish dispenser.
After applying the essential oil make sure to wear sandals instead of boots or closed shoes to allow your toes to breathe and to help combat the toenail fungus.
Be sure to keep your homemade essential oil blend inside a glass amber or blue bottle for shelf stability and to help prevent oxidation. You can also store your toenail fungus essential oil blend in the fridge to help prolong the lifespan of your homemade product.
Essential Oils As Home Remedies
Although there isnt much research on the effectiveness of essential oils for toenail fungus, we do know that many oils contain antifungal properties that protect and can help with yeast infections like candida.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts sourced from tree bark and resin, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, nuts, seeds, and even fruit.
Research shows EOs can help with health and well-being:
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that includes the use of essential oils for healing purposes.
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Oregano Essential Oil For Toenail Fungus
Just like the essential thyme oil, oregano oil has two very strong ingredients that can kill any kind of skin bacteria within two to three months.
It has carvacrol, and thymol. Before you apply oregano oil on the infected toenail it is essential to read about it in detail.
To use oregano oil for toenail fungus you need to dilute it. Unlike the thymol essential oil, oregano oil is strong and reactive. It will affect the skin.
That is why it should always be used with a diluting carrier oil. It can be any oil, olive, jojoba, mustard, or coconut oil.
How to use it?
Oregano essential oil for toenail fungus dilution rate is specific. You cannot do it randomly. According to the experts, the oregano essential oil for toenail fungus dilution rate is to add five to six drops of it in one ounce of the carrier oil.
You cannot apply undiluted oregano oil it will burn the skin.
You can also drink oregano oil to treat toenail fungus. Mix it with vegetable oil and take a teaspoon of this mixture in morning after having breakfast.
Side effects of essential oregano oil
Oregano oil is harsh on skin, and continuous oil exposure can damage the skin. It is not the case for everyone, except for people who have sensitive skin.
It has the following side effects.
So, here is the best Oregano essential oil to fix toenail fungus.
Why Use Essential Oils
Conventional treatment depends on the severity of the fungus as well as the type of fungus.
Topical antifungal creams and antifungal pills are often prescribed while you might need to get the damaged skin and nail removed. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the entire nail surgically.
If you are concerned, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist or a podiatrist but this article will take a look at an effective, natural and safe treatment that you can do yourself at home with the minimum of effort.
Many essential oils have antifungal properties and the ability to destroy the dermatophytic fungi that cause toenail fungus.
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Young Living Essential Oil For Toenail Fungus
This has all the essential oils that are required to make the thieves oil. It is all natural so you do not have to worry about the effectiveness.
It may take some time but at the end you will get the desired results.
Pros
- Goes with different carrier oils.
Cons
- Can be irritating on skin when applied without a carrier oil.
Will Epsom Salt Kill Toenail Fungus
Technically speaking, the Epsom salt will treat the infected nail but may not kill the toenail fungus.
You will have to add a few more ingredients to kill toenail fungus. However, the damage happened to the toenail can be treated really fast.
So, it is very likely that the Epsom slat foot soak is a great way to treat toenail fungus.
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What Else Should You Do
Apart from treating your toenail fungus with essential oils, there are other steps that you should take to ensure that your toenails are taken care of and remain fungus free.
- Regularly wash your feet with soap and water and dry them well not forgetting the areas between your toes.
- Keep your toenails short by trimming them when necessary.
- Use clean clippers and files and make sure you clean them after use preferably with alcohol.
- Do not use nail polish while you are treating your fungus as it prevents the nail bed from breathing properly.
The Four Existing Types Of Toenail Fungus
White Superficial Onychomycosis A white and crumbly toenail experience
Candidal Onychomycosis A Disconnection of the toenail from the nail bed
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis Commonly seen in patients with suppressed immune systems due to medication.
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis Represents 58-85 percent of all toenail fungus outbreak. Portrays a crumbled toenail, change in color, and scaling underneath the nail.
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Biopure Clove Essential Oil
If you want to treat toenail fungus through foot soaks, this one is a fine product to try.
It is beneficial in treating pain and inflammation.
Moreover, it will also treat foot odor. Contains several effective ingredients to fully treat the toenail fungus and other skin related issues.
Pros
- The quantity is not enough.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Nail Fungus
The mainstream treatment for fungal nail infections includes both oral and topical medicines. There are creams, gels, nail polish, and pills that are usually prescribed by doctors as remedies for nail fungus treatment. In extreme cases, the doctor might even remove the affected toenail entirely through a minor operation.
However, most of these prescription medicines and surgical processes are unwarranted. Allopathic treatments for fungal infection involve a cumbersome process with some possible side effects. Frequent visit to your doctor for the treatment of toenail fungus also takes away a lot of your time and energy. Worst of all, most of them do not work to meet your expectations.
The best remedy for nail fungus is natural remedies with essential oils. Home remedies are great as they are safe, inexpensive, and very convenient to do at your home.
People had been successfully using various essential oils to cure toenail fungus infection of ancient times. As soon as you spot the symptoms of nail fungus, you can begin to treat with any of the essential oils that work for eliminating the fungus.
Now let us have a look at some of the best essential oils that contain powerful antifungal properties and the potential to kill the dermatophyte fungi that cause toenail fungus.
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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.
Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil
This specially designed essential oil was created for the aroma therapy, and to treat skin inflammation.
It is undiluted so you have to mix it with the carrier oils.
Pros
- Rose marries oil.
How to apply it?
You can directly apply this oil. For an increased and effective treatment, you can also use some carrier oils.
These can be olive oil, or coconut oil. The ratio should be 1:4.
Below is our recommended essential thieves oil for the treatment of toenail fungus.
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How To Prepare Your Nails Before Using Tea Tree Oil
Doing some prep work before you use tea tree oil on your nails can help the oil reach deeper into your skin and nails and offer better results. If your nails are too thick or long, the nail bed will not absorb the oil properly.
Heres how you can prepare your nails for tea tree oil treatments:
After prepping your nails, the next step is to apply the tea tree oil to them. Read the next section for further steps.
Tea Tree Essential Oil For Nail Fungus
If you see a yellowish thickening on the toenail, this is likely to be the t. ruburum fungi. You can consult the physician in this regard as well.
How to use tea tree essential oil?
The best part about using tea tree oil for toenail fungus is its diversity of use. It can be used by mixing it with different toenail fungus treatments.
Apply it directly by mixing with a carrier oil, mix it with a cream, or apply it with any other home remedy to increase the effectiveness.
To use the teat tree oil, you need a carrier oil. It can be any oil, but preferably olive or coconut oils. They are moisturizing and can carry the tea tree oil better than others.
Apply this mixture to the infected area for three weeks twice a day. It will be effective for the initial stage toenail fungus.
Foot soak
If you want to keep the entire foot clean, as the toenail fungus is likely to spread then try the foot soaks.
Foot soaks can take time and for the busy bees it is a bit irritating. All you have to do is soak your feet in the tea tree oil in a bucket full of water.
Repeat this thrice a week to treat toenail fungus. It is better to apply another home remedy, be it a mixture of tea tree oil for fast and effective results.
Side effects of essential tea tree oil
Oregano oil is harsh on skin, and continuous oil exposure can damage the skin. It is not the case for everyone, except for people who have sensitive skin.
It has the following side effects.
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Clove Oil Offers Potential Solution For Toenail Fungus
posted: May 16, 2016.
Clove oil may be the next new thing for treating toenail fungus, thanks to its antifungal properties and pain-relieving properties. The antiseptic found in cloves help fight against bacterial and fungal growth, according to Dr. Biplav Agrawal, Consultant Dermatologist and Immunologist. He recommends mixing 6 to 8 drops of clove oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and applying it to your toenail fungus a few times a day.
While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to your foot and ankle needs.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Alternative Treatments
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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What Are The Best Essential Oils For The Essential Oil Blend Recipe For Toenail Fungus Treatment
Research suggests how a blend called thieves oil can be used to treat toenail fungus infection.
The name is derived from the Middle East as the robbers used to rub this blend on their hands to prevent them from contracting bubonic plague.
Thieves Oil Blend Recipe:
- 35 drops of lemon
- 10 drops of rosemary
You must add four drops of any carrier oil when you take one drop of any essential oil. Consider this a very important rule.
This is the best way to treat toenail fungus infection. It is literally the best option of taking oral antifungal medicines.
The Podiatrists Take On Home Remedies
While home remedies are unlikely to cause any harm in themselves, Dr. Hinkes urges caution when relying on them when looking for how to get rid of toenail fungus.
Resorting to folk remedies can be dangerous because it could keep the patient from getting a legitimate diagnosis and treatment, he says. Now in some people, this could be a critical thing, because it can be contagiousyou can pass it to other people and you can pass it to other parts of your body. So its really not something you want to fool with.
Dr. Hinkes advice is clear: Visit a foot care specialist. This could be a podiatrist, but foot care nurses also offer an excellent and affordable service as an alternative. And if neither of those is available, try a dermatologist. Your family care practitioner can also identify and treat many fungal conditions.
Left untreated, this condition wont go away on its own and can cause serious pain, deformity, and even lead to further complications. Podiatrists recommend seeking expert helpyoure better safe than sorry. If youre desperate, though, try these DIY foot and toenail fungus treatments.
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