Nail fungus (onychomycosis) whether it is in your toenail or fingernails is not only an ugly sight but is also difficult to remove. Toenail fungus infection is more common than the infection in the fingernails. Some people are more prone to get it therefore they have to be more careful.
Nail fungus begins with a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenails or fingernails. The most common first victim is your big toenail. As the fungal infection penetrates deeper your nail gets discoloration, becomes brittle and thicker. It can then gradually infect the other nails.
Toenail fungus is very difficult and generally expensive to treat. However tea tree oil and other essential oils are inexpensive and effective home remedies for toenail fungus.
Table of Contents
- What is Toenail and Fingernail Fungus?
- Why Tea Tree Oil is Suitable for Toenail Fungus?
- 3 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus
- Precautions and Tips
What is Toenail and Fingernail Fungus?
Fungal infection of nails both toenail and fingernails is persistent and embarrassing. It is generally not painful but that discoloration and crusting makes the nails dark and brittle.
Initially you will see yellow or white spots on your names. They gradually thickens and distorts the nails. It may give a foul smelling odor and can be painful sometimes. Usually the big toenail gets it first.
The fungus thrives in warm, dark and moist environments such as sweaty shoes and shower areas. If you have diabetes then your chances of getting toenail fungus significantly increases. Although people without diabetes also frequently get toenail fungus.
Toenails are more prone to getting fungus infection as compared to the fingernails as the toenails are generally more confined to warm dark and moist areas due to footwear.
Even the reduced blood circulation to the toes is one of the main causes of toenail fungus.
Why Tea Tree Oil is Suitable for Toenail Fungus?
Tea tree oil or melaleuca is a well known powerful antiseptic natural product. It is one of the top antibacterial essential oils. Tea tree oil which is an Australian origin essential oil is now widely used worldwide for antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, fungicide and insecticide purposes.
Due these properties it is effectively used for skin infections such as:
- Acne
- Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
- Lice
- Tinea pedis(athlete’s foot)
- Scabies
- Ringworms
- Vaginal infections
- Herpes
- Bee stings
- Boils
The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus as well as reduce allergic reactions.
Tea tree oil is also compatible with clotrimazole 1% solution - a conventional toenail fungus treatment.
3 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus
You can use tea tree oil alone or with other essential oils to get rid of toenail fungus toenail fungus.
1. Tea Tree Oil Alone
This is perhaps the only application of tea tree oil where you use the hundred percent concentrated essential oil. Any other skin application of tea tree oil requires dilution otherwise it may burn the skin.
- Wash and clean the infected toenails with dettol or other disinfectant
- Paint the nail with 2-3 drops of 100% concentrated tea tree oil.
- Leave it there
- Do not wear socks or shoes
- Do it twice daily for 6 months or more.
Researchers have found that approximately 18% people get rid of their toenail fungus after 6 months of regular twice daily use of fully concentrated tea tree oil. Lower concentrations of tea tree oil have not been found as effective.
It was also found that in almost 60% cases the appearance of nails significantly improved.
Getting rid of toenail fungus in this slow process so you require patience.
2. Tea Tree Oil with Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is also a powerful antifungal product. You can use oregano oil for toenail fungus on its own as you use tea tree oil or mix both oils for better impact.
And equal quantities of tea tree oil and oregano oil and keep it a dark bottle. The same original containers of these oil will be perfect.
- Disinfect your nails with dettol
- Apply 2-4 drops of the mix oil on the affected toenails or fingernails
- Spread it well across the nail and let it get absorbed
- Do it twice daily for six months
- Do not wear shoes or socks
3. Tea Tree oil with Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil. Adding jojoba oil to tea tree oil in equal quantity slightly dilutes the tea tree oil but the mixture does a good job if getting rid of fingernail fungus.
- Mix two drops of tea tree oil with two drops of jojoba oil well
- Apply on the affected toenail or fingernails
- Leave it there
- Do it twice daily
It may take 6-8 months to see good results. Your fungus would have reduced and in some cases completely disappeared. Your nails would look much better.
Precautions and Tips
Since 100% concentrated tea tree oil is being used for toenail fungus it is important to ensure that the peripheral skin of your toenails doesn't get a direct sting of tea tree oil.
- Apply coconut oil or olive oil on the skin that is on the periphery of your affected nails before applying tea tree oil on the affected toenails or fingernails.
- Boys in their teens should avoid using tea tree oil as it affects the hormonal balance during puberty years.
- Avoid direct drop on skin
The bottom line is that tree tea oil is one of your best natural bets to get rid of toenail fungus.