Knowing how to deal with various ailments, such as aching feet, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot is essential for overall health. Toenail fungus is one issue that can be very serious. Using essential oils for toenail fungus is a natural treatment.
Toenail fungus can cause an unsightly foot, low self-esteem, or hesitation wearing open-toed shoes. It can also cause discomfort, irritation, and other symptoms in extreme situations. Therefore, treatment is critical, and it should begin as soon as the first signs of the infection show.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Athlete's foot or foot fungus causes toenail fungus, which can spread from one nail to another. Toenail fungus infections or onychomycosis result in brittle, broken nails and discoloration of the infected nail. In addition, toenails turn brownish or whitish-yellow.
As the fungal infection advances, this color change may extend to adjacent toenails and cause your toenails to thicken and crack in the long run. If you have a fungal nail infection, sterilize your nail clippers after each usage to avoid spreading the illness.
Fluconazole, terbinafine, and medicated nail lacquer or lotions are examples of over-the-counter treatments. However, these treatment approaches have the disadvantage of causing skin irritation and ingrown nails. It is why many individuals prefer to use natural remedies like essential oils to treat toenail fungus.
The essence of a plant's leaves, stems, seeds, and roots is called essential oil. It's a well-known product with a variety of health benefits. For example, several essential oils have antifungal characteristics that guard against and help with yeast infections. Here are examples of natural essential oils for toenail fungus.
Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is one of nature's most potent antibacterial and antifungal essential oils. It has terpenin-4-ol, a chemical that has been demonstrated to kill fungi and restrict their spread. Melaleuca oil, or tea tree oil, is a colorless liquid with a camphoraceous odor.
Tea tree oil helps to get rid of onychomycosis without the risk of negative effects, thanks to its remarkable antifungal qualities.
2. Cinnamon Essential Oil
The high quantities of eugenol in this oil are particularly helpful at fighting nail fungus. It is made from cinnamon bark and distilled into a powerful oil. Cinnamon essential oil is high in antibacterial properties. This substance kills fungus and aids in the prevention of infection and growth.
Cinnamon aids in the maintenance of a drier nail region, preventing the type of environment in which fungus develops. Cinnamon oil is also a powerful insecticide that kills mosquito larvae while being environmentally friendly.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is derived from several parts of the Origanum vulgare L. plant. This essential oil's therapeutic properties, particularly its ability to destroy nail fungus. As a result, oregano oil is one of the top choices for people trying to combat fungal development. Place a drop or two of the oil straight into the infected toenail and leave for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the oil to enter the infection.
4. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is extracted from the partly dried or fresh blooming tops and leaves of the thyme plant. Its antifungal properties help to remove nail fungus. Additionally, it is particularly powerful against houseflies.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is antifungal and also functions as a powerful pain reliever. In addition, it provides a cooling and relaxing effect that can help alleviate itching thanks to its high menthol concentration.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
One of the most well-known essential oils on the market is lavender essential oil. It contains many linalool and linalyl acetate, which help with fungal skin diseases and wound healing.
7. Lemon Essential Oil
Citrus limon, otherwise known as a lemon essential oil, has antibacterial antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
8. Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is a perfect contender for killing fungal infections. Clove oil has potent antifungal activity against the epidermophyton floccosum. Furthermore, clove essential oil is used to repel the troublesome brown marmorated stink bugs.
9. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is the essence of the lemongrass plant's leaves and stalks. As a result, they have an intense, lemony perfume. In addition, lemongrass oil is effective in treating foot fungus Candida albicans.
How to Apply Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus
- Use soap and water to clean your feet, toes, and toenails.
- Use a soft towel to dry the area thoroughly.
- Dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Use 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply 4-5 drops of the oil blend to the affected nail.
- Use a cotton ball or a q-tip to apply the solution to the fungus-affected toenails before retiring to bed.
- Do this at least twice a day for optimal results.
- Wait 10 minutes for the oil to absorb.
- Use a gentle toothbrush to scrub the nail.
- You can also make warm water soak with essential oils and salts and soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes at least once a day.
- To see positive results, repeat this therapy twice a day for up to 2-3 weeks.
Tips when Using Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus
- Before using the essential oil, make sure you dilute it with an appropriate carrier oil such as coconut oil.
- Stop using the essential oil treatments if you experience any irritation or sensitivity.
- Not sure if you are allergic? Perform a patch test on the inside of your forearm with the solution before starting the treatment.
- To avoid diluted products and potentially dangerous substances, always use high-quality, certified organic, and therapeutic-grade products.
- Keep the essential and carrier oil bottle out of reach of enraged pets and children.
- Keep in mind that essential oils should not be taken by mouth.
How to Prevent Toenail Fungal Infections
- Shower every day, and make sure to wash your feet and toes and dry them thoroughly.
- After bathing, or swimming, make sure your feet are completely dry.
- After you've washed and dried your nails, moisturize them.
- Trim your nails straight across the board. File down any thickened regions.
- Wear sandals or breathable shoes. Allow shoes to air dry overnight before putting them back on.
- After each usage, disinfect the nail clippers.
- Bring your pedicure tools to the salon or go to one that stores separate tools for each client.
- Avoid sharing nail files, clippers, and other nail care tools.
- Use nail polish sparingly.
- Wear socks inside your closed shoes.
- Wear socks made of natural fabrics that absorb sweat.
- Changing your socks once or twice a day.
- Wear flip-flops In water parks, pools, and other wet public facilities, such as locker rooms or showers.
- Wearing tight shoes that impede airflow around the feet and toes is not a good idea.
- Shoes made of breathable materials are the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What are the advantages of natural essential oils?
- Essential oils are less expensive than creams and washes.
- There are no chemical ingredients.
- There are no potentially serious side effects.
- Instead of a chemical odor, it leaves behind a lovely perfume.
- Along with boosting nail health, it can provide extra aromatherapy advantages.
2. What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
- Your nails become brittle or change color, especially your big toenail, which is the most likely to become infected.
- The front or sides of the nails develop a whitish-yellowish or brownish tint.
- Nails softening, breaking easily, or thickening and changing shape.
- Pain in the area of the nails.
- Detachment of the nail from the skin or the nail bed.
- White patches appear on the nail's surface, either in huge blotches or little dots dispersed.
3. When should I see a doctor for toenail fungus?
Toe fungus is typically a cosmetic issue. Nonetheless, it has the potential to create major difficulties for some individuals. For example, foot fungus can cause foot ulcers or other foot problems if you have diabetes.
Chronic foot fungus is a substantial risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg. Home cures for foot fungus aren't used if you have diabetes or a damaged immune system. Instead, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.
4. What are the types of toenail fungus?
Onychomycosis or toenail fungus is divided into four types, namely:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis is the most prevalent kind, accounting for 58–85 percent of all cases. It's characterized by brittle nails, discoloration, and subungual hyperkeratosis, as well as an easily crumbled nail (scaling under the nail).
- In proximal subungual onychomycosis, the nail plate appears white at the cuticle. It is frequent in immunocompromised people.
- White superficial onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes the nail to turn white and crumble.
- Candidal onychomycosis is a fungal infection in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed.
Summary
Essential oils for toenail fungus are a viable home treatment for fungus infections. However, it may take multiple administrations and some time to observe your infection's symptoms disappear. If you've tried this therapy for more than a week and it hasn't worked, speak to your doctor. Other treatments for fungal skin infections are available and can be recommended to you.
0 comments