Often embarrassing and very persistent, fungal infections of the nail can cause pain and discomfort if the condition is not treated effectively. Infection will usually develop when fungi (known as dermatophytes) burrow deep under the nail resulting in thick, crusty-looking discoloured nails.
So what are the symptoms of nail fungus?
- crusting
- discolouring
- darkening
- white/yellow spot under nail tip
- thickening/distortion of the nail
- nail separating from its bed
- odour
So how do you get nail fungus?
Any place where there is less than desirable sanitary conditions will provide a breeding ground for fungi to live. Common areas such as the local swimming pool, gym locker room or shower are places where walking barefoot can often result in picking up a nail fungus condition. Fungus thrives in a dark, warm, moist environment, so you should also avoid wearing sweaty shoes.
The fungus usually gets in through an opening on the skin or a nail bed separation, so if a warm environment is provided the fungus will continue to grow and thrive, causing an unsightly and embarrassing problem.
Using tea tree oil for fungus
An effective all-natural treatment for fungus is tea tree oil – nature’s wonder in a bottle. The oil has natural antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties making it an ideal treatment for any type of nail fungus – hands or feet.
Here’s how you can use tea tree oil for fungus:-
- Wash the nail and dry thoroughly.
- Apply the oil directly on the affected nail – probably best to avoid socks/shoes for 20 minutes until the oil has a chance to soak in.
- Repeat daily until nail has completely grown out.
Tea tree oil will not provide speedy results – you’ll be rid of the fungal infection once your nail has completely grown out. This may take anywhere from 4-8 months, depending on how fast your nails grow.
Even though it’s not the fastest treatment around for fungus, tea tree oil provides peace of mind that you are not allowing harsh, toxic chemicals onto your nails and skin.
100% essential tea tree oil can usually be found at your local health food store or pharmacy. You can also buy it online – just make sure it’s pure oil and not a blend.
Tea tree oil – is it effective for nail fungus?
Yes, tea tree oil is very effective for nail fungus. If you apply the oil to the affected nail twice a day, you should see a definite improvement within a couple of months. Any crusting or discoloration should start to disappear, and the nail should become much stronger and brighter in appearance. Be patient and consistent with your tea tree oil treatment for fungus – don’t stop until the nail is fully healed.
Benefits of using tea tree oil for nail fungus
Tea tree oil is a plant native to Australia – Aboriginal people (indigenous people of Australia) have been using the oil for thousands of years due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree and can be used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from dandruff, lice, warts, acne and more.
If you’re looking for an effective natural treatment for fungus, tea tree oil is the perfect solution for you to try.
How to cure toenail fungus with tea tree oil
A lot of over-the-counter antifungal creams that are available to treat nail fungus are questionable. Oral medications have been proven to be a lot more effective, but you may suffer from side effects ranging from skin rashes to liver problems.
If you’d prefer a more natural treatment instead of putting harsh chemicals onto your nails and skin, then try tea tree oil for fungus – you’ll need to be patient but the results will be worth it.
