Let’s face it... fungal infections are embarrassing and unsightly. If not treated properly they can become quite painful. A fungal infection typically develops when fungi - known as dermatophytes - burrows in under the nail bed. The fungus will usually get through any opening of the skin or a separation in the nail bed, and if a warm environment is provided the fungus will continue to thrive and grow, causing unsightly and embarrassing nails.
Symptoms can appear as:-
- crusting or thickening of the nail
- white or yellow discoloring of the nail
- separation from the nail bed
- odour
How do you get nail fungus?
Fungus thrives in moist, warm, dark environments - it’s quite commonly contracted at public places such as your local swimming pool, gym locker room or shower – any place where sanitary conditions aren’t up to scratch. Sweaty shoes should also be avoided.
How to use tea tree oil for nail fungus
Tea tree oil contains natural anti-fungal properties, so it’s a very effective treatment for nail fungus whether on your hands or your feet.
Tea tree oil doesn’t give fast results, but if you want an alternative to using harsh, toxic chemicals, tea tree oil will provide peace of mind. Ideally you should paint the affected nail area with tea tree oil twice a day - do this for at least 4-6 weeks.
The nail will need to grow out entirely before all signs of a fungal infection are gone - typically this can take around 6-8 months.
Here’s the best way to use tea tree oil for fungus treatment:-
- Wash the affected nail with soap and dry thoroughly.
- Apply tea tree oil to the affected nail, rubbing in thoroughly.
- Repeat this treatment twice a day.
Continue this fungus treatment until the nail has completely grown out.
100% tea tree oil can be found at your local pharmacy or health food store. You may even find it at some supermarket chains.
Nail fungus and the benefits of tea tree oil
The main benefit of using tea tree oil for fungus treatment is it’s all-natural. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is an Australian native plant. The oil has been used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal people (native people of Australia), for various conditions such as stings, bites, rashes, boils and cuts.
Using tea tree oil as a fungus treatment
There are lots of chemical anti-fungal creams available for fungus treatment, however their results can sometimes be questionable. You can take oral medications to combat fungus, but these can have various side effects ranging from liver problems to skin rashes.
If you want an all-natural fungus treatment, tea tree oil is the perfect option if you want to avoid using harsh chemicals on your body. The oil will take a little while longer to cure your fungus, but in the long term it’s a much healthier and natural choice.
Tea tree oil and nail fungus - how does it work?
Because tea tree oil contains anti-fungal properties, it actually works to kill the fungus - not just treat the symptoms. If you apply tea tree oil to the affected nail twice a day you’ll see an improvement within approx. 4-6 weeks. Discoloration, crusting and flaking will begin to clear up, and the nail will gradually become stronger and much healthier looking.
It’s easy to give up treatment when using tea tree oil as it does take longer, but be patient and don’t stop using tea tree oil for fungus treatment until your nail is fully healed.
Does tea tree oil really work as a fungal treatment?
Yes, it does! Tea tree oil is nature’s best cure for any fungus on the nails. Here are a few ways to help prevent nail fungus conditions:-
- always wear sandals or flip-flops when visiting wet public areas such as pools, gyms, etc.
- keep your feet clean and dry
- change socks or stockings every day
- trim your toenails straight across and do this regularly
