Can you put tea tree oil directly on your toenail fungus?
Nail fungus. One small study found that pure tea tree oil helped a small amount of people who used it to treat toenail fungus. But other studies on using lower amounts of tea tree oil haven’t found it helps treat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil may work well when used with other antifungal medicines. When purchasing tea tree oils, select a pure, high-quality oil, or purchase pre-made tea tree oil products designed explicitly for toenail fungus, such as antifungal nail creams or nail polishes containing this ingredient. You can add a few drops of the oil to a warm bath and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.Don’t mix Tea Tree Oil with other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin c, etc. Best to use one or the other, not both. Never use it more than once a day – less is more!The simplest way to dilute tea tree oil is with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is completely safe to use provided it is diluted correctly with a carrier oil.Before using tea tree essential oil, be sure to dilute it appropriately using a carrier oil such as jojoba or olive oil. Even diluted, if you have never used tea tree oil before, you may want to consider doing a “patch test” on a small area of skin before using it.
What happens if toenail fungus is left untreated?
Over time, untreated fungal infections can permanently change the shape of the affected nail. In severe cases, the toenail may fully detach from the nail bed, or the nail bed itself can suffer irreversible damage, preventing healthy regrowth. Nothing kills toenail fungus right away. It can take at least 6 months to as long as 18 months to see your nail return to normal. What kills toenail fungus the fastest? A prescription medication like terbinafine will work faster than a home remedy, but you’ll still need to take it for about 12 weeks.Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface. Nutritional deficiencies can cause several changes in the shape and surface of nail plates.To use this for treating a fungal nail condition, start by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of either coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mixture to any infected toenails with a cotton ball. After letting it sit for about ten minutes, gently scrub the treated nails with a clean toothbrush.Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.
What kills really bad toenail fungus?
Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin). You rub this product into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails. What will dissolve thick toenails? Topical home remedies, like Vicks VapoRub, urea creams, and tea tree oil may help. Medical treatment options include oral and topical prescription medications, laser treatments, and nail removal.The most common cause of thickened toenails is aging. Toenails thicken with age because the growth rate of the nail plate slows. Other reasons toenails may thicken include: A common skin condition called psoriasis.If you want to try this remedy, apply a bit of Vicks Vaporub to your affected toenails daily. It can still take several weeks to a couple of months for results to appear.
What is the most effective oil for nail fungus?
Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil: Both oils have antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil: A Brazilian study found that sunflower oil worked to treat toenail fungus infection caused by yeast. Research hasn’t shown tea tree oil is effective in treating toenail fungus. One small study found that pure tea tree oil helped a small amount of people who used it to treat toenail fungus.Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil: Both oils have antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil: A Brazilian study found that sunflower oil worked to treat toenail fungus infection caused by yeast.Tea Tree Oil It’s not just for acne: The September 2022 review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found using topical tea tree oil on toenail fungus for two to six months was just as effective as the antifungal clotrimazole, though a low percentage of people were cured in either group.Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can’t be cured instantly, but laser and oral treatments work fastest. Home remedies like vinegar or Vicks may help slightly but aren’t a reliable cure. Ignoring symptoms can lead to nail thickening, spreading infection, and pain.Cut away any loose or damaged parts of the nail. It is easier for the tea tree oil to reach the fungus when your nails are short. Next, place 1-2 drops of tea tree oil directly on the nail. Gently rub the oil into the nail and surrounding skin.
What is the best and quickest treatment for nail fungus?
Terbinafine and itraconazole have largely taken over from griseofulvin now. They work better and quicker although only about 50% of nail infections are cleared. Terbinafine should be considered as first line treatment for dermatophyte fungi (the ones that cause athlete’s foot). The Best Treatments to Kill Toenail Fungus Instantly Oral Antifungals (like Terbinafine or Itraconazole) – These work from the inside out, attacking the infection at its source. Topical Antifungal Solutions – Prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail for faster and more effective results than OTC options.Tea tree oil, renowned for its antifungal properties, can be a potent ally against nail fungus. Diluted tea tree oil can be applied directly to affected nails to help combat the fungal invasion. Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, creates an environment that’s unfavorable for fungal growth.The tablets for treating nail fungus are prescription-only, so they have to be prescribed by a doctor. The main options for treating nail fungus are the drugs terbinafine and itracionazole. Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by skin fungal infections (called dermatophytes), which is usually the case.Over time, untreated fungal infections can permanently change the shape of the affected nail. In severe cases, the toenail may fully detach from the nail bed, or the nail bed itself can suffer irreversible damage, preventing healthy regrowth.Tolnaftate: An FDA-approved antifungal found in products like Fungi-Nail, our best overall pick. Clotrimazole: A broad-spectrum antifungal often used in OTC creams to stop fungal growth at the source.
Can you put vinegar directly on toenail fungus?
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the nails completely to prevent any residual moisture, which can promote further fungal growth. Apply Directly (Optional): Some people choose to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the affected nails using a cotton ball, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing. A pharmacist can help with fungal nail infections They may suggest trying an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the affected nail. These medicines: should be used daily or weekly, depending on the type.The effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating nail fungus can vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent use to see significant results.