Alternative Remedy for Toenail Fungus
Overview
A toenail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms that thrive in dark, moist places. This is one reason that fungal infections are found more often in toenails than in fingernails. The standard treatment for a toenail fungus is a trip to the doctor, followed up with anti-fungal drugs, available in tablet or topical treatment form. The Mayo Clinic reports that these drugs can cause negative side effects, including liver damage. For an alternative treatment for toenail fungus, without the harsh side effects and the expense of a doctor visit, try tea tree oil.
Step 1
Wash your feet and make sure they are dry. If there is any dampness, it can reduce the benefits of the tea tree oil. Carefully trim and clean the area around the affected toenail, and be sure that all trimmings and clippings are clear of the nail bed. Using a disposable orange stick, clean along the edges and underneath the tip of the toenail, and gently push back the cuticles away from the nail plate.
Step 2
Pour 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil on the affected toenail. A study in a 2002 issue of the "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy" reports that tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties, and that the anti-fungal activity begins to work within 24 hours. When purchasing your tea tree oil, select "100 percent pure," as oil that is mixed with another base oil will not be as effective. Select a trusted brand, or if you are unsure, speak to someone at a reputable health food store.
Step 3
Rub the tea tree oil into the affected toenail with a cotton swab. Apply the tea tree oil into the edges of the infected toenail, and as far under the toenail as possible.
Step 4
Leave the tea tree oil on the toenail, and repeat the process at least two and up to three times per day. You should begin to see results within seven days.
Step 5
Check for visible signs of improvement. One of the first signs will be the dark, yellowish color starting to clear and fade. Another sign of improvement will be a smoother, more even appearance of the nail bed.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your toenails clean and trimmed between applications as well. This allows the tea tree oil to get to the area it needs to treat more effectively. Also, allow your feet to "breathe" as often as possible. Feet that are kept in enclosed, moist, socks or shoes are more likely to develop a fungal infection.
- If you do not see any improvement in the toenail fungus within 10 days, consult your physician.
Things You'll Need
- Tea tree oil Cotton swabs Disposable orange stick
About this Author
A freelance writer for 10 years, Traci has written extensively on topics of Health and Wellness. She is a student of Nutrition, and Holistic Remedies that improve the health of body and mind. Her articles have appeared in Catskill Country Magazine, The Lookout Magazine, Capper's, Birds and Blooms, Country Discoveries, many more print magazines and at numerous online sites such
Member Comments
by neomiley on September 27, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Tea tree oil is definitely a good alternative toenail fungus treatment and it has been used as an anti-fungal type products for a long time. Plus, a tiny bottle can go a long way. http://www.ToenailFungusTreatment.com .