Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a type of nail infection that can be caused by fungal yeast, mold or dermatophytes such as ringworm. Treatments include topical medicines such as clotrimazole cream, or pills taken orally, which can be costly, take a long time to work, and have serious side effects. According to the Journal of Family Practice, natural tea tree oil has been found to be just as effective as clotrimazole in treating toenail fungus, but without harmful side effects.
Instructions
Step 1
Buy your tea tree oil from a reputable health food store, and be sure to read the label. You want 100 percent pure oil, also known as melaleuca alternifolia, and you do not want any other ingredients mixed with it. If you buy oil containing other additives, you will not have the best results when treating your toenail fungus.
Step 2
Trim your affected toenail with clean toenail clippers. Use the file (or a separate one) to clean any debris out from around your nail bed and cuticle.
Step 3
Fill a foot basin with just enough hot water to cover your toes, and add a mild cleanser. Soak your foot with the affected nail in the water for 20 minutes, then rinse it under running warm water and dry well.
Step 4
Saturate a sterile cotton swab with tea tree oil, then apply the oil under your nail bed and around the edges of your toenail. Get as far under the nail bed as possible for best results.
Step 5
Put an elastic bandage around the affected nail for at least an hour, which helps keep the oil in contact with the toenail. The bandage also helps keep the oil's vapors near the toenail fungus. The Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy reports that fungi are vulnerable to even just the vapors of tea tree oil, and start dying off after only three hours of exposure.
Step 6
Repeat this process twice a day -- morning and evening -- until your toenail fungus has disappeared.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have recurring toenail fungus, apply tea tree oil once a week after the fungus has disappeared to keep it from recurring. Always clean your toenail clippers with hot, soapy water and then rinse them in alcohol. This will help prevent the spread of the toenail fungus.
- If your toenail fungus shows no sign of improvement after 10 days of treatment, or is getting worse, see your physician. Discontinue the use of tea tree oil if you experience a rash where you are using it.
Things You'll Need
- 100 percent pure tea tree oil
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Foot basin
- Gentle cleanser
- Towel
- Sterile cotton swabs
- Elastic bandage
References
- New Zealand Dermatological Society: Fungal Nail Infections
- PubMed: Abstract: Journal of Family Practice: Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis
- PubMed: Abstract: Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy: The vapor activity of oils against a Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a closed box
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