Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails and toenails. It’s not usually serious, but it can be persistent and difficult to treat. Once you have it, it can be hard to get rid of.
That’s why many people turn to alternative treatments, like oil of oregano and tea tree oil. Both of these natural oils have been touted as having antifungal properties, making them potential remedies for nail fungus.
So, can these oils really help? This article explores the use of oil of oregano and tea tree oil for nail fungus. You’ll learn how to apply them, what the research says about their effectiveness, and what precautions you should take if you decide to try them. We will also compare the usage of oil of oregano and tea tree oil for nail fungus.
What is Nail Fungus? (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has thickened your nails, self-care steps and medications, including the use of salicylic acid for fungal infection, may help.
Causes and Risk Factors
Nail fungus is often caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. A common culprit is trichophyton rubrum.
Some factors can increase your risk of getting a nail infection. These include:
- Age
- Poor hygiene
- Nail trauma
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
The most common symptoms of nail fungus are:
- Thickened nails
- Discolored nails
- Brittle nails
- Distorted nails
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Pain or discomfort (in severe cases)
Tea tree oil for nail fungus: Properties and application
Tea tree oil is one of those remedies that people recommend for everything, from acne to athlete’s foot. But does it really work for nail fungus?
Antifungal properties of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has a compound called terpinen-4-ol that can disrupt the membranes of fungal cells. That’s why some people believe tea tree oil can treat fungal infections.
One study in 2013 showed that tea tree oil reduced the growth of Trichophyton rubrum in lab samples over a period of 14 days. Trichophyton rubrum is a common type of fungus that can cause nail infections. Even so, the amount of tea tree oil needed to treat toenail fungus isn’t clear.
How to use tea tree oil for nail fungus
If you want to try tea tree oil, here’s how to use it:
- Apply tea tree oil to a cotton ball.
- Dab the cotton ball gently onto the affected nail twice a day.
You should also dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, to avoid irritating your skin.
Keep in mind that it can take weeks or months to see a real difference.
Precautions and potential side effects
Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, so you should always test it on a small patch of skin before applying it to your nail.
Never swallow tea tree oil. It’s for external use only.
Oil of Oregano for Nail Fungus: Properties and Application
Oil of oregano is a natural remedy that some people use to treat nail fungus. Here’s what you should know about it:
Antifungal Properties of Oil of Oregano
The active ingredients in oil of oregano are carvacrol and thymol. These compounds have been shown to have strong antifungal effects in lab studies.
Some research suggests that oregano oil can prevent the growth of various types of fungi.
How to Use Oil of Oregano for Nail Fungus
If you’d like to try oil of oregano, here’s how to apply it:
- Dilute the oil of oregano with a carrier oil. Good choices include coconut oil or olive oil.
- Apply a small amount of the diluted oil to the affected nail twice a day.
It’s important to dilute oil of oregano because it’s very potent. Begin with a low concentration and increase it gradually as your skin tolerates it. It may take weeks or months to see a noticeable difference.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects
Oil of oregano can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Test a small area of skin before applying it to the entire nail.
Never ingest undiluted oil of oregano.
Also, be aware that oil of oregano may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using oil of oregano if you take prescription medications.
Combining Oil of Oregano and Tea Tree Oil: Synergistic Effects?
Some people believe that using tea tree oil and oil of oregano together may be more effective against nail fungus than using either of them separately, although aloe vera for fungal infections may provide additional benefits as well. The idea is that these two oils have different antifungal properties, and combining them could create a synergistic effect that knocks out the fungus.
So, how do you combine them safely? The key is to dilute both oils separately with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil. Once they’re diluted, you can mix a few drops of each diluted oil together before applying the mixture to the affected nail.
But here’s the thing: you need to be super careful when using these oils, especially when you combine them. You’ll want to closely monitor your skin for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using the oils immediately and talk to your doctor.
Other home remedies and considerations
If you’re exploring using oil of oregano and tea tree oil to treat nail fungus, you might also be curious about other things you can do at home.
Other potential home remedies
Some people have success treating nail fungus with: including exploring if vinegar for green nails is effective.
- Vicks VapoRub
- vinegar soaks
- baking soda
Importance of good nail care
To help prevent nail fungus, and to help your treatment be more effective, be sure to:
- keep your nails clean and dry
- trim your nails regularly
- avoid sharing nail clippers or files
Boosting your immune system
A healthy immune system helps your body fight off infections, including nail fungus. What you eat has a big impact on your immune system.
To give your immune system a boost, include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet. At the same time, cut back on alcohol, refined carbs, and foods that are high in sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you shouldn’t attempt to cut off a toenail infected with fungus yourself. This can increase the risk of infection and complications. Instead, consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper treatment and management of the fungal infection.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including poor foot hygiene, wearing tight-fitting shoes, excessive sweating, walking barefoot in public places (like locker rooms and swimming pools), and having underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system.
What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus?
There isn’t a single “number one” home remedy guaranteed to cure toenail fungus. However, many people find success with natural treatments like tea tree oil and oil of oregano, both known for their antifungal properties. Consistency is key when using these remedies.
What is stronger, tea tree oil or oregano oil?
Oil of oregano is generally considered to be stronger than tea tree oil due to its higher concentration of carvacrol, a potent antifungal compound. However, both oils can be effective against toenail fungus when used correctly.
Can you put 100% tea tree oil on your toenails?
While tea tree oil is generally safe for topical use, it’s often recommended to dilute 100% tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) to avoid potential skin irritation. A 50/50 mixture is a good starting point. Always perform a patch test before applying to the entire affected area.
In Conclusion
Oil of oregano and tea tree oil might help get rid of mild cases of nail fungus, but they aren’t a replacement for medical advice from a qualified health professional. If you’ve tried home remedies and they don’t seem to be working, or if your symptoms get worse or come back, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
It’s important to remember that getting rid of nail fungus can take time and effort. You have to be patient and keep up with your treatment plan to see real results. Talk to your doctor about the best way to get rid of your nail fungus.