Argan Oil for Fungus Nails? Benefits & How to Use It

Argan oil comes from Morocco, where it has been used for centuries. What was once a regional beauty secret is now known worldwide for its amazing benefits for skin and hair.

But what about nails? Can argan oil play a role in nail health, specifically when dealing with fungal infections? That’s what we’ll explore in this article: whether argan oil for fungus nails is a useful and effective treatment.

We’ll look at the properties of argan oil that may help, the specific benefits it might offer for nail health, and how to best use it if you decide to give it a try.

What is argan oil and what are its properties?

Argan oil is often called “liquid gold,” and it comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It’s a popular ingredient in hair and skincare products, but you can also use it on its own.

Composition and extraction

Argan oil is full of vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It’s also packed with omega-6 fatty acids, which can help moisturize and protect.

Traditionally, argan oil is extracted by hand. First, the argan fruit is dried in the sun. Then, the pulp is removed, and the argan nuts are cracked open to get to the kernels inside. These kernels are ground and pressed to release the precious oil.

Properties relevant to nail health

Argan oil is a versatile product that can moisturize your hair, skin, and nails. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help keep your nails healthy. Plus, it’s full of antioxidants that protect against damage from free radicals.

Fungal nail infections: An overview

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are frustrating and unsightly. They can be tough to get rid of, too.

Causes and symptoms

These infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes. They thrive in warm, moist environments, so your sweaty socks and shoes can be the perfect breeding ground. You can also pick up a fungal infection from public places like swimming pools and locker rooms.

If you have a fungal nail infection, you might notice:

• Discoloration of the nail (yellow, white, or brown)
• Thickening of the nail
• Brittleness or crumbling of the nail
• Distorted nail shape
• Pain or discomfort

Conventional treatments

Doctors often prescribe topical or oral antifungal medications to treat fungal nail infections. Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail, while oral medications are taken by mouth.

While these treatments can be effective, they also have limitations. Topical treatments may not penetrate the nail well enough to reach the infection, and oral medications can have side effects, such as liver damage. It can also take a long time (months!) to see results, and the infection can come back even after treatment.

Argan oil for fungal nails: the potential benefits

Argan oil is a popular choice for skin and hair care, but can it help with nail fungus?

Anti-fungal properties

Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it useful in treating acne and skin wounds. Whether these properties can help fight a fungal infection in your nails is less clear, because there’s little to no direct evidence that it works that way.

Nail health benefits

Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids that can help strengthen nails, protect against discoloration, and moisturize to prevent brittleness.

Supporting arguments

Although direct studies on argan oil and nail fungus are lacking, some people use it for this purpose, and its known properties suggest it could be helpful. For example, you might hear from people who’ve tried argan oil and had success. Keep in mind that success stories (anecdotal evidence) don’t take the place of scientific studies.

If you’re considering using argan oil for nail fungus, it’s best to talk with your doctor or podiatrist about whether it’s likely to work and whether it could interfere with other treatments you’re using.

How to use argan oil for fungal nails

Here’s how to use argan oil to treat fungal nails:

1. Preparation: Cleaning and trimming the nails

Wash and dry your nails thoroughly before applying argan oil. If possible, trim away any infected parts of the nail, but be careful not to cut yourself. You can also file down thick nails to help the oil penetrate.

2. Application methods

Use a dropper or cotton swab to apply argan oil directly to the affected nails. The best practice is to do this every day, or even twice per day.

3. Enhancing effectiveness

For enhanced results, you can combine argan oil with other essential oils that have antifungal properties, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. You can also soak your nails in warm water before applying the oil to help it absorb better.

4. Precautions

Before using argan oil on your nails, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions. The key to success is consistency, so be sure to apply the oil regularly over time.

Complementary strategies for nail fungus treatment

In addition to argan oil, there are other steps you can take to help combat nail fungus and prevent future infections. These include:

• Good hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, wear breathable socks and shoes, and never share nail clippers or files.
• Dietary considerations: Eating a balanced diet is important for your overall health, including your immune system. In addition, probiotics may help your gut health and immune response.

It’s important to note that these strategies may not be enough to cure a nail fungus infection on their own, so talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Argan oil’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties may help with fungal nail infections. However, you should always talk to a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Argan oil might be a helpful addition to your treatment, but it should never replace medical care.