Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect any part of your toenail: the nail plate, the nail bed, or even the root.
More and more people are looking for natural remedies for toenail fungus. One of the most popular is oil of oregano, which contains carvacrol and thymol, two compounds known to have antifungal properties.
Can oil of oregano actually help get rid of toenail fungus? This article explores the effectiveness of oil of oregano, how to use it, and what you can do to prevent toenail fungus from developing in the first place.
Understanding toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is a common problem. So, what is it exactly?
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that affects your toenails and the tissue around them. The medical term for it is tinea unguium.
If you have a toenail fungal infection, you might notice:
- discoloration (yellow, white, brown, black, or even green)
- thickening
- crumbling or brittle nails
- misshapen nails
- separation of the nail from the nail bed
- odor
Causes and risk factors
Dermatophytes are often the culprit. But other fungi, molds, and yeasts can also cause these infections. One common yeast, candida (which is also called thrush), can also be to blame.
Several things can make you more likely to get toenail fungus. These include:
- being older than 60
- injuring a nail
- having athlete’s foot
- sweating excessively
- walking barefoot in damp areas
- wearing shoes that don’t fit well
- having conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or poor circulation
- having a weakened immune system
What’s in oregano oil, and how does it fight fungus?
You might be wondering, what makes oregano oil so special when it comes to fighting toenail fungus?
Key Components of Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has two main ingredients:
- Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol. That’s a mouthful, but what it means is that carvacrol is a naturally occurring compound that has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. It works by messing with the cell membrane of the fungus.
- Thymol is another monoterpenoid phenol with antiseptic properties. It’s like carvacrol’s sidekick, working together to boost the oil’s effects.
How Oregano Oil Fights Fungus
Here’s how oregano oil tackles toenail fungus:
- Inhibition of fungal growth: Carvacrol and thymol team up to stop various fungi from growing. They disrupt the cell membrane, eventually leading to the death of the fungal cells.
- Potential benefits over conventional treatments: Some people like oregano oil because it’s a natural option that might have fewer side effects than prescription medications.
How to use oregano oil to treat toenail fungus
If you decide to try oregano oil, here’s what you need to know:
How to apply oregano oil
- Trim and file the infected nail.
- Clean and dry the area around the nail.
- Apply two to three drops of oregano oil to the nail. Be sure to dilute the oregano oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil; or you can consider DMSO to help with delivery. This can help you avoid skin irritation.
- Apply the oil two or three times each day.
Keep in mind that nails grow very slowly. It can take several months to see results. Consistency is key!
Precautions and potential side effects
Oregano oil can cause skin irritation in some people, so always dilute it. Don’t use oregano oil on broken skin.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using oregano oil.
It’s always a good idea to test a small area of skin before applying any new remedy to a large area of your body.
Complementary and alternative treatments for toenail fungus
Besides oil of oregano, there are other complementary and alternative treatments you can try for toenail fungus, including homeopathic cures. They include:
- Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties.
- Vinegar soaks. Soaking your feet in vinegar may help stop the fungus from growing.
- Other home remedies. Some people swear by Vicks VapoRub, snakeroot extract, Listerine, olive leaf extract, or garlic.
Of course, you should talk with your doctor before trying any of these treatments.
Prevention and when to seek professional help
Here are some ways you can protect yourself from fungal toenail infections:
- Keep your toenails clean and dry.
- Wash your hands after you touch infected toenails.
- Wear breathable socks and shoes.
- Treat your shoes with antifungal spray or powder.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Avoid artificial nails and nail polish.
- If you get athlete’s foot, treat it right away.
If you’ve tried home remedies and nothing seems to work, it’s time to see a doctor. You should also get professional help if your symptoms get worse or you have diabetes.
Worsening symptoms to watch out for include:
- increasing thickness, discoloration, or misshaping of the nail
- swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, or pus around the nail
- red streaks extending from the nail
- fever
- intolerable pain
- bleeding around the nail
- trouble walking
Frequently Asked Questions
How to dilute oregano oil?
Because oregano oil is potent, it must be diluted before applying it to your skin. A good rule of thumb is to mix one drop of oregano oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Start with a higher ratio of carrier oil (e.g., 1 drop oregano oil to 5 drops carrier) and adjust as tolerated. Always test a small area first to check for sensitivity.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, such as camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, are thought to have antifungal properties and can penetrate the nail. While anecdotal evidence suggests it can help, it’s not a guaranteed cure and results may vary.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Completely eradicating toenail fungus can be challenging. Prescription oral antifungal medications are often the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical treatments, including medicated nail polishes and natural remedies like oregano oil, may work for mild cases but require consistent application over several months.
What happens when you put oregano oil on your feet?
When properly diluted, oregano oil may help fight toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. Some people may experience skin irritation, so always dilute it well and perform a patch test first. If you experience burning, redness, or swelling, discontinue use.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Don’t ignore it! Toenail fungus won’t go away on its own and can worsen over time. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, walking barefoot in public places, and wearing tight shoes that restrict airflow. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice for persistent or severe infections.
Summary
Oregano oil, with its antifungal properties, might help resolve toenail fungus. If you decide to try it, make sure you dilute it properly, apply it correctly, and maintain good hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse.
While some people have had success with oregano oil as a home remedy, it’s important to remember that it’s not a substitute for professional medical treatment. If your symptoms don’t improve or if they get worse, you should talk to a doctor.