Different types of fungi and yeasts cause nail fungus. Fungi thrive on moist skin and in the dark, as well as in shoes.
If you notice that your nails are thicker, yellowish, deformed or brittle, you may have a fungal infection. Essential oils have proven to be effective in treating nail fungus.
Some rules to know about nail fungus
If you have a nail fungus, in addition to applying the right treatment, some hygiene rules must be followed:
- It is crucial to trim your nails and file them to remove as much of the excess as possible before applying the essential oils.
- Be sure to sterilize the scissors and files used before and after each treatment.
- Once you have dabbed a few drops of oil, let the nails air dry. Repeat the process morning and night.
- Throughout the treatment, keep your nails short and your feet dry. Bring an extra pair of socks or different shoes to change into when your feet are sweaty.
- Let those toes air out as much as possible. Also expose them to some sunlight.
What are the most effective anti-mycosis essential oils?
Tea tree oil is one of the most powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal essential oils available. Indeed, it contains a compound known as terpineol-4 which kills fungi and prevents their spread.
How to use Tea tree oil ?
To use this essential oil, you must first clean the nail and let it dry completely.
- Next, add 3-5 drops of the oil to a clean cotton ball, then tape it to the infected nail and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Repeat this procedure every day.
The essential oil of eucalyptus radiata to treat nail fungus
The essential oil of eucalyptus is most effective as an antifungal treatment for nails infected with fungi without associated matrix infection. The essential oil of eucalyptus can be a very good alternative to topical prescription antifungals for people with superficial white onychomycosis or fungal infections of the distal lateral and subungual nails. However, it is best not to dilute it as it may decrease its effectiveness as an antifungal remedy.
How to use the essential oil of eucalyptus radiata?
- 1 drop is applied daily on each clean nail for one month.
What are the benefits of cinnamon oil to treat nail fungus?
The essential oil of cinnamon is a powerful antibacterial against molds and fungi. Cinnamon is also often effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Usually, treating a fungus on a toenail requires months of careful care. With cinnamon oil, this process is much faster. In addition, cinnamon improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of occurrence or recurrence of mycoses.
How to use cinnamon essential oil?
Mix 2 ml of cinnamon essential oil in 200 ml of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Make this method a daily routine and you will notice results after a few weeks.
What essential oils mix to treat nail fungus?
Mixing the right essential oils can result in a synergistic effect directly on nail fungus.
- 20 drops ofcinnamon essential oil
- 40 drops of essential oil of clove
- 15 drops essential oil of eucalyptus
- 35 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops essential oil of rosemary cineole
For this mixture, it is recommended to add 4 drops of vegetable oil for each drop of essential oil in the mixture. The whole mixture is then applied daily on clean nails. Another mixture that has proven to be effective for fungal infections consists of incorporating the following in a 200 ml cup of coconut oil:
- 20 drops essential oil of lemongrass
- 20 drops of essential oil of palmarosa
- 10 drops of oil essential of thyme with thymol
- 10 drops of orange essential oil
- 5 drops essential oil of patchouli
- 5 drops essential oil of geranium
To apply the essential oil mixture to your nails, here are the steps to follow:
- Clean your feet, toes and toenails with soap and water.
- Dry them thoroughly with a soft towel.
- Apply one or two drops of the oil mixture to the infected nail.
- Let the oil soak in for about 10 minutes.
- Scrub the nail with a soft toothbrush.
- Repeat every day until the infected nail is replaced by a new healthy one. This will take months.
Some precautions to take when using essential oils
Although several research studies indicate that essential oils can be relatively effective in treating fungal infections, it is always a good idea to review any treatment with your doctor before trying it. Your doctor can help you minimize potential complications. He or she can also help you to best treat your particular case of toenail fungus.
While the market essential oils continues to grow, many consumers are unaware of the potential risks associated with the use of essential oils in their wellness, beauty and cleaning activities. Essential oils listed above, if administered incorrectly, can cause skin rashes and other side effects.
Some essential oils can even be toxic if they are not diluted in a vegetable oil like essential oil of lavender et of eucalyptus radiata. Others, such as tea tree oil et lemon essential oilEssential oils can cause phototoxicity if applied prior to sun exposure. It is imperative to stop using an essential oil or a mixture of essential oils immediately if you experience irritation, redness or a reaction, and to consult your doctor urgently.