OverviewTea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Show
When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites. Tea tree oil is available as an oil and in many over-the-counter skin products, including soaps and lotions. However, tea tree oil should not be taken orally. If swallowed, it can cause serious symptoms. EvidenceResearch on tea tree oil use for specific conditions shows:
Results might vary because there are no standardized methods for harvesting tea tree oil or creating products containing the oil. Our take Generally safeWhen used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections. Avoid oral use of tea tree oil, which is toxic when swallowed. Safety and side effectsMost people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. However, tea tree oil can cause:
Don't use tea tree oil if you have eczema. Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Serious side effects can occur, including:
One study suggests that repeated exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil might have led to the swelling of the breast tissue (gynecomastia) in young boys. InteractionsAlthough tea tree oil is often used in combination with other drugs when treating bacterial or fungal skin conditions, there's currently no evidence showing drug interactions. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is
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. Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil known for its therapeutic benefits. While it has many healing benefits, tea tree oil's antiseptic and antifungal properties make it an ideal choice for treating nail fungus. Onychomycosis or nail fungus is caused by some types of fungus that thrive in wet, moist areas. Swimming pools and communal showers are typical sources of fungal infections, and so are wearing tight shoes or having damp feet. Visiting nail salons that do not properly sanitize equipment, weak immune system, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and a family history of nail fungus are other risk factors. While many fungi and yeast can affect nails, the most commonspecies are Trichophyton rubrum and Candida. The infection can start out as a yellow or white spot on the base or tip of the toenail or fingernail. As the infection goes deeper, the nail can thicken, discolor, and the edges of the nail crumble. Many people with nail fungus experience severe pain and discomfort. In the advanced stage, the distorted nail may lift off entirely from the nail bed. Conventional antifungal treatments can take a long time to show results. Most treatments also may not entirely clear the fungus, but help prevent further spreading of the infection. People are increasingly turning to natural remedies such as tea tree oil for nail fungus as it is safe, effective, and devoid of harsh side effects. Before getting into how to use tea tree oil for nail fungus, let's look at what tea tree oil is all about, its contents, and its anti-fungal properties. Table of Contents:
What is tea tree oil?Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the evergreen Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia. Also called 'melaleuca oil,' tea tree oil can be colorless to pale yellow while giving out a fresh camphor-like odor. Tea tree oil is one of the important essential oils that are made from plant extracts and used to boost well-being. The term 'essential oil' denotes the fact that the 'essence' of the plants is captured in the oil through steam distillation methods. In Australia, tea tree oil has been used as herbal medicinefor centuries by the
aboriginal people to treat colds, coughs, wounds, and skin infections. It is also used to complement conventional treatment in burn care, surgery, and dental care. What is tea tree oil used for?Tea tree oil is used as a remedy in many conditions, including cold sores, herpes, insect bites, abscess, acne blisters, burns, oily skin, and dandruff. Many studiesshow tea tree oil's efficacy in treating respiratory problems such as cough, cold, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
The essential oil has been used to treat women's problems such as pruritis, vaginitis, and cystitis. Tea tree oil and other essential oils also form a part of aromatherapy for depression, insomnia, anxiety, and mood disorders. In addition, there is plenty of evidence that shows the efficacy of tea tree oil for nail fungus. This is because of its bioactive components, many of which have strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Is tea tree oil good for fungal skin infections?In a 2013 study, researchers examined the effect of tea tree oil on nail fungus. They found that the oil stopped the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, the most common cause of nail infections. An olderstudy found that tea tree oil for nail fungus was as effective as the commonly prescribed antifungal cream, clotrimazole. Another 2013 study involved testing common compounds in essential oils such as tea tree oil in killing Candida lusitaniae, which also can cause nail infection. The study found that these essential oil compounds stopped yeast growth. Out of all compounds, cymene, which is one of the key compounds in tea tree oil, was more effective in preventing fungal growth. Using tea tree oil for nail fungus in addition to standard medication can also be effective. A 1999 study found that people with nail fungus were able to manage the infection by using tea tree oil along with standard medication. Here is a closer look at the different components of tea tree oil and their antimicrobial activities. Contents of tea tree oil and their benefitsTea tree oil contains different types of 'terpenes' that give plants such as lavender, cannabis, orange, and pine, their characteristic smell. Alpha-sabineA systematic review published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found that a compound called alpha-sabine is responsible for tea tree oil's potent anti-viral action. This is the reason behind the widespread use of tea tree oil for nail fungus. CineoleAlso known as eucalyptol, this terpene imparts the characteristic smell to eucalyptus trees. Researchershave found that cineole effectively prevents the growth of dangerous fungi and microbes. CymeneThis terpene has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. In fact, cymene is used to make pesticides and fungicides. Studieshave found that cymene can effectively kill many types of harmful bacteria, yeast, and fungi. PinenePinene is an abundantly occurring terpene that gives a strong scent to plants such as rosemary, basil, and pine needles. In Japan, 'forest-bathing' is a type of therapy used where leisurely walks through the forest, inhaling the scent is believed to have restorative and preventive health benefits. Studiesshow pinene has an anti-inflammatory effect and fights skin inflammation. Another studyshows that pinene acts as a powerful antimicrobial agent against all types of bacteria and fungi tested. LimoneneLimonene, as the name indicates, imparts a distinct citrusy smell to lemons and oranges. A study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions found that limonene has these health benefits:
Another studyfound that limonene has powerful anti-fungal properties and stops the growth of fungus. Can you apply tea tree oil directly to nails?Experts recommend using a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or almond oil to dilute the strong essential oil that can cause skin irritation if directly applied. Carrier oils are also derived from plants and “carry” the essential oil to your skin. Add one to two drops of tea tree oil to half to one teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice. How to prepare nails before applying tea tree oil?Cleaning and preparing your nails will help maximize the ability of tea tree oil to reach deeper into the nail bed and effectively act against nail fungus. The oil may not penetrate the nail bed if the nails are too long or thick. Trim nailsUse nail clippers to trim the affected nail. Remove as much of the infected nail as possible to help prevent the spread of the fungus to unaffected parts of the nail. If your nails are too thick, you can file them instead of trimming. Filing will also help remove any leftover infected nail parts, allowing the tea tree oil to penetrate the nail bed. Wash with soapAfter your nails are trimmed and filed, wash them using soap and water. This will help remove any invisible debris of the infected nail that can spread the fungal infection or cause recurrence. You can use a tea tree oil-based body wash such as Wow Tea Tree & Mint Foaming Body Wash or WOW Pineapple & Fresh Coconut Water Foaming Body Wash. Enhanced with skincare ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera, these products can help maximize skin and nail health. Dry thoroughlyDry the nails by patting them gently with a towel. Ensure the nails are completely dry because a moist and damp environment encourages fungal growth. How to apply tea tree oil for nail fungus?You can use tea tree oil for nail fungus by adding it to a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Add one or two drops of tea tree oil to 1 to 2 teaspoons of any carrier oil. Use a cotton swab or cotton bud to apply the tea tree oil blended with a carrier oil to your infected nail. You can wear gloves on the unaffected hand to apply the essential oil. Cover all the areas of the toenail and the surrounding skin as well. Place the cotton swab soaked in the essential oil for a few minutes to allow the nail and the surrounding skin to fully absorb the oil. Avoid wearing shoes or socks immediately as the tea tree oil can get rubbed off of your nail and skin. How often do you put tea tree oil on toenail fungus?You can apply tea tree oil for nail fungus twice a day till the fungal infection abates. Depending on the extent of the fungal infection, it can take a few weeks to a month for results to show. How to maximize the effect of tea tree oil?Do a patch testIt is important to do a patch test before applying tea tree oil for nail fungus. To do a patch test:
If there is no skin irritation, redness, or other allergy symptoms, you can go ahead and apply tea tree oil for nail fungus. Sometimes the allergy may be due to the carrier oil rather than tea tree oil. If you are allergic to nuts, avoid nut-based oils such as almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and argan oil. Clean and trim your nails regularlyEven after your nail heals, it is important to avoid a recurrence by keeping your nails clean and dry apart from regularly trimming them. Avoid staying in damp or wet shoes and socks for a long time, and always sterilize the tools you use to clean and trim nails. Look for pure tea tree oilUsing high-quality, pure tea tree oil will ensure you get the best results. Here are some things to look out for when buying tea tree oil for nail fungus:
Wow Tea Tree Essential Oil ticks all these boxes to offer 100 percent pure, cold-pressed tea tree oil that is fast-absorbing and chemical-free. Check out Wow Skin Science's curated range of single and blended essential oilsthat are pure, cold-pressed, and therapeutic grade. Nail fungus is a common condition that affects millions of people. It is imperative that you identify and take care of this condition in the beginning itself. The best way to take care of it is with the help of tea tree essential oil. Now that you know all the benefits tea tree essential oil offers and how to use it, you can keep your nails healthy, always. How long does tea tree oil take to work on toenail fungus?According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil was effective in reducing growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that can cause infections such as athlete's foot and nail fungus. Improvements were seen after 14 days.
Will tea tree oil get rid of nail fungus?When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
Can I put tea tree oil directly on nails?A 1994 study found that tea tree oil applied directly to toenail fungus is as effective as clotrimazole cream. Clotrimazole is an antifungal cream available on prescription or from a pharmacy. A study published in 1999 investigated whether an antifungal cream containing tea tree oil could help manage toenail fungus.
What is the fastest way to fix toenail fungus?You can try:. Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.. Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel.. |
Tea tree oil nail fungus before and after
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