Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus: How Does It Work?

Trivia

Tea tree oil is also called “melaleuca oil.” It is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia.

What Is Nail Fungus?

A fungal infection in the nails can begin as a small spot – white or yellow-colored – under the tip of your nail. As the infection spreads, the entire nail may become discolored and thicken, often beginning to crack and crumble. Fungal infections of the nail are more common in warmer climates where fungus thrives. It is caused by fungal growth in the nail bed due to trapped moisture.

According to a survey conducted on 4,156 respondents, nearly 10.0% (415) of them reported having a fungal nail infection in the past 12 months. The prevalence of the infection also varied by race/ethnicity. Out of the 69.4% of respondents, fungal nail infections were the highest (14.2%) among the Hispanic participants.

Nail fungal infection or onychomycosis can affect the nails on your hands or feet. Toenails are more commonly affected by it. It can affect several nails or only a single nail. Mild infections are often painless, and many do not necessitate treatment. But if the nail infection is widespread, you may need immediate and aggressive treatment and should see a dermatologist. Dermatologists can provide stronger prescription medications. Treatments for nail fungus may take a long time (several months) to begin working.

The only problem is that not all cases of nail fungus are treatable. Even if they are, there is always a risk of the infection recurring. Opting for natural remedies such as tea tree oil can be a wiser option in such a case. Here’s why you should consider treating your toenail fungus with tea tree oil.

​Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Nail Fungus?

Tea tree oil might work for nail fungus. It is known to have antifungal properties. A study conducted in 2013 demonstrated the efficacy of tea tree oil in reducing the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, a common nail fungus in a laboratory (1). It is not clear whether tea tree oil would have the same effect on infected nails in humans.

Combining tea tree oil with other medications could also successfully reduce nail fungus. One small study in 1999 demonstrated the use of a cream that contained butenafine hydrochloride and tea tree oil. When applied for 16 weeks, this cream had a success rate of about 80% in treating toenail fungus infection with no recurrences (2).Butenafine is independently known to have antifungal properties.

Trivia

Tea tree oil’s commercial use is known to have started in the 1920s after Australian chemist Arthur Penfold affirmed its antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Use On Nail Fungus?

Generally speaking, tea tree oil is safe for external, topical use. One should never consume this essential oil.

Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people, resulting in redness, inflammation, and itchiness. Hence, it is recommended to perform a patch test, even if you use small amounts of tea tree oil for nail fungus treatment.

To safely use this essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil and apply it to your skin or nails. Avoid using it directly without diluting it on your nails or skin, as it is quite potent. Using a carrier oil can reduce the risk of side effects and also help deliver the essential oils into the skin with better absorption.

To conduct a patch test, apply a few drops of the oil mixture to your forearm. If you develop any redness or irritation, discontinue its use immediately. If not, you can continue using it. But first, you should prep your nails for the treatment. Find out how to do that in the next section.

How To Prepare Your Nails Before Using Tea Tree Oil

Doing some prep work before you use tea tree oil on your nails can help the oil reach deeper into your skin and nails and offer better results. If your nails are too thick or long, the nail bed will not absorb the oil properly, and you may not get the benefit of this alternative medicine.

Here’s how you can prepare your nails for tea tree oil treatments:

1.  Trim the infected nail by removing as much of the edges of the nail as possible. This will prevent the infection from spreading to the still healthy parts of your nails.
2.  You can also file your nails if they are too thick to trim. A nail file can remove the remaining areas of the infected nail and allow the oil to permeate into the nail bed.
3.  Once you trim or file your nails, wash them with soap and water to avoid any infectious debris from remaining behind. Even if this debris is invisible to the naked eye, it can cause recurrence or spread the infection. You can use a gentle, pH-balanced shower gel to do this.
4. Dry your nails thoroughly after you wash them because a damp and moist environment provides a breeding ground for fungal growth. Keep your nails clean and dry throughout the treatment. Pat your nails dry with a towel. Avoid agitating them by vigorously rubbing them with the towel.

After prepping your nails, the next step is to apply the tea tree oil to them. Read the next section for further steps.

How To Dilute Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus

Pure tea tree oil can be too harsh for direct application and may cause skin irritation. Here are some simple steps to dilute tea tree oil effectively for toenail fungus treatment:

1. Gather the supplies. You will need tea tree oil, a carrier oil (like olive, coconut, or almond oil), and a clean, small, dark dropper bottle.
2. Combine one part tea tree oil with 10 parts carrier oil. Start with 1-2 drops of tea tree oil in 10-20 drops of carrier oil, and adjust if needed.
3. Shake the bottle well to ensure proper mixing and even distribution.

Store the diluted tea tree oil in a cool, dark place and use it as required. You can also dilute the essential oil in small amounts, every day before application. The next section explains how to use it for treating nail fungus.

How To Apply Tea Tree Oil On Toenail Fungus

Here’s how you can apply tea tree oil for toenail fungus:

1.  As stated earlier, you must mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. The ideal ratio is 1-2 drops of tea tree oil in ½-1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
2.  Use a cotton bud or a cotton swab to apply a few drops of the diluted tea tree oil to your infected toenail. It will ensure that the toenail fungus does not spread from your foot to your hand.
3.  Cover all the spots of toenail fungus to treat the entire area and the skin surrounding the nail as well.
4.  Allow the nail bed and the skin around the nail to absorb the oil. Avoid using socks or shoes immediately after applying the oil as it can rub off the tea tree oil.

Use the oil mixture at least twice or thrice a day. Continued and regular use of tea tree oil can lead to consistent improvement in health and wellness. Even if the toenail fungus disappears, continue the use of tea tree oil to prevent any recurrence or just to indulge in daily foot care!

If you experience any adverse reactions (like redness or itching) while using tea tree oil for toenail fungus, stop using it immediately.

Wondering how to make the most of tea tree oil to treat nail fungus? Keep reading!

How Can You Maximize The Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil?

Apart from the oil application, you can follow a few tips that can help improve the condition of your toenails and resolve the fungal infection faster.

•  Trim your nails regularly. It will prevent the underlying healthy nail from getting infected and allow the oil to penetrate the nail bed better.
•  Always wash your nails clean with soap and water. Remember to pat your nails and the skin around them dry to prevent any moisture from entering the nail bed.
•  Use footwear in public places – such as washrooms, locker rooms, and pools – to prevent spreading it to others.
•  Opt for footwear that has ample space for your toes. A narrow toebox will cramp your toes together and apply pressure on your toenails. The repetitive trauma can make them susceptible to fungal growth. Choose sandals instead. Alternately, you can apply an antifungal spray to the inside of your shoes to prevent fungal growth.
•  If you must wear socks, invest in ones made of natural fibers as they absorb moisture and sweat, unlike their synthetic counterparts. Change and wash your socks regularly.
•  Always sterilize your nail tools such as nail clippers, nail file, etc. Avoid sharing them with others as they can spread toenail fungus.
•  Lastly, check your nails regularly for any change in color, pain, or irritation. If you notice any such changes, get treatment immediately to prevent the fungal infection from spreading further.

Tea tree oil does have a positive effect on the fungal infection of the toenails. The only problem is it takes a long time for the toenail fungus to resolve completely. Find out more in the next section.

​How Long Will It Take To Recover?

You will have to use tea tree oil on your toenail fungus regularly before you see any visible results. The total duration of the tea tree oil treatment depends on the severity of the infection. It can take anywhere between weeks to months for your nails to completely heal, depending on the depth of the infection. So, you need to be patient and keep applying the oil regularly.

Often, after the nail has recovered, you may regrow a healthy nail that is free of any signs of fungal infection. However, experts recommend continued use of tea tree oil even after healing to improve nail health and ensure the fungus does not come back.

When Should You Consider Visiting A Doctor For Toenail Fungus?

If it is a mild fungal infection, tea tree oil could arrest the fungal growth and heal it completely. If the treatment is not improving the infection after a few months, or if your nails or surrounding skin become inflamed and painful, consult your doctor immediately. Untreated nail fungus can lead to other health problems.

Also, if you are developing an allergic reaction to the essential oil, discontinue its use immediately. If the reaction persists or becomes worse, visit your doctor.

Infographic: Step-by-step Guide To Using Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus

The antifungal properties of tea tree oil make it one of the best solutions for toenail fungus. The following infographic will help you better understand the steps. Check it out now.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tea tree oil penetrate the nail?

Tea tree oil will not penetrate well if you do not prepare your nails before applying it. Trim your nails and keep them clean for good results.

How do I know my toenail fungus is healing?

You will be able to see healthy nails growing back at the base when the toenail fungus heals.

Does toenail fungus grow out?

No, it does not go away on its own. You need to take proper care of your nails to eliminate toenail fungus.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Farhaad RiyazMD, FAAD, FACMS

     

Dr. Farhaad Riyaz is a US-based dermatologist and an authority on skin cancer, ethnic skin, general dermatology, laser medicine, and non-invasive cosmetics. He has been in private practice since July 2018 and is a member of the AAD and ASDS in addition to several other professional societies. He has 9 years of experience and takes pride in developing personalized skincare...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more