Are your feet keeping a dirty secret? Toenail fungus is a problem that can make simple things like going to the beach or wearing sandals very embarrassing. Most people don't even realize that they have toenail fungus until the problem is serious. The truth is that toenail fungus isn't pretty.
What Are The Signs of Toenail Fungus?
Toenails that have been affected by toenail fungus often turn a brownish shade or take on a whitish-yellow color. The fungus can easily spread to other toenails and progress rapidly. What's more, there's a good chance that your toenails may become thick and eventually crack.
Toenail fungus is something that can affect both men and women. It can happen to people of all ages. You don't necessarily have to use public showers, work out in public gyms or tread on areas in order to become susceptible to toenail fungus.
Four Essential Oils for Toe Fungus
The good news is that it's relatively easy to treat toenail fungus using all-natural methods.
Please remember to consult your doctor first before applying essential oils to your skin to prevent allergic reactions. Be sure to research and apply the necessity of dilution for your chosen essential oil with an appropriate carrier oil before application.
So, which oils are the best for treating toenail fungus? Take a look at the four essential oils your toes will love if you suffer from fungal issues.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil can definitely put some spring back in your step if you've been dealing with toenail fungus. This oil is derived from the cinnamon leaf. The way it helps to compact fungus is through a compound called eugenol.
The eugenol in Cinnamon essential oil actually kills fungus and prevents it from returning. What's more, this oil is good for drying out the nail and the surrounding skin. This creates an inhospitable environment for fungus. Cinnamon essential oil offers a two-pronged way to fight toe fungus.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil's strong antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a powerhouse when it comes to fighting fungus. It comes down to the terepenin-4-ol that is found in Tea Tree oil. Terpenin-4-ol is effective at killing fungus and preventing it from spreading. This is important because toenail fungus is notoriously easy to spread.Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil is known to have a wide variety of healing capabilities. However, people suffering from toe fungus know it as the go-to oil to reach for when growth strikes. Oregano oil has the ability to kill the fungus. It is actually considered to be a natural antibiotic in the world of essential oils.How Quickly Will Toe Fungus Go Away After Using Essential Oils?
The good news is that most people are able to get rid of toenail fungus in two or three weeks if they consistently treat the issue using essential oils.
Toenail fungus is a very treatable condition. However, consistency is important. Using an oil treatment once and assuming that the issue is taken care of probably won't do much for you.
7 Extra Tips to Remember When Treating Toenail Fungus With Essential Oils
You're one step closer to being able to show off your toes without embarrassment. There's no doubt that essential oils can make a world of difference when it comes to getting rid of fungus and keeping your toenails in good shape.
However, there are also some best practices to follow that will allow you to maximize the benefits of essential oils and see results quickly. Here's a quick rundown of the ultimate ways to fight fungus while treating your problem with essential oils:
- Change your socks often.
- Never wear socks that are damp due to rainwater, sweat or some other source of moisture.
- Try to go without shoes or socks whenever possible to give your toes some opportunities to breathe.
- Wear sandals when possible as a way to promote fungus prevention and overall healing.
- Don't wear tight shoes that can restrict blood flow in your feet and toes.
- Take a shower daily and wash your feet and toes thoroughly.
- Dry your feet and toes thoroughly following every shower.
Following these tips should put you in a good position to prevent more fungal infections from affecting your toes.
Remember that trying to prevent fungus could become a lifelong battle if you discover that you're prone to this type of infection. That's why you should continue to follow the best practices shared above long after your current infection has cleared up.
What's more, you shouldn't stop using essential oils for toenail fungus just because you have success with clearing up an infection. It is important to carry out maintenance to ensure that you aren't inadvertently creating an ideal environment for fungus again.