Fungal nails are the last thing anyone wants to see during the toe-ring sandal season! Onychomycosis, another name for toenail fungus, is a typical summertime ailment characterized by yellow, white, or brown discoloration on one or more of your toenails. Although nail fungus is frequently considered to be a skin problem, it can develop into a painful and debilitating condition that thickens and cracks toenails.
There are many people all over the world who suffer from toenail fungus. It is the condition that may result in the nail thickening, turning discolored, and crumbling. Even though there are various therapies available, some people favor using natural solutions like oregano oil to treat toenail fungus. This article will explain how to use oregano oil for toenail fungus, discuss its advantages, and address some often-asked issues.
Understanding Nail fungus
The nail plate, nail bed, or nail root can all contract fungus infection. The nail edges get thicker, crumblier, and discolored as the fungus develops over time. Pain is also a side effect due to this infection. According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the majority of women in the USA try to hide their feet or nails from view in order to avoid being humiliated by the condition. This can be done by wearing closed shoes in hot weather or by painting or otherwise hiding the nails. Fungus flourishes in warm, moist conditions, which, unfortunately, only serves to exacerbate the issue.
What Are The Causes Behind Fungal Nail Infection?
The most prevalent fungi that result in fungal nail infections include candida and thrush infections, as well as dermatophyte fungus (also linked to athlete's foot). Such warm, wet conditions as the interior of shoes and socks are ideal for these fungi to flourish.
Toenail fungus can be more likely to increase if you practice poor foot care, such as failing to keep your feet dry and clean. It is like seed corn on foot which needs to be identified as soon as possible. Immune system vulnerability, Toenail fungus is more likely to affect those with immune systems that are vulnerable, such as those who have diabetes or HIV.
Common Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus
While oregano oil for toenail fungus is an effective way to treat this condition, you should know its symptoms before treating it. Here are the common symptoms of toenail fungus:
- Toenail thickness
- Toenail discolorations range from white, yellow to brown
- Broken, crumbly toenails
- Distorted, sometimes irregularly shaped or ridged, toenails
- Toenails with a foul odor
- The discrepancy between the toenail and the nail bed
How To Treat A Fungal Nail Infection Naturally?
For the treatment of fungal nail infection, antifungal pills and lacquers are readily accessible. Before visiting the doctor for stronger prescription antifungals, many patients discover that they spend a lot of money trying a number of over-the-counter medications. Sadly, many of these drugs cause harmful side effects. Many people choose to initially attempt natural treatments for toenail fungus, such as essential oils and a modified diet.
Modify Your Diet
Diet and health are closely related; the healthier the foods you eat, the higher chance your body has of offending against ailments like toenail fungus. Incorporate the nutrients in the diet your body need can help in treating the fungal infection:
- Yogurt which is abundant in probiotics.
- Enough protein to assist in the renewal of your nails.
- Sufficient iron to keep nails from breaking.
- A diet high in necessary fats.
- Foods high in vitamin D and calcium, such as low-fat dairy products.
Essential Oils As Natural Cure
Despite the paucity of research on essential oils' ability to treat toenail fungus, we know that many of them have antifungal characteristics that can guard against and treat yeast infections like candida. Essential oils for skin tags that have antibacterial properties and have highly concentrated plant extracts that can be found in fruit, nuts, seeds, flowers, leaves, stems, and even tree resin and bark. According to research, EOs can promote health and happiness:
- Enhancing immunological function.
- Lowering anxiety and tension.
- Enhancing sleep.
- Reducing discomfort and pain.
- Soothing skin conditions like eczema.
- Treating sore throats, sinus infections, coughs, and colds.
- Taking care of allergy symptoms.
- Headaches and migraines that go away.
- Reducing inflammation
- Wart treatment
- Treating insect bites.
- Hemorrhoids treatment.
- Easing the symptoms of arthritis.
- Assisting with skin burns and sunburns.
- Alleviating constipation.
What Is Oregano Oil?
The leaves of the oregano plant are used to make oregano oil. It has antibacterial qualities and is high in antioxidants. Research has shown that oregano oil can be useful in treating a variety of health ailments, which is why it has been used for medical purposes for millennia.
Advantages Of Oregano Oil For Toenail Fungus
Antibacterial Properties: Carvacrol, a substance that is present in oregano oil, has been found to have antifungal activities. It is therefore successful in treating toenail fungus.
Safe and Natural: Oregano oil is a safe and natural medicine. It's a great alternative to prescription drugs because it doesn't contain any dangerous chemicals.
Simple Application: Oregano oil is simple to apply and can be used to treat afflicted nails immediately. It can also be used topically by being mixed with a carrier oil or a foot soak.
Cost Efficient: The least expensive treatment for toenail fungus is oregano oil. The cost of oregano oil is reasonable because a little bottle can last for several months.
How To Treat Toenail Fungus With Oregano Oil?
There are numerous ways to treat toenail fungus with oregano oil The following is a list of some of the best methods:
Topical Use
Combine a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. Using a cotton ball or swab, apply the mixture directly to the damaged nail. Before rinsing it off, let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Foot Soak
Fill a basin with warm water and a few drops of oregano oil. Spend 15 to 20 minutes soaking your feet in water. After the soak, properly dry your feet.
Oregano Oil Capsules
To cure toenail fungus, oregano oil capsules can be taken orally. For the suggested dosage, adhere to the label's directions.
Other Essential Oils Like Oregano For Toenail Infection
Tea tree oil: A potent antibacterial, tea tree essential oil helps to speed up wound healing and prevent infections.
Peppermint oil: In addition to being an effective painkiller and antifungal, peppermint essential oil also has a high menthol concentration, which has a cooling and relaxing effect that can aid with itching.
Cinnamon oil: Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol are abundant in cinnamon essential oil. It has strong antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties because of these restorative components.
Lavender: One of the most popular essential oils available today is lavender. Given its abundance in linalool and linalyl acetate, it is excellent for treating fungal skin problems and hastening the healing of wounds.
Lemon oil: Strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties are present in lemon essential oil.
Clove oil: It is a potent antifungal that also can combat parasites and improve blood circulation because of its high eugenol content.
Safety Measures While Using Oregano Oil For Toenail Infection
To avoid diluted products and potentially hazardous compounds, always use high-quality, certified organic, and therapeutic-grade products. Since EOs are not governed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), it is essential to use only the best goods for therapeutic purposes. When used carefully and cautiously, EOs often have few to no side effects. EOs must always be diluted in a carrier oil before being administered topically to treat toenail fungus to prevent skin reactions and irritation.
It is advised to conduct a patch test on a section of skin that is not affected and wait 24 hours to ensure there is no allergic reaction. Consult your healthcare professional and stop using any oil right once if you have any unfavorable reactions. Be mindful of the contraindications for each oil you use, as some EOs shouldn't be used by infants or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When To Consult With A Dermatologist?
If you're wondering how to treat toenail fungus with oregano oil, remember that you should never treat an illness on your own without seeking medical advice. Oregano oil is sometimes recommended by dermatologists as a natural remedy for toenail fungus, however, such a treatment should not be used without a doctor's supervision. If oregano oil for toenail is used incorrectly, severe skin irritations may result. Additionally, you should have a confirmed diagnosis of a fungal infection before starting this treatment.
Wrap Up
For the treatment of mild-to-moderate toenail fungus, over-the-counter medicines may be more beneficial than prescription drugs. Although there are often fewer negative effects with home treatments, there is little scientific proof that they are effective. The penetrability of the nail, the degree of the infection, and general health are only a few of the variables that affect toenail fungus treatment.
Home remedies could take longer to get rid of toenail fungus than pharmaceutical topical creams or oral systemic antifungals. Results might not become apparent for several months. Oregano oil for toenail infection frequently reinfects Keep your toenails dry, clean and well-trimmed after the infection has cleared up. Pain and permanent toenail destruction may result from severe toenail fungus instances. Consult a doctor if you try home treatments to treat the infection and they don't work or have adverse effects.
