Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus: How Does it Work?

  • Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Nail Fungus?
  • Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Use On Nail Fungus?
  • How To Prepare Your Nails Before Using Tea Tree Oil
  • How To Apply Tea Tree Oil On Toenail Fungus
  • How Can You Maximize The Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil?
  • How Long Will It Take To Recover?
  • When Should You Consider Visiting A Doctor For Toenail Fungus?

Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Nail Fungus?

Yes, tea tree oil is one of the more effective essential oils for toenail fungus due to its 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 (1).

Combining tea tree oil with other medications can also successfully reduce nail fungus. One study 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).

Several other studies have also shown promising results in the use of tea tree oil for nail fungus. But, is this essential oil safe to use? Find out below.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Use On Nail Fungus?

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

Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and allergic reaction 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.

To safely use this essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like 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.

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.

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. 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 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 results. Even if the toenail fungus disappears, continue the use of tea tree oil to prevent any recurrence.

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. 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 continuing the use of tea tree oil even after healing to 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 can arrest the fungal growth and heal it completely. If the treatment is not improving the infection and your nails and surrounding skin become inflamed and painful, consult your doctor immediately.

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.

To Conclude

You can consider using tea tree oil for treating nail fungus. It is a safe method, but you must use it with caution. Moreover, it takes quite a long time for this essential oil to show results. If you do experience any adverse reaction in the skin around the nails or if the toenail fungus grows after using tea tree oil, consult your doctor immediately.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What kills toenail fungus fast?

You can ask your doctor to prescribe antifungal creams and gels or oral medications to kill the fungal growth in your nails quickly.

Read more on: toenail