5 Essential Oils To Fight Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is the most common nail fungus. It is more common in toenails. In general, we do not pay much attention to cleaning the feet, because we keep them more covered. In today’s article we present more information about this condition, its causes and symptoms. In addition, we tell you about five essential oils to fight onychomycosis.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

Although it is seen as an aesthetic problem in the nails, in advanced stages, onychomycosis can cause chronic pain and is difficult to treat. Early diagnosis is essential for the permanent removal of the fungus.

As already mentioned, pain can only occur in critical cases. Thus, you are more likely to discover the problem after identifying the following symptoms:

• Thickening of the nail
• Darker or yellowish hue
• Bad smell
• Nail peeling
• Fragility and breakage of the nail

The above marks appear on the layers of the nail, especially near the skin. At the beginning there is a white spot which, with the passage of time, increases.

CAUSE

The cause of onychomycosis is a fungus called Candida albicans . It is spread by direct contact in the following situations:

• Walk barefoot in public spaces.
• Go to a salon where objects used for pedicure have been used on other people.
• The shoes you wear cause profuse sweating of the feet, facilitating the reproduction of bacteria.
• You don’t wipe your feet well and have long nails, and water can get stuck under them.
• You have a weakened immune system or are stressed.

If the immune system is weakened, onychomycosis spreads harder and is harder to treat. In addition, we must be aware that any disease, if not treated in time, can cause complications. Therefore, we must take action right from the first signs.

Essential oils to combat onychomycosis

1. Tea tree essential oil

Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree essential oil fights fungal infections of the nails on the hands and feet. Its effects are similar to those offered by commercial antifungal products.

Tea tree oil improves the appearance of infected nails in just a few days.

Instructions

• Put two or three drops of oil on the affected nail and massage until it is well absorbed.
• It is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a day, until the infection heals.

2. Overhead essential oil

If we talk about essential oils to combat onychomycosis, we can not omit the ointment (oregano). It has antifungal properties that quickly restore the healthy appearance of the nail.

Instructions

• Apply three drops of overflow essential oil on the affected nail.
• Massage and spread the oil well to absorb and let it dry.
• Use the remedy twice a day until you notice an improvement.

3. Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is distinguished by the content of thymol, a substance with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that fights nail fungus and gives the affected area a more pleasant appearance.

Instructions

• Apply 3 drops of thyme essential oil on the affected area.
• Spread it well on the nail to absorb it and let it dry.
• Use the remedy two or three times a day until you notice an improvement.

4. Cinnamon essential oil

Cinnamon is also on the list of essential oils for fighting onychomycosis. It is rich in eugenol, a very powerful antifungal compound.

Cinnamon essential oil keeps the nail dry, preventing the fungus from spreading.

Instructions

• Apply 3 or 4 drops of cinnamon essential oil on the affected nail.
• Spread it to absorb well and let it dry.

• Use the remedy two to three times a day. It is very useful if you sweat profusely.

5. Clove essential oil

Like cinnamon oil, clove oil has a rich eugenol content, which has antiseptic and antifungal properties. This is also a good remedy for athlete’s foot.

Instructions

• Apply 3 drops of clove essential oil on the affected nail.
• Spread it all over the surface to absorb it well and let it dry.
• Use the remedy two to three times a day until you notice an improvement.

There are many ways to prevent onychomycosis. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and to avoid contact with the spaces circulated by people with bare feet, especially if there are areas with moisture. If you have already contracted the infection, do not hesitate to use these essential oils to fight onychomycosis.