Essential Oil for Ingrown Toenail – The fungus is a common condition characterized by a fungal infection of the toenails or hands that causes the discoloration of the nails to become yellow and hard. Unusual nail growth, dry skin, pain, inflammation, and several other symptoms occur.
The fungus that attacks the nails can take many forms. One type of yeast infection that commonly occurs is onychomycosis. The onychomycosis fungal infection is characterized by discoloration of the nail, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Fungus can be caught in damp or warm places. So, we often see that the places that are often transmitted to fungi are gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools and others.
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Factors that Promote Nail Fungus Infection
Apart from the places as mentioned above, there are other factors that support this fungal infection. Among them are poor air circulation, injury to the nail bed, poor immunity, diabetes, frequent use of closed-toed shoes. In addition, other factors that encourage nail fungal infection are wearing damp socks, use of nail polish, and artificial nails, all of which can be a factor in increasing the risk of getting a toenail fungus infection. So, how do we treat nail fungus infection? There are several types of essential oils that are great for getting rid of toenail fungus, and here we will discuss about Essential oil for ingrown toenail.
Don’t take it lightly with a toenail fungus infection. Indeed, the development is very slow and takes a long time. However, once your nails are infected with fungus, then immediately find a treatment solution, otherwise this infection will continue to plague and become severe so that it is difficult to treat. If it is severe, you can lose your nails. Symptoms when you have caught the toenail fungus, the nails look cracked, there are yellow spots at the base of the nails, there are scratches on the nails, the layers of the toenails are perforated or crushed.
Toenail fungus treatment can be done in many ways such as creams and anti-fungal. But you also need to think about using chemical drugs, because they can have the potential for dangerous side effects. So, most people encourage using essential oils for toenail fungus, this is an effective and safe way to treat toenail fungus.
Best Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus
Several types of these essential oils are particularly effective in treating toenail fungus. Among them are lemon essential oil, cinnamon, peppermint essential oil, tea tree, coconut oil, clove, thyme, lavender essential oil, snakeroot extract, and among the effective remedies for nail fungus are oregano or manuka oil.
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1. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is an ancient remedy that has been trusted to treat the problem of toenail fungus. The active substances in cinnamon oil are believed to have anti-fungal properties. It not only kills the fungus but also prevents it from coming back.
How to use it:
Cinnamon oil before applying it on the infected area, first dilute it with other carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil. Then, rub it directly on the toes that are infected with the fungus.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Furthermore, the essential oil for ingrown toenail fungus is tea tree oil. This oil contains anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tree oil is very well known in Australia as a traditional remedy for fungal problems. Using tea tree oil is quick to treat nail fungus.
How to use:
Dilute it first with another carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, you can also dilute it with jojoba oil. Then apply directly to toes or toenails that have hardened or changed color. Spread evenly on all your nails.
3. Manuka Oil
Manuka oil has only been popular recently, thanks to its known anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Using manuka oil helps to repair damaged skin tissue and remove scars. Using manuka oil for a yeast infection will slowly kill the fungus down to the roots.
How to use it:
You don’t need to dilute manuka oil with any carrier oil. Just apply this oil on the infected nail fungus, massage gently until the oil is absorbed in all parts of the infected nail.
Another way to use manuka oil to eradicate toenail fungus is to add 5-6 drops to a container of water, then soak your feet for 30 minutes.
4. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains an anti-fungal compound called eugenol. This is one of the strongest anti-fungal in nature. This oil is effective in treating toenail fungus or athlete’s foot. The benefits of clove oil are also good for strengthening immunity.
How to use it:
Clove oil is effective in killing the fungus on your toenails or fingernails, before using it, first dissolve it with olive oil or coconut oil. Then apply it on the infected nail, gently massage it on your nail until all parts of the nail are absorbed by the clove oil. Continue to apply this oil one to two times a day to kill the fungus from the roots.
5. Lemon oil
Lemon oil contains antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, this oil has the benefit of eliminating the bad effects of foot fungus. Massage on the nails until they are completely absorbed.
The use of lemon oil is usually not diluted with carrier oil, directly smeared on moldy nails. However, if your skin is sensitive, then dilute it with olive oil in a ratio of 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. Coconut Oil
Then, the essential oil for toenail fungus is coconut oil. Actually, coconut oil is not an essential oil but it is rich in fatty acids so it is good for treating yeast infection problems. It is not only anti-fungal but also anti-bacterial. Coconut oil is packed with compounds that can penetrate the outer skin of the fungus itself, and this makes the fungus die and rot.
How to use it:
Apply coconut oil directly on your toenails. Do massage and use it 2 to 3 times a day.
7. Thyme Oil
Thyme essential oil is another herb that you can use to get rid of mold. The thyme oil contains thymol, which is an active ingredient, it acts as an impressive anti-fungal.
Thyme oil can stimulate the formation of healthy new cells and slow the spread of fungi. So, using it is one of the best alternatives in getting rid of toenail fungus.
How to use it:
Mix thyme oil with jojoba oil, you can also replace jojoba with almond oil. After preparing this solution, apply it to nails that are thick due to fungus, massage until the thyme oil fills the entire part of the nail infected with the fungus. do it twice a day for optimal benefits.
Word of Caution
The use of Essential Oil for Ingrown Toenail is indeed effective in getting rid of fungal infections. Even its use as anti-fungal drugs is popular around the world, but you have to be careful too because there are side effects that may occur. Essential oils are powerful oils that are chemically processed. Some of the active ingredients in essential oils can sometimes cause skin irritation or inflammation.
There are also side effects of essential oils in the form of allergies if they are overused. Nail fungus is a common problem, but should not be underestimated because if it is not treated early on, the nails and even the nail beds can be permanently damaged. If after using essential oils there has been no positive change, contact your doctor immediately for more appropriate medical advice.
