We probably all know someone who has suffered at some point with fungal toenails. Although it's not a serious condition, it can cause feelings of self consciousness, particularly during the summer months when our feet are out on display in summer sandals. But did you know that the use of essential oils can - for some - dramatically improve the appearance of Fungal toenails? I have listed out below some of the key oils that I recommend, and you can also buy a ready made blend that I used to help clear my partners persistent infection here. But first a little more on the condition itself!
But what is Fungal toenail? This common condition, also known as onychomycosis, often starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail and eventually can progress to cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and become brittle or crumbly. While it can be unsightly and sometimes painful, it is typically not a serious health threat. Treatment options include topical antifungal creams from the GP, natural essential oils, oral medications from the GP which have to be taken for several weeks and are contra indicated for use if you suffer from several other health conditions, and finally in some cases, laser therapy can be used.
It's also worth bearing in mind that nail fungus can sometimes be very persistent despite treatment using any of the above routes to clear it up - some studies have suggested that even the strong oral medications only have a success rate of approx 50% and there is increasing concern that, like antibiotics, the effectivness of traditional antifungal medication is waning as resistant strains emerge.
The natural essential oil route was one that we undertook to help clear my partners toenail infection and the absolute golden rule for any topical treatment is persistence, and patience. We managed to get his fungal nail under control after he used a special essential oil blend for over 6 months, applying daily - and yes, I did have to remind him! He also visited a chiropadist before we started the oil treatment journey, to cut away as much 'dead' and damaged crumbly nail as possible.
My top essential oils for fungal nail infections:
Tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil): this oil has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Tea tree is a complex oil containing over 100 compounds, primarily terpenes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes.
Oregano oil (origanum vulgare): a powerful and potent oil which contains high concentrations of thymol, a compound known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Lemongrass oil (cymbopogen citratus): a fresh and stimulating oil which contains high quantities of aliphatic aldehydes (in particular citral) which have antifungal actions
Lavender oil (lavandula angustifolia): a well known sedative oil, but also an amazing wide spectrum antifungal. A recent university study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology argues that Lavender essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections and works by destroying fungal cells by damaging the cell membrane. It also noted that the oil was particularly lethal against the increasing number of drug resistant fungal strains.
Eucalyptus oil (eucalyptus globulus): a reviving and stimulating oil, known for it's antibacterial respiratory action, but which has also demonstrated broad-spectrum inhibitory effects toward fungal infections in a recent extensive scientific study.
I made an amazing antifungal blend for my partner using the above oils. He had to clean and dry the affected area thoroughly, then apply a few drops of the oil directly onto the nail twice daily. He applied the oil neat but did a patch test first to see if there was any sensitivity, and if there had been I would have diluted the essential oil blend with a carrier oil such as olive oil, to reduce the risk of skin irritation at a rate of 5% essential oil to 95% carrier. Consistent application over several months is always necessary to see significant improvement - patience and persistence people!
The upshot for my partner - a clear nail after a long time of dedication. Unfortunately 2 years later - the nail infection came back. But at least we know what to do this time around!
Hope the above information has been useful, and as always get in touch if you have any questions!