Toenail Fungus - Tea Tree Oil

Toenail fungus is a very embarrassing and painful infection, especially during the summer when bare feet and open-toed shoes are commonly worn. Toenail fungus is caused by an organism that thrives in dark, warm and moist environment. If it is not treated as soon as it is noticed, it can not only disfigure and discolor the toenails and also give a very disgusting appearance. Toenail fungus tea-tree oil treatment is not only simple and effective nail care tool but also a remedy to many skin problems..

Toenail fungus infection starts below the toenails which can make the treatment difficult. The fungus destroys the toenails by eating into keratin, which forms the surface of toenails. An advanced infection of nail fungus makes the nail appear unsightly with the skin near the nail turning rough. The symptoms of toenail fungus is often mistaken for an ingrown toenail as they are quite similar.

Toenail Fungus Infection Symptoms
Toenail fungus infection makes the nail flake-like and brittle which makes it break easily. The infected toenails appear discolored and spotty with the nails turning into yellow, brown or black. The toenails start giving out a bad smell, and also become thick and painful. The signs of toenail fungus infection are listed below.

• The toenail turns into a yellowish, brown color.
• It becomes thick and grows to double the normal size.
• The toenail starts gives out a foul smell.
• A smelly substance accumulates below the toenail.
• After some time the substance makes the nails to crumble and fall off.
• The toenails get a shriveled and ugly look.
• The nails get detached from the nail bed.
• As the infection grows, it becomes really difficult to wear a shoe.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia. Tree tea oil has been used by Australian aborigines since prehistoric times to cure skin problems like acne, eczema and scabies. They have also used it for dressing of wounds. The name of tea tree originated from ancient times when its leaves were used as tea, which was concocted from the leaves to promote a healthy skin. Tea tree oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves of tea trees.

Tea Tree Oil Treatment For Toenail Fungus
Tea tree oil for toenail fungus treatment is an effective and safe way of treating toenail fungus. Tea tree oil is increasingly used as a natural cure for toenail fungus by people to avoid taking prescription drug treatments. Oral prescription drugs are not only expensive but also considered unsafe due to their side effects. Tea tree oil is readily available at home as it is used as a home remedy for minor skin allergies. Tea tree oil has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight against skin conditions and provide a complete cure. An ingredient called as terpenoids found in tea tree oil is the reason for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. A compound of terpenoids known as terpinen-4-ol is a substance which is a major constituent of tea tree oil. Dermatophytes, which is the cause for diseases like the toenail fungus and Candida fungus, can be fought with terpenoids.

Tea Tree Oil Toenail Fungus Treatment Process
Maximum benefit from the treatment can be achieved by following the right ways of application. Before applying, make sure that you are not allergic to the oil by trying it on the inner arm. You can continue with the application if there is no reaction.

• Use a cotton swab for application.
• Drench the swab with 2-3 drops of undiluted tea tree oil.
• First wipe the swab at the affected part just below the nail.
• Apply a good quantity over the nail.
• Cover the oil coated area with a plastic while sleeping.
• Leave the application to dry out for the next day.
• Repeat the application until the infection is gone.

The effect of tea tree oil treatment has been considered effective as the most stubborn fungal infections can be cleared with a regular application of tea tree oil on the infected area. Though complete relief is not immediate achieved, a soothing effect starts within a few days of use.

Toenail fungus tea tree oil treatment is a remedy with the potential to make the use of nature cure much more popular than the conventional way of treatment. Tea tree oil can be a much more popular instrument as it is not only beneficial for toenail fungus but also for many other skin problems.