One of the uses of tea tree oil is for treating fungal infections such as toenail fungus[i]. It is a natural plant extract and has anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that can rival topical creams on the market. In fact, tea tree oil for toenail fungus is suggested by Mayo clinic as a therapeutic remedy. Although Mayo clinic has promoted tea tree oil as a cure for toenail fungus, the effects may still vary from person to person.
As much as possible it is recommended that you use 100% tea tree oil for toenail fungus in order to stop the growth of the fungus and kill off associated bacteria. There is also a soap and shampoo with tea tree oil that you can purchase at drugstores and health food stores that you wash your feet with several times a day. Be sure to not overdo it as tea tree oil may cause irritation. When suffering from toenail fungus, tea tree oil should only be used as a tropical treatment. It should not be ingested in the belief that you are speeding up the healing process as this oil can be toxic. Although it is good to use 100% tea tree oil, it is still safer to dilute it with water to prevent irritation and redness. It is also important to seek advice from a physician in spite of the fact that the oil is natural.
A study conducted among 112 people with toenail fungus shows that tea tree oil was equally effective as an antifungal treatment cream and ointment. It can even match the effectiveness of topical antifungal clotrimazole. However, there are only a few actual clinical trials for the effectiveness of tea tree oil in combating fungal infection.
Tea tree oil toenail fungus treatment can be considered as an alternative to antifungal creams because it is a natural, inexpensive and it may be an effective product. It also produces fewer side effects than over the counter anti fungal creams. Keep in mind that tea tree oil is not a quick fix. You need to wait patiently for the results to take effect.
There are also optional steps you can consider aside from using tea tree oil for toenail fungus. You can use apple cider vinegar, iodine, Vicks and Vaseline. You should also remember that the result which tea tree oil delivers may vary from person to person. Searching for other toenail fungus treatment is recommended if tea tree oil does not work for you.