Fungal infections of the nails, known as onychomycosis, are a common problem that can leave nails discolored, thickened, brittle, and ugly. Getting rid of nail fungus can be challenging, but using anti fungal oils is an effective natural treatment option for many people.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Tea tree oil, oregano oil, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract oil, and lemon essential oil applied directly to nails and cuticles can help kill stubborn nail fungus infections when used consistently over time<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using anti fungal oils to treat nail fungus, including:<\/p>\n
Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. Keratin is a protein that makes up the hard surface layer of nails. There are several types of dermatophytes that can infect nails and cause fungal nail infections including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum.<\/p>\n
These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist areas like showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.<\/p>\n
Dermatophytes fungus often invades the nail through a tiny cut or break in the nail bed and cuticle. As the infection progresses, the nail becomes thickened and discolored as debris accumulates under the nail. The debris consists of bits of keratin produced by the fungus as it invades the nail plate.<\/p>\n
If left untreated, dermatophytes fungus can spread to other nails. The infection can also spread to the skin around the nail and in rare cases, into deeper tissues. Therefore, prompt treatment is recommended when dermatophyte fungus is detected.<\/p>\n
Besides dermatophytes fungus, yeasts and molds are other microorganisms that can infect nails and trigger fungal nail disease. Candida albicans is the most common yeast that causes nail fungus. Candida naturally lives on our skin but can sometimes overgrow and lead to infection.<\/p>\n
This yeast thrives in warm, moist environments.<\/p>\n
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing candida nail infections. The high blood sugar associated with diabetes provides favorable conditions for yeast to flourish. Other risk factors include wearing tight-fitting shoes, having hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), walking barefoot in damp public areas, and a weakened immune system.<\/p>\n
Molds that infect nails include Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Scopulariopsis species. They are less common causes of nail fungus compared to dermatophytes and candida yeast. However, in people with a compromised immune system, mold infections can become serious and spread.<\/p>\n
Like dermatophytes fungus, yeasts and molds invade the nail through damage to the nail bed, cuticle, or surrounding skin. As the infection progresses, the nail becomes disfigured, thickened, discolored, and crumbly.<\/p>\n
One of the most common symptoms of a nail fungus infection is a gradual thickening and deformity of the nail (1)<\/a>. As the infection progresses, the nail often becomes darker in color and dull looking. The thickening is caused by a buildup of the keratinous material that makes up most of the nail plate.<\/p>\n In addition to thickening, nail fungus infections often lead to discoloration of the nail (2)<\/a>. The nail may turn white, yellow, brown, or green. Sometimes nail fungus causes dark streaks or dots on the nail.<\/p>\n The discoloration occurs when the accumulation of keratin (nail material) caused by the infection leads to a change in the light reflection properties of the nail.<\/p>\n Fungal infections that persist for a long time weaken the nail, making it soft, brittle, and crumbly (3)<\/a>. Pieces of the nail may chip off or break away completely. This happens when the networks of keratin fibers that make up the nail are damaged by the continuing fungal infection.<\/p>\n The brittleness can become so severe that the nail partially or fully crumbles away.<\/p>\n As the nail fungus infection worsens, it often leads to a distortion in the shape of the nail (4)<\/a>. The nail may detach from the nail bed, become wavy or bumpy, curve downward, develop grooves, or thicken unevenly.<\/p>\n This irregular nail shape occurs because the fungus interferes with the growth of new keratin fibers in some areas but not others.<\/p>\n Fungal nail infections can cause a buildup of debris underneath the nail (5)<\/a>. This debris is made up of tiny fragments of keratin and fungal particles. It appears as a yellowish-white or brown-black discoloration under the tip of the nail.<\/p>\n This is often one of the first symptoms of a nail fungus infection.<\/p>\n Finally, a persistent nail fungal infection sometimes produces a foul odor in the nail (2)<\/a>. This occurs when the accumulating debris under and around the nail starts to decompose. The smell is often described as musty or unpleasant.<\/p>\n While not the most common symptom, a foul smell can be a telltale sign of advanced nail fungus.<\/p>\n Nails can become more susceptible to fungal infection when the nail bed or surrounding skin is damaged. Small injuries like ingrown toenails, hangnails, cuts, bites, burns and other trauma allow fungi to bypass the protective barrier of the skin and infect the nail bed.<\/p>\n Keeping toenails trimmed straight across and avoiding tight shoes can prevent ingrown toenails. Moisturizing the nails and cuticles daily helps keep the skin supple and less prone to cracking.<\/p>\n Good blood flow brings immune cells to an area to help fight infection. Conditions that reduce blood circulation like diabetes, peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s syndrome put people at higher risk for nail fungus.<\/p>\n Managing underlying health conditions improves blood flow and helps prevent fungal growth.<\/p>\n People with weakened immune systems due to illness or medical treatments like chemotherapy are more susceptible to nail fungus. HIV\/AIDS, immunosuppressant drugs, and autoimmune disorders like lupus also compromise the body’s ability to fight infection.<\/p>\n While little can be done to strengthen immunity in these cases, practicing good nail hygiene can help reduce exposure to fungi.<\/p>\n The risk of nail fungus increases with age. As we get older, blood circulation tends to decrease along with nail growth, making them more vulnerable to infection. Older adults also often have other medical conditions that affect immunity and blood flow.<\/p>\n Keeping nails short and dry can help reduce fungal infection in older individuals.<\/p>\n Men are more prone to nail fungus than women, likely due to greater exposure to environments where fungi thrive. Work boots worn daily without rotation, and athletic shoes worn without socks or drying out between uses, create warm, moist environments perfect for fungal growth.<\/p>\n Using antifungal foot powder in shoes and socks, and alternating pairs of shoes, can help decrease fungal infection in men.<\/p>\n Fungal nail infection can run in families. Having a blood relative with chronic fungus may increase your risk due to shared genetic susceptibility. However, family members also have similar environments and behaviors that can spread infection.<\/p>\n Washing hands after touching infected nails, disinfecting shower floors, avoiding shared towels, and replacing old shoes and socks, can help stop the spread of fungus within a family.<\/p>\n Certain activities and environments raise the risk of nail fungus. Swimmers or runners who use public showers and pools, as well as sharing locker room facilities, are vulnerable due to damp floors and surfaces where fungi live.<\/p>\n Jobs requiring prolonged glove use like healthcare, food services, and construction, create a dark, warm environment for fungal growth. Wearing plastic gloves under work gloves, frequently changing gloves, and alternating pairs of work shoes improve airflow and help prevent nail fungus.<\/p>\n Fungal nail infections can often be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal products. However, in some cases it’s important to see your doctor for an evaluation and possible prescription treatment.<\/p>\n If your nail fungal infection is severe and worsens despite using OTC antifungal treatments for several months, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. They can examine your nails, confirm it is a fungal infection, and may prescribe you a stronger oral or topical antifungal medication.<\/p>\n While the most common symptom is thickened, discolored nails, some people have pain and swelling. This can indicate a secondary bacterial infection that needs antibiotic treatment in addition to antifungals. See your doctor right away if your infected nail is painful.<\/p>\n Sometimes nail problems may have causes other than fungal infections, including:<\/p>\n It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, so if OTC antifungals aren’t working after a few months or you have other concerning symptoms like nail separation from the nail bed, make an appointment with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n You should also see your doctor promptly about nail fungus if you have diabetes, suppressed immune system, or poor circulation. These conditions put you at higher risk for secondary bacterial infections and other complications, which need medical care.<\/p>\n Tea tree oil is one of the most popular natural antifungal treatments. It contains terpinen-4-ol, which gives it powerful antifungal properties. Multiple studies have shown that tea tree oil is effective against dermatophytes, a common cause of nail fungus (1<\/a>, 2<\/a>).<\/p>\n One study found tea tree oil cleared up nail fungus in 6 out of 10 people when applied twice daily for 3 months (3<\/a>).<\/p>\n Oregano oil also has strong antifungal abilities. One study showed that oregano oil was effective against five different types of Candida, another common cause of fungal infections (4<\/a>). Oregano oil contains thymol and carvacrol, two powerful compounds that have been shown to fight against nail fungus (5<\/a>).<\/p>\n However, more research is needed to confirm oregano oil’s effectiveness on treating nail infections.<\/p>\n Extracted from the neem tree, neem oil is known for its antifungal effects. One study found neem oil was able to inhibit the growth of certain dermatophytes that commonly cause nail infections (6<\/a>). Another study showed neem oil was effective against four different types of fungi (7<\/a>).<\/p>\n Neem oil contains gedunin and nimbidol, two compounds that are thought to be responsible for its antifungal effects.<\/p>\n Grapefruit seed extract is made from the seeds of grapefruits. It contains beneficial plant compounds like limonoids that have been shown to have antifungal abilities. According to one test-tube study, grapefruit seed extract was effective at inhibiting the growth of certain types of fungi, including Candida (8<\/a>).<\/p>\n More research is needed to confirm its effects on treating nail fungus.<\/p>\n Lemon essential oil has antifungal properties and can be used to help treat nail fungus. One study found that lemon oil was able to inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi (9<\/a>). Another small study showed that lemon oil application for 6 months helped clear yellow nail fungus in 8 out of 10 people (10<\/a>).<\/p>\n However, these studies are limited and more research is still needed.<\/p>\n Here are some tips on using anti fungal oils to treat nail fungus:<\/p>\n Essential oils like tea tree oil, oregano oil, and lemon oil appear to be effective natural treatments against nail fungus according to some studies. However, more research is still needed. Be sure to dilute essential oils and test for skin sensitivity before wider application.<\/p>\n And consult a doctor if the infection persists. With patience and consistency, anti fungal oils may help treat stubborn fungal nail infections.<\/p>\n Apple cider vinegar is a commonly used household ingredient that has antifungal properties. Studies show that acetic acid, the main active component of apple cider vinegar, can effectively inhibit the growth of several types of fungi and yeasts (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n Try mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and applying it to affected nails using a cotton ball twice daily until symptoms subside.<\/p>\n The camphor and menthol in Vicks VapoRub give it natural antifungal abilities. A 2011 study found Vicks VapoRub to be effective against toenail fungus, with 13 out of 18 patients showing complete clinical improvement (2<\/a>). Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to affected nails once or twice per day.<\/p>\n Baking soda has mild antifungal effects and may help balance skin pH to discourage fungal growth (3<\/a>). Create a paste using a few teaspoons of baking soda and water. Apply to nails, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat 1\u20132 times daily as needed.<\/p>\n Oregano oil contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have powerful antifungal properties (4<\/a>). One test-tube study showed that oregano oil was effective against five different types of fungi (5<\/a>).<\/p>\n Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil and apply to nails twice daily.<\/p>\n Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to inhibit fungal growth and infection in animal and test-tube studies (6<\/a>). Mince a few cloves of garlic and add to one tablespoon of coconut oil. Let sit for 10 minutes, then strain.<\/p>\n Apply the garlic-infused oil to affected nails 1\u20132 times per day.<\/p>\n The antibacterial and antifungal properties of hydrogen peroxide may make it useful against nail fungus (7<\/a>). Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and use a cotton swab to apply it to the nail beds daily. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry after 10\u201315 minutes.<\/p>\n Epsom salts may have antifungal effects and can help dry out excess moisture that fungal infections thrive on. Dissolve 1\/2 cup of Epsom salts in warm water and soak affected nails for 15 minutes daily (8<\/a>). Make sure to thoroughly dry your feet afterward.<\/p>\nDiscolored Nails<\/h3>\n
Brittle, Crumbly Nails<\/h3>\n
Distorted Nail Shape<\/h3>\n
Debris Under Nails<\/h3>\n
Foul Smell<\/h3>\n
Risk Factors for Developing Nail Fungus<\/h2>\n
Damage to Nail or Surrounding Skin<\/h3>\n
Reduced Blood Circulation<\/h3>\n
Weakened Immune System<\/h3>\n
Age<\/h3>\n
Gender<\/h3>\n
Genetics and Family History<\/h3>\n
Lifestyle Factors<\/h3>\n
When to See a Doctor<\/h2>\n
Severe Infection<\/h3>\n
Painful Infection<\/h3>\n
Other Medical Conditions<\/h3>\n
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People at High Risk<\/h3>\n
Anti Fungal Oils for Treating Nail Fungus<\/h2>\n
Tea Tree Oil<\/h3>\n
Oregano Oil<\/h3>\n
Neem Oil<\/h3>\n
Grapefruit Seed Extract<\/h3>\n
Lemon Essential Oil<\/h3>\n
How to Apply Anti Fungal Oils to Nails<\/h3>\n
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Other Natural Anti Fungal Remedies<\/h2>\n
Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n
Vicks VapoRub<\/h3>\n
Baking Soda<\/h3>\n
Oregano Essential Oil<\/h3>\n
Garlic<\/h3>\n
Hydrogen Peroxide<\/h3>\n
Epsom Salt Soaks<\/h3>\n
Essential Oil Blends<\/h3>\n