Essential Oils for Nail Fungus A Natural Remedy
What is Essential Oils for Nail Fungus?
Essential oils are a natural remedy for nail fungus because of their antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. They can be used topically in a carrier oil or added to a foot soak. Popular essential oils for nail fungus include tea tree, lavender, oregano, thyme, and clove.
Symptoms of nail fungus include a nail or nails that are:
- Thickened
- Discolored
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged
- Misshapen
- Separated from the nail bed
- Smelly
- Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it's more common in toenails.
Causes of nail fungus
Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black.
Fungal infection of the foot (athlete's foot) can spread to the nail, and a fungal infection of the nail can spread to the foot. You can also get the infection from contact with spaces where fungi can thrive, such as the floor tile in a gym shower or inside dark, sweaty, moist shoes.