Toenail Fungus Cures - How to use Tea
Tree to treat the feet!
by Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C
For centuries aboriginal people from Australia have been using
the tea tree's leaves to treat skin infections. Tea tree oil,
also known as melaleuca oil or manuka oil is stream-distilled
from the leaves of this plant which grown in Australia or New
Zealand. Brought by Captain Cook from its native Australia in
the 1770s, the oil is produced from the Melaleuca Alternifolia
tree. High quality tea tree
oil is usually
available in health food or specialty stores.
One of the most beneficial natural antiseptics, tea tree oil
has been extensively used to combat a wide variety of
infections and ailments. The active ingredient in tea tree oil
is terpinen-4-ol, which has been proven to combat bacteria and
fungi. It has been used to treat cuts, scrapes, and other minor
skin wounds and irritations. Not only does tea tree oil attack
infections and speed healing, it also reduces the risk of
scarring in many applications. Because of its anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial properties, it has rapidly become one of the
most widely used antiseptics. Tea tree oil also has the ability
to quickly bond with natural oils present in the skin. Because
the application of this essential oil to the skin encourages
the formulation of a chemical barrier on the skin, continued
growth of fungi and other unhealthy organisms is
diminished.
One significant application of tea tree oil is in the treatment
of toenail fungus. Also referred to as onychomycosis, this
common condition accounts for nearly half of all nail disorders
and affects a considerable portion of the adult population.
Toenails are especially susceptible to fungal growth as fungus
favors the moist, warm conditions inside the socks.
Toenail fungus starts as a discoloration on the tip of the
toenail and will continue to grow and spread until the entire
toenail becomes thick and yellow with crumbling edges. If no
treatment is given to destroy the fungus, the condition will
worsen and eventually the toenail will form a distorted shape,
the color may become green, brown, or black, and the toes may
begin to emit a foul odor as the nail falls off. At this point
you may also experience some pain in the infected toes.
Although it is extremely common, toenail fungus does not have
to be accepted as a distasteful part of life. There are many
treatments available to eradicate the fungus that causes this
unpleasant condition. Research has shown that tea tree oil an
effective remedy for toenail and nail fungus and it is gentler
on the skin than prescription medications.
There is no known negative drug interactions associated with
the use of tea tree oil. However, it should never be ingested,
and a poison control center should be contacted if the product
is swallowed. Tea tree oil has recently received much attention
for its ability to combat toenail fungus. Although tea tree oil
is much gentler than many chemical treatments for toenail
fungus, it may irritate sensitive skin, especially around the
eyes. Before using this product it is wise to do an allergy
test by swabbing some of the oil on the inner arm. If the skin
becomes red, swollen, or itchy, do not use it on other parts of
the body.
To treat toenail fungus apply tea tree oil to all areas of the
toenail and toe that are affected by the fungus. It is not
necessary to dilute the oil in this application. The oil will
absorb into the toenail and kill the fungus. This treatment
should be done two to three times daily. It is essential to
complete this therapy daily for six months. Even as the fungus
dies and the toenail begins to clear it is vital to continue
the treatment daily until the infected portion of the toenail
has completely grown out. Missing even one day is enough to
cause the fungus to replicate and require an extension of
treatment time.
Once the fungus has been taken care of and the toenail is
completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to ensure that
the fungus does not return. Keeping toenails clean and trimmed
is important because fungus can make a home under the toenail.
Wear socks that allow the feet to breathe, such as those made
from natural fibers such as cotton. If you have exceptionally
sweaty feet, give them ample time to dry out during the day, if
possible. Never pick at toenails or other skin around the
toenails; bacteria and fungus can more easily find a way into
your toenails if you do.
If you typically have a salon pedicure, be sure that it is a
reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing
all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue
using toenail polish as it can trap moisture under the polish
and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also important to
keep the hands clean, especially after contacting fungus that
may reside on other toenails because of the contagious nature
of the fungus.
About the author:
Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of
Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research
Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research
experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition,
alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and
wellness. Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of
Fungus Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development
team dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and
anti-microbial products. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com
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