Onychomycosis is the most common case of nail fungus. You can find this type of condition more frequently on the feet than the hands. In general, we pay less attention to cleaning of the feet, since they are usually covered.
In this article, we will teach you a little more about this condition, its causes and symptoms. We will also provide you with natural alternatives to eliminate onychomycosis.
Symptoms of onychomycosis
Although it is usual to treat onychomycosis as an aesthetic alteration of the nails, in very advanced cases it can cause chronic pain, which can be difficult to solve. Early diagnosis is ideal to eradicate the fungus permanently.
Although a fungal infection is not characterized mainly by producing pain, it would be in a very critical case, so it would be more common to notice signs on the nails such as:
- Thickening
- Change of color to darker or yellow tones
- Bad smell
- Peeling
- Weakness and breakage
These signs appear more often in the folds of the nails, in the part where they join with the skin. Mainly a white spot is noticed, that with the passage of time, begins to increase in size.
Causes
The cause of onychomycosis is a fungus that is known as Candida albicans. It is spread by direct contact, so the most common is to contract it by:
- Being barefoot in public places.
- Going to a nail spa and not bringing our own items, and using items used by someone else.
- If the footwear that you are using causes you to sweat excessively, this helps the easy reproduction of bacteria.
- If you do not dry your feet well, and have long nails, water can stay lodged in them.
- The lack of immune defenses and stress.
Another important fact is that, when our immune system is weakened, the proliferation of this condition is greater, so it will expand significantly and will be more difficult to treat.
We must also bear in mind that when we present any type of illness and do not treat it, in time it can lead to bigger problems. Thus, ideally we should pay attention when the first signs appear.
Essential oils to Treat Onychomycosis
1. Tea tree essential oil
Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree essential oil is a solution against fungi that forms on the nails of the hands and feet. Its effects are compared with those of many products to combat fungi that are in the market.
This improves the appearance of infected nails in a matter of days.
What should we do?
- Put 2 or 3 drops of oil on the affected nail, and rub it in until it absorbs well.
- It is recommended to repeat the usage 2 times a day, until the infection is cured.
2. Oregano essential oil
The extracts that are concentrated in the essential oil of oregano have incredible anti-fungal properties that stop onychomycosis. Its application returns the healthy and renewed appearance to the nails.
What should we do?
- Apply 3 drops of oregano oil on the affected nail.
- Massage and spread well so that it is absorbed and allowed to dry.
- Use twice a day until you notice improvement.
3. Thyme essential oil
It stands out for its thymol content, since it has powerful antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties that are effective against nail fungus and restores a more pleasant appearance.
What should we do?
- Apply 3 drops of thyme oil on the affected area.
- Spread well on the nail so that it is absorbed and let it dry.
- Use two to three times a day, until you notice improvement.
4. Cinnamon essential oil
Cinnamon essential oil is very effective in killing nail fungus. Cinnamon is rich in eugenol, a very potent anti-fungal chemical compound. This keeps the nail area dry, which prevents the fungus from reproducing.
What should we do?
- Apply 3 or 4 drops of cinnamon oil on the affected nail.
- Spread well so that it is absorbed and let it dry.
- Repeat the application two to three times a day. It will be very useful in case you sweat excessively.
5. Clove essential oil
Like the essential oil of cinnamon, clove and its essential oil have a high content of eugenol, which has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. They are useful even against athlete’s foot.
What should we do?
- Apply 3 drops of clove oil to the affected nail.
- Distribute throughout the surface so that it is absorbed and let it dry.
- Use two to three times a day, until you notice improvement.
Remember that there are many ways to prevent this type of condition from appearing. You must maintain good hygiene and avoid contact with areas that are traveled by barefoot people, even more so if they are wet areas. Do not go without trying these essential oils, they will be of great help.
Via: OrganicFacts | HealthWatchList
