subject: Antifungal Melaleuca Oil Treatment for Toenail Fungus [print this page] Treatment for toenail fungus varies greatly. Many people suffer with a condition called toenail fungus or onychomycosis. In fact, an estimated 48% of people residing in the United States suffer with toenail fungus in at least one toe by the time they reach 70 years old.
Onychomycosis is a very common ailment that occurs more frequently as a person ages. Toenail fungus is known to be easily transmitted and it is difficult to combat. Today there are some reliable, safe and natural toenail fungus treatment options that can address the problem.
Onychomycosis is a serious condition that causes disfiguration as well as discoloration, eventually destroying the nail. Toenail fungus is caused by a fungi referred to as dermatophytes; which is fueled by a moist warm environment.
These Dermatophytes are destructive because they invade and feed on keratin which is what the hard surface of toenails is constructed from. When the toenails become infected by the fungus you will see them turn yellow or brown. These infected toenails will thicken and become malformed. The nail can become so thick that it makes it uncomfortable to wear shoes. Untreated toenails can eventually fall off which is why toenail fungus treatment is so important.
Known factors actually promote the outbreak and growth of toenail fungus. Wearing dank, dirty shoes and walking across moisture laden floors put you at risk for developing fungal breakouts. The places where you are most likely to contract onychomycosis include public settings such as gyms, showers, pools and restrooms. These environments are all places where the disease is rampant and easily spread.
Developing toenail fungus is also linked to a lack of care in personal hygiene. If you are not drying between the toes regularly, keeping your feet clean and changing your shoes, socks and stockings as necessary you will be more likely to develop this problem. Those individuals who have chronic health ailments and immune disorders are also have a higher risk of getting fungus on their toenails.
Using natural home remedies to treat toenail fungus has proven to be effective. These home remedies include eating a diet with a high level of beneficial bacteria or probiotics, warm water and natural apple cider vinegar, oregano and olive oil or Listerine mouthwash.
One highly effective, natural toenail fungus treatment option is tea tree oil. This essential herbal oil is favored by physicians and homeopathic practitioners because it is cheap, easy to use, and has no side effects. Tea tree oil has some excellent antifungal properties and is only to be used for topical toenail fungus treatment. 100% tea tree oil is best if you are going to try this solution for your problem.
The oil must be carefully applied on the surface of the toenail and any surrounding tissue which is also affected by the fungus. Make certain that this toenail fungus treatment plan includes washing your feet several times a day with a formula made from either tea tree oil soap or shampoo. When you decide to use this herbal therapeutic regimen consult your doctor first and be wary of overusing the product which can create irritation.
