There are many online claims that tea tree oil may clear up nail fungus when applied regularly. However, the research is mixed.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with many therapeutic benefits. Among its healing benefits, it has antifungal and antiseptic properties, leading some to surmise that it may be an effective treatment for nail fungus.
However, the results of studies are mixed, with newer research pointing to tea tree oil being an ineffective, though safe, home remedy for fungal infections.
Nail fungus can be challenging to treat because it takes months to fully resolve.
Read on to learn more about treating nail fungus with tea tree oil as a complementary therapy.
Results from scientific studies supporting the use of tea tree oil to treat nail fungus are mixed. Some of the research, most of it older, points to tea tree oil’s potential as an antifungal.
For example, according to a 2013 study, tea tree oil was effective in reducing growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that can cause infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Improvements were seen after 14 days.
This study used an in vitro model, which is sometimes called a test-tube experiment. In in vitro studies, the experiment is done in a test tube instead of on an animal or human. Larger human studies are needed to expand on these findings.
Combining tea tree oil with standard medicated creams is also an option. A small
After 8 weeks of treatment, 80% of participants who used this cream cured their toenail fungus with no relapses. No one in the placebo group cured their nail fungus. Further studies are needed to determine which of these ingredients is most useful in treating nail fungus. Additionally, researchers noted that no participants receiving only tea tree oil experienced a full cure.
However, newer studies are more mixed.
Researchers of one 2021 study deduced that tea tree oil has potential as a complementary fungal infection treatment and may reduce the amount of traditional medications needed. They noted that most of the available research remains in test tube studies and that more research is needed in humans and animals.
A 2022 review of several studies suggests there is not enough current evidence that tea tree oil is an effective main or complementary treatment for fighting treating fungal infections. The scopes of older studies were too small and of poor quality, the review noted.
Tea tree oil is considered safe to use topically at concentrations smaller than 15%. This means that it needs to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. This means for every drop of tea tree oil, add at least 6 drops of a carrier oil. If you have sensitive skin, consider adding up to 12 drops of carrier oil for 1 drop of tea tree oil.
It’s possible for tea tree oil to cause an allergic reaction. It can cause skin irritation like redness, itchiness, and inflammation in some people.
Speak with a doctor before using tea tree oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s always best to do a skin test with a single drop of tea tree oil diluted in carrier oil. If you don’t experience any irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.
Never take tea tree oil by mouth or in your eyes. Avoid using tea tree oil on children without consulting their doctor.
To use it for nail fungus, use a dropper or cotton swab to place the diluted solution directly onto the affected nail for a few minutes.
You can also do a foot soak a few times per week. Add five drops of tea tree oil to a half-ounce of carrier oil, mix them, stir into a bucket of warm water, and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Keep your nails neat and nicely trimmed during the healing process. Use clean nail clippers, scissors, or a nail file to remove any dead nails.
Also, keep your affected nails as clean and dry as possible. Always wash your hands thoroughly after treating your nails to avoid spreading the infection.
You need to be consistent with the treatment in order to see results. It usually takes a few months for the nail to heal completely with medication. Healing time depends on how severe the infection is and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.
The fungal infection is cured when you’ve grown an entirely new nail that’s free from infection.
You can continue the tea tree oil treatment after the nail has healed to prevent the infection from returning.
Tea tree oil is available online and at health product stores. The supplier should be able to answer any questions you have about their product.
It’s important that you use a high-quality tea tree oil for best results. Here are some things to look for when buying tea tree oil:
- The oil needs to be 100% pure.
- Buy an organic oil, if possible.
- Look for a tea tree oil that has a 10% to 40% concentration of terpinen. This is one of the main antiseptic and antifungal components of tea tree oil.
Research your brands and manufacturers. Essential oils can have issues with purity, contamination, and strength. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils, so it’s important to purchase from a supplier you trust.
How to store essential oils
Store essential oils away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. They should be OK at room temperature. If you live in a very warm or humid climate, you can store them in a refrigerator.
If you’ve taken steps to treat your nail fungus but it isn’t improving or starts to get worse, it’s important that you see a doctor. Nail fungus has the potential to cause other complications, especially for people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Using tea tree oil should be a safe and effective method for treating nail fungus, but it’s still important that you use it with care. Keep an eye on the effect it’s having on your nail fungus and possibly on the skin around it. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any adverse effects.
Also keep in mind that it may take some time to completely heal nail fungus.