Onychomycosis or fungal infections of the nails can cause pain and discomfort. Nail fungus infections are quite annoying as they can hit you often. You develop these infections when fungi called dermatophytes burrow on nail beds. They make your nails thick, crusty, distorted, and discolored. You can find several home remedies to deal with nail fungus, but tea tree oil for nail fungus is considered one of the most effective remedies for this annoying condition. Let's find out why this remedy works and how you can use it.

Why Tea Tree Oil Can Be Used for Toe Fungus?

Thanks to its antiseptic properties, the oil is quite effective against skin ailments like burns and infections. Tea tree oil is as effective as a type of fungal medication named clotrimazole. The oil contains terpenoids which contribute to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. Terpenoids are extremely effective for treating the toenail fungus caused by dermatophytes. Moreover, it not only cures fungal infections but also improves health and appearance of nails.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus

1. Prepare Your Nails

It is important to make some preparations before you apply the oil on your nails. For instance:

• Use a nail clipper to remove dead nails. Just be careful and do not cut your skin in the process.
• Use a coarse nail filer to file down your infected nails. 
• Use a soap or lotion with water to clean your infected nails.

2. Apply Tea Tree Oil

• Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil or apply a few drops directly on the affected area.
• Use a toothbrush to scrub the affected nails and ensure that the oil penetrates deep into the nails.
• Leave it for a while until it dries out naturally.
• Now, make a solution by adding 5 drops of tea tree oil to water and soak your feet in it.
• Continue for 15 minutes and do once a day.

Other Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus

Using tea tree oil with water is the simplest way of applying it to your affected nails. You can try other ways as well.

1. Tea Tree Oil Combined with Lavender

The natural antiseptic properties of lavender can enhance the effectiveness of tea tree oil and eliminate infection in no time.

• Make a solution by mixing equal quantities of lavender oil with tea tree oil and warm it slightly.
• Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on your nails.
• Get band-aids and wrap over your nails. Leave it there for one night.
• Repeat the same for a week for better results.

2. Tea Tree Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar

The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar help kill fungus and restore your skin's natural pH balance.

• Get a bowl filled with warm water and then stir in half cup of apple cider vinegar.
• Soak your toenails in this solution for up to 40 minutes and then towel dry.
• Dilute tea tree oil and apply it on your nails with the help of a cotton ball.
• Repeat twice daily.

3. Tea Tree Oil with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great choice because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

• Take ¼ cup of organic coconut oil and melt it, then stir in 15 drops of tea tree oil.
• Pour the mixture into a glass container and leave it there until it becomes rather solid.
• Apply it on your infected nails thrice a day, especially before you go to sleep and after showers.

4. Tea Tree Oil with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a good addition to tea tree oil because it has antifungal properties and also works great to restore your skin's pH levels.

• Mix 3 drops each of basil oil, tea tree oil, and sage oil.
• Also, add 2 teaspoons each of arrowroot powder and baking soda.
• Apply it directly on your nails and wear your socks.
• Remove your socks after 20 minutes and rinse your nails with cool water. Be sure to towel dry your feet.
• Repeat every day.

5. Tea Tree Oil with Garlic and Calendula Flowers

• Take a pan and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil while stirring in 10 shredded calendula leaves and 4 crushed garlic cloves.
• Let it simmer for 7 minutes and then take it off from heat. Strain and leave overnight.
• Stir in a tablespoon of vitamin E cream along with 3 teaspoons of tea tree oil in the morning.
• Apply it on your affected nails thrice a day.

6. Tea Tree Oil Powder

• Get a plastic Ziploc bag and put 4 tablespoons of organic cornstarch or unscented talc in it.
• Now, add 10 drops of lavender oil and 15 drops of tea tree oil in the bag and shake it well.
• Leave it for 24 hours and then apply it directly on your nails daily before you put on your socks.
• Be sure to shake the bag before use.

Note: Tea tree oil for nail fungus is an effective remedy, but it can lead to skin irritation in some people and cause itching, redness, or inflammation. It is therefore important to test it before you apply it on your affected nails. Be sure to talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant.