Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is the more common nail fungus. Nail fungus is the most common disease of the nail; it is responsible for approximately 50 percent of all nail problems. It thrives in a warm and moist environment. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for nail fungus treatment. In this article, we will take a look at how to use coconut oil for toenail fungus treatment.
But before we discuss how you can use coconut oil for toenail fungus treatment, let’s discuss how toenail fungus starts
Nail fungus, not just toenail fungus, begins as a rather obscure yellow or white spot beneath the tip of the nail and quickly grows to cause nail thickening, discoloration, and crumbling. Besides an ugly nail, nail fungus can also be pretty painful especially in shoes. Nail fungus affects both hands and feet resulting in fingernails fungus and toenails fungus but the latter is more common.
Toenail fungus is highly contagious; it can spread quickly from toe to toe and the surrounding skin hence must be treated as soon as it is noticed. The treatment normally lasts months before a total cure is achieved. Nevertheless, it has an exceptionally high rate of recurrence hence a need for effective treatment. There are several treatment options considered to be very effective in treating toenail fungus permanently. Essential oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, clove oil, etc. have proven effective treatment options for toenail fungus. They are rich in antifungal properties which help to destroy the fungus and heal the toe completely. One of the best among these oils is coconut oil.
Why You should use Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus treatment
Coconut oil is a ‘miracle worker’. It is used for several things including skincare and hair care. It is also used extensively in cooking. This all-beneficial oil is a proven way of treating toenail fungus. Coconut oil is replete with antifungal properties which helps it to prevent and cure toenail fungus.
Ways of Using Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus treatment
Moisturizer method
You will effectively eliminate fungus from your toenails by moisturizing them with coconut oil. To use coconut oil for toenail fungus via the moisturizer method, you will need to rub some coconut oil on the nail bed as well as on the cuticle and leave for about 30 minutes. Start this procedure as soon as you see symptoms of toenail fungus. Do it for at least three times per day for fast and effective treatment. Trim the toenails and wash your feet with warm water and soap then dry thoroughly before using coconut oil.
Bandage method
Another way through which you can use coconut oil for toenail fungus treatment right from the comfort of your home is to use the bandage method. This method lets you remove the 30 minutes waiting time after application. After applying coconut oil to the affected nail bed and cuticle, apply a bandage to ensure the oil remains on the nail for a while to ensure effectiveness. This method works well whether you are going out or about to sleep.
Oil combination method
Coconut is an amazing remedy for toenail fungus but has been proven to work even better in combination with other oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil. Tea tree oil itself has great antifungal and antiseptic properties hence when used in combination with coconut oil, greater effectiveness is observed. In addition to oregano, coconut oil is great for treating growing toenail fungus. When using this method, combine in the adequate proportion to get the best. A simple rule is to make sure coconut oil is more than whatever oil you are combining it with.
Digestive method
Coconut oil is a natural oil that is 100 percent safe consumption hence can be consumed to treat fungus infection. It releases its antifungal properties in the body, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off the fungus.
How To Choose The Right Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus
Because of the popularity of coconut oil in treating issues including toenail fungus, many companies seek to take advantage of this for profitability hence there are a few things to look out for when choosing the coconut oil to use especially as it relates to the digestive method. Your choice of coconut oil should be organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, and 100 percent pure.
- Organic coconut oil is better and safer than inorganic. The former has proven to have more health benefits than the latter.
- Unrefined and cold-pressed coconut oil has a higher quantity of antioxidants. The refined one loses a lot of its nutrients and potency as it goes through the refining process which includes heating.
- 100 percent purity ascertains what you are getting is completely coconut oil with no filler products. This way, you will get maximum effectiveness by using the oil.
Finally, coconut oil is not just useful for treating toenail fungus, it helps to prevent toenail fungus. Hence, you will be doing your toenails a great advantage by treating them to a frequent coconut oil massage. This is part of what is called proper toe care which is imperative to permanent cure and prevention of toenail fungus.
