tea tree and nail infection

[cameronissim...]

hi everyone, my husband has had a nail infection for a few years due to having to wear wellies for work, i read somewhere that neat tea tree oil applied twice a day should cure it over time. he has been doing this since mid december with a slight improvement, should he carry on using it or maybe add another essential oil as well
any ideas would be really helpful to us

sharon x[sm=love-smiley-009.gif]
ps. happy valentines day to all

 

[Alexxa C]

It would probably be best to change your oil, as you can overload the system. I have found a clinical reference to treating nail infections with Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) due to its high citral percentage. The oil should not be used neat, but diluted in base oil, 3%, The studies showed that even after 2 months of treatment with lemongrass and tea tree there was only slight improvement.

 

[InsisteVetVem]

thanks for the information,maybe he should go to the GP and see what else could be done, il keep you posted if anything positive comes of it!

sharon x

 

[Rowdy Yayhoot]

Hi sharon

If it's a fungal infection (thickened, crumbly, yellowed nails), he should definately get to his GP . But if it's bacterial infection (greenish stain), then he should try to keep his feet as dry as possible as the bacteria feed on the moisture, oil and contaminants and 'poo' on the nail (that's what causes the stain, not the bacteria itself).

 

[mom of twins]

Hi Sharon,

My mum had a big toe infection and was using neat tea tree as she was told to by her chiropodist, but in the end it was turning her toe black! I think due to overuse. She did then go to the doctors and get some antibiotics and now it is healing up nicely.

Mandy

 

[Lost_Kitten13]

In response to Linzi, I have had a fungal nail infection for years now. I went to my GP who recommended a course of tablets. I came home and looked them up on the net and it said "can cause liver damage" so did not cash the prescription and did not go back to the GP either.

I would really love to find something that works. I did post on here under 'skin, hair and nail' and the responses I had recommended tea tree. No mention of toes turning black so I am a little concerned at the moment. Still, will keep trying and hopefully my toes will show some sign of improvement soon.

Good luck Shazboo 1. Let me know if your husband finds something that works.

Charisma

 

[Hey Arnold!]

In response to charisma, when I trained, that is what we were told to do. The GP would usually prescribe some sort of topical medication for the toenails (this is different for the fingernails).

 

[BoredToDeath]

hi, thanks for everyones replies, im not sure if husband is too keen on doctors meds if it could affect his liver, but it does need sorting. il keep you all posted if anything new happens

thanks again

sharon x