Use Coconut Oil to Kill and Prevent Stubborn Nail Fungus

Using Coconut Oil to Treat and Prevent Nail Fungus Infections

Coconut oil has become popular for its many beauty, health, and medicinal uses. With its powerful antifungal properties, coconut oil is also gaining attention as a natural treatment for stubborn fungal infections like nail fungus. Here's a look at how coconut oil may help kill nail fungus when used properly.

Coconut Oil's Antifungal Properties

Coconut oil contains two active compounds that give it antifungal abilities: lauric acid and caprylic acid. Research shows these medium-chain fatty acids can disrupt the lipid membranes of fungus cells, preventing growth and reproduction.

Studies have found coconut oil effective against common fungal infections like athletes foot, ringworm, and yeast infections. There is also evidence showing its antifungal effects against candida strains and clinical isolates. This suggests coconut oil holds promise for treating nail fungal infections.

Using Coconut Oil to Kill Nail Fungus

Toenail and fingernail fungal infections can be stubborn to treat. Oral medications have side effects and topical creams may not penetrate the nail bed sufficiently. Applying coconut oil is an alternative option to consider.

For existing infections, dip a cotton swab in coconut oil and dab directly on the yellowed, thickened infected part of the nail 2-3 times per day. Be sure to get under the nail tip where fungi enter. Apply religiously for at least 3 months to fully kill the nail fungus for good.

Coconut Oil Soak for Foot Fungus

Soaking feet in a coconut oil bath can also help treat toenail fungus and athlete's foot simultaneously. Add 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil to a basin of warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes. The oil will penetrate and smother fungal hyphae on nails and skin.

Boosting Anti-fungal Effects

Combining coconut oil with other anti-fungal ingredients can boost its nail fungus-fighting abilities. Try adding a few drops of oregano oil, lavender oil, or tea tree oil, which also have anti-fungal properties. A small amount of vitamin E oil helps the mixture penetrate. Or sprinkle baking soda into the soak for added fungus-killing power.

Preventing Recurrence with Coconut Oil

Once a fungal nail infection has fully cleared, coconut oil can help prevent the fungus from taking hold again. Use it regularly in place of lotion after showering or bathing. The coconut oil creates an invisible antifungal layer on the nails and skin that stops fungus spores from adhering and growing.

Why Treat Nail Fungus with Coconut Oil?

Using coconut oil to treat nail fungus offers several benefits:

Natural and Safe

Coconut oil is all-natural and generally considered very safe with minimal risks of side effects or toxicity. This gives it an advantage over oral antifungal pills and chemical topical creams, which can cause liver damage, rashes, etc.

Readily Available

Coconut oil has become widely available even in conventional grocery stores. You can find it in the cooking oil or beauty sections. This makes it easy to find and use.

Multiple Uses

A jar of coconut oil can also be used for cooking, skin moisturizing, hair treatments, and more. It offers more versatility than a typical antifungal cream.

Low Cost

Coconut oil is very affordable, especially compared to prescription antifungal medications. One multi-use jar often costs under $10 for a full course of treatment.

Occlusive Layer

Coconut oil creates an occlusive layer over the nail that penetrates better than commercial creams. This helps the antifungal compounds get where they need to go.

Prevents Reinfection

Used regularly, coconut oil can help prevent fungal reinfection of treated nails by protecting them with antifungal compounds.

Effective Application Tips

To get the best nail fungus-fighting results from coconut oil, follow these guidelines:

Use Daily

Apply coconut oil to infected nails at least 2-3 times per day, ideally morning, night, and midday. Consistency is key for killing fungal cells and spores.

Continue for Months

Expect to use coconut oil for nail fungus daily for 2 to 3 months at minimum in order to see the infected part of the nail grow out completely clear and healthy again.

Combine with Oral Antifungals

For a multi-pronged approach, take prescription oral antifungals while also doing daily coconut oil applications. However, check with your doctor first regarding interactions.

Don't Share

Never share the same coconut oil jar for infected and healthy nails. Use a dedicated jar for fungus treatment to avoid spreading spores.

Watch for Reinfection

After successful treatment, examine nails regularly for any new white or yellow growths that may indicate reinfection. Retreat quickly to avoid spreading.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Practice good foot hygiene to prevent recurrence. Wash feet daily, dry thoroughly, wear clean socks, don't share nail clippers, and treat athlete's foot.

Other Natural Nail Fungus Fighters

While coconut oil can be effective at killing nail fungus naturally, you can try combining it with other home remedies for added antifungal benefits:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic. Dab it on infected nails before applying coconut oil to capitalize on these antimicrobial powers.

Oregano Oil

With its high concentration of antibacterial thymol, oregano oil makes a powerful nail fungus fighter. Add a few drops to coconut oil.

Vicks VapoRub

The thymol in Vicks VapoRub has antifungal activity. Apply after coconut oil soak for an extra antifungal punch.

Baking Soda

Baking soda changes pH to create an unfriendly environment for fungi. Add to coconut oil soaks or make a paste to apply.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Acetic acid gives apple cider vinegar antifungal abilities. Use as soak before coconut oil or apply directly with cotton swabs.

When to See a Podiatrist

Home treatments like coconut oil can help mild to moderate nail fungus infections. But it's important to see a podiatrist if:

• Fungus covers over half the nail
• Multiple nails are infected
• The nail is thickened, distorted, or crumbling
• Surrounding skin is inflamed, red or painful
• Over-the-counter treatments haven't worked after 3 months

A podiatrist can do a nail culture to identify the fungus strain and prescribe oral antifungals if necessary for severe infections. Seek prompt medical treatment for any signs the infection is spreading or getting worse.

Use Coconut Oil to Treat and Prevent Nail Fungus

With its potent antifungal properties, coconut oil is an effective natural option to try for improving nail fungus infections. Use it alone or combined with other home remedies. Just be sure to use it consistently for several months to see the best results. Speak to your doctor before using it or any other home treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.