Using Castor Oil to Cure Toenail Fungus Infections

Using Castor Oil to Treat Nail Fungus

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people. It occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails and feed on the keratin inside them. Over time, the infection can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, or brittle.

While there are prescription medications that can treat nail fungus, some people look to natural remedies like castor oil instead. Castor oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help eliminate fungal infections when applied topically to nails.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Several types of fungi can cause nail infections, the most common being dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers.

You can develop toenail fungus by:

• Walking barefoot in areas where the fungi live
• Having skin injury that allows fungi to enter nails
• Sharing infected items like towels or nail clippers
• Having impaired immune system or conditions like diabetes or psoriasis

Signs You Have Nail Fungus

In the early stages of infection, you may notice:

• White, yellow or black specks or streaks on nails
• Thickening or crumbling at the edges of nails
• White spots on nail surfaces
• Pain or discomfort around infected nails

As the infection progresses, you may see:

• Nails that are distorted in shape or appearance
• Debris building up under nails
• Nails separating from nail beds
• Discoloration of nails to yellow, green, black
• Thickening and overgrowth of nails

Using Castor Oil for Nail Fungus Treatment

Castor oil is a natural vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. It has been used medicinally for centuries to treat various ailments.

Modern research shows castor oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help inhibit nail fungus when applied externally:

• Ricinoleic acid in castor oil can fight fungi and yeasts
• Castor oil creates protective layer on nails to prevent infection
• Applying oil can soften and remove diseased parts of nails

Is Castor Oil Effective for Nail Fungus?

Using castor oil is generally considered safe and has few side effects or risks when applied to nails infected with fungus. However, clinical research on castor oils efficacy on nail fungus is limited.

That said, many people report good results using castor oil regularly on fungal nail infections. In one small study on 20 people, applying castor oil to toenail fungus for three months eliminated the infection for 60% of participants.

So while more research is still needed, castor oil shows promise as an affordable natural treatment that slows fungal growth and helps infected nails heal.

Applying Castor Oil to Nails

To treat nail fungus with castor oil, follow these steps:

1. Clean infected nails and dry thoroughly. Trim down thickened parts with nail clipper.
2. Apply a liberal amount of castor oil over surface of nails and skin using a cotton swab or brush. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, soak feet in warm water mixed with a small amount of castor oil for 20 minutes if possible.
4. Dry feet and nails thoroughly and place a bandage loosely over treated nail if desired.
5. Repeat process daily if you can for 2-3 months.

Along with castor oil application, be sure to:

• Wear shower shoes in public places like pools or gyms
• Not share nail grooming tools with others
• Disinfect nail tools after each use
• Replace old shoes and socks frequently
• Keep feet clean and dry

Using Castor Oil with Other Remedies

Some people find using castor oil with other antifungal ingredients provides even better clearing of nail fungus. Options to try mixing with castor oil include:

• Oregano oil - Has antimicrobial thymol to fight fungal infection
• Tea tree oil - Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, reduces nail debris
• Coconut oil - Has antifungal lauric and caprylic acids
• Apple cider vinegar - Acidity fights toenail fungus
• Vicks VapoRub - Eucalyptus oil, menthol have antifungal effects

Mix a few drops of one of these ingredients with 1 teaspoon castor oil and apply to clean nails daily.

When to See a Doctor for Toenail Fungus

Using castor oil and other home treatments can often clear up mild to moderate nail fungus. However, you should see a doctor if:

• Fungal infection worsens or spreads to more nails
• Nail fungus doesnt improve after 3 months of home treatment
• Infected nails become very thick, distorted or painful
• You have diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation
• You develop bacterial skin infection around nails

Seeing a podiatrist or dermatologist can help diagnose what type of fungus you have. A doctor can also determine if you need oral antifungal medications or nail removal to stop the fungal infection.

Prescription Medications for Nail Fungus

If over-the-counter treatments fail, doctors have prescription oral and topical drugs that have high success rates clearing nail fungus. Some options include:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil) - Oral tablet that stops fungus cell growth
• Itraconazole (Sporanox) Oral antifungal medication that prevents fungus reproduction
• Efinaconazole (Jublia) Topical solution applied to infected nails
• Tavaborole (Kerydin) Topical clear nail polish with antifungal ingredient
• Ciclopirox (Penlac) Medicated nail lacquer to treat fungal infection

These medications can have side effects though, so always follow your doctors instructions closely when using them.

Laser Treatment and Photodynamic Therapy

Laser and photodynamic treatments for nail fungus are also options if other remedies dont help. They work by exposing fungi to specific types of light that generate chemicals that destroy nail fungus.

Several treatments over weeks or months are usually needed for best results. Laser therapy and photodynamic treatment can clear even serious cases of nail fungus. However, they are more expensive than medication alternatives.

Preventing Recurrence of Nail Fungus

Toenail fungus can be challenging to treat and prevent coming back after you clear up the infection. Here are some prevention tips:

• Check feet regularly for early signs of fungal infection
• Keep nails trimmed short
• Wear waterproof shoes in locker rooms or pool areas
• Use antifungal powder on feet
• Disinfect pedicure tools after performing nail care
• Get rid of old shoes where fungi can live
• Apply antifungal cream weekly to toes

Catching repeat infections early makes them easier to control. Using castor oil periodically on nails and feet can also help prevent fungal overgrowth.

When to Retry Castor Oil for Nail Fungus

If castor oil treatment doesnt fully get rid of your nail fungus, dont give up. Some cases take longer than 3 months to resolve. Try applying castor oil consistently for longer before considering other remedies. Using castor oil periodically after clearing infection can also prevent it from recurring.

Castor oil is affordable, convenient, and safe to use long-term for controlling fungal nail problems. While not proven, many patients report continued success using castor oil to keep nail fungus away after initially clearing their infections.

So castor oil is worth retrying if your fungal nails return or dont fully heal the first time. Just be patient and apply it consistently for best results.

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.