Using Coconut Oil for Toenail Fungus

Last Updated on September 16, 2023 by Martina McKeough

If you are suffering from a fungal infection on your nails you have probably come across a myriad of potential solutions to solve your problem. Whilst there are plenty of heavy-duty foot fungus treatments out there sometimes the natural solutions can be just as powerful. This is why we want to talk about using coconut oil for toenail fungus.

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What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. Fungal infections in the foot usually start because the fungus is able to get into the nail or skin because of cuts or cracks. This usually occurs in older people but can also occur if you have a weakened immune system, are prone to athlete’s foot, diabetic, or have sweaty feet.

Initially, the toenail fungus may just cause your nails to get thicker or change colour but if it is left unchecked further problems can arise. In particular, the toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skins and toes potentially leading to a loss of your nail which is obviously painful.

If your immune system is severely compromised and the fungal infection really takes hold is can cause cellulitis which is life-threatening so finding a fungus treatment to stop the problem as soon as possible is important.

Is Coconut Good for Fungus?

Coconut oil in its purest form is known for its anti-fungal properties and as an antioxidant which is why it is the perfect natural product to use if you have a fungal infection.

Coconut oil for toenails is supposed to be particularly useful for treating fungal infections related to Candida Albicans. It may also be useful for rubbing on the foot to help with athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

Coconut oil is full of fatty acids such as lauric acid, linoleic acid, and caprylic acid which are great for hydration and moisturizing. This is why rubbing coconut oil onto toenails is a great solution for foot fungus because it can help stop the cracks or splits in the nails that can start the problem in the first place.

Can Coconut Oil Kill Foot Fungus?

Coconut oil for toenail fungus is an accepted natural treatment for this annoying foot problem. The fatty acids contained in the oil are known for their ability to kill or disrupt the growth of yeast cells. The fatty acids are supposed to help with fungal infections caused by Candida Albicans or yeast.

How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Toenails

So how exactly do you use coconut oil for toenail fungus? Well, to treat infected toenails there are some very simple steps you can take to treat your feet.

Firstly make sure that you wash, clean, and dry your feet thoroughly. Toenail fungus loves wet and moist conditions so it makes sense to have hygienic and dry feet before using coconut oil as a fungus treatment.
Next use the best coconut oil for foot fungus that you can afford. Usually, coconut oil comes in solid form so it normally has to warm up before you can use it.
One method to warm the coconut oil up is by simply rubbing it between your hands to get the right consistency. Alternatively, you can place it in a bowl that is surrounded by warm water to melt it.
When you have the right consistency start to apply coconut oil to the nail bed and surrounding skin. Take time to massage the coconut oil for foot fungus into the areas where it is needed.
You can also apply coconut oil to a bandage and wrap it around your nail to help cure toenail fungus.
Make sure that you repeat the process of using the oil 2 or 3 times a day.

Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus

If you are using coconut oil for toenail fungus there are additional products that you can use to help improve the benefits. For example, tea tree oil for foot fungus is also a great product that can be mixed with the coconut oil mixture to make a more potent remedy.

The tea tree oil is something that you can add to the footbath that you are using to clean your feet before applying coconut oil. Purely Northwest Foot Soak with Tea Tree Oil and Epsom salts is a great product to help nail fungus. Just soak your feet in a foot bath daily with this product and watch it make a difference.

Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and then apply it to your toenail fungus to help clear the problem. Naturenics Tea Tree Essential Oil is 100% pure and organic making it a great product to add to your coconut oil blend.

Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used with coconut oil. Again choose to use it in your foot bath or apply the product directly to your toenails to get the best results. Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best on the market.

What Coconut Oil Should I use on My Toenail?

If you are going to use coconut oil for toenail fungus then it makes sense to use a make that is of the highest quality. As with anything in life you get what you pay for. Impure cheaper products are unlikely to be useful in treating toenail problems effectively.

Virgin coconut oil is the least refined of all the oils and is far less processed than other versions on the market. This is one of the best types of coconut oil for toenail fungus because it has far more nutrients and fatty acids than cheaper brands.

Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the best on the market and is even suitable for eating. Cold-pressed means that the oil is produced in low heat environments and without chemicals to ruin the purity and nutrients.

Other Remedies for Toenail Fungus

If you want to treat toenail fungus coconut oil is just one of the home remedies that you can use however there are plenty of others. Coconut oil for toenail fungus involves massaging products into the nail bed but technology also has some potential solutions.

HNC Nail Fungus Laser Device Therapy involves placing this product onto the toe and using light treatments to kill the fungus.

Another natural fungus treatment if coconut oil doesn’t help is Foot Cure Extra Strong Nail and Toe Fungus Treatment. This product contains oregano oil and tea tree oil to solve the problem. Oregano oil is an antifungal and anti-bacterial product so it makes a great natural remedy to treat toenail fungus.

Finally, remember that coconut oil is only one solution. To prevent toenail fungus from starting in the first place make sure that you keep your feet dry where possible. That means preventing moisture from sitting on your feet all day. Washing and drying your feet thoroughly after your shower or bath and wearing no socks or tights to allow your feet to breathe.