If you think you have a fungal infection in your fingernail or toenail, you may be embarrassed, but the fact is that you are not alone. These types of infections are extremely common and can be managed -- here’s how.

What Causes Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections are often a sign of a candida imbalance in your body. This simply means that there is an overgrowth of a certain type of fungus. Many people find that they can treat candida through a combination of diet, supplements, and topical treatments.

Onychomycosis is the technical name for fungal growth on the nails. If you have this, you will probably notice symptoms such as:

• Yellow nails
• Thick nails
• Discoloration
• Dullness
• Separation of nails from the nailbed
• Itching
• Rash

Often, these symptoms occur on the feet, which leads to embarrassment about wearing open-toed shoes. But it is treatable.

How to Reduce and Prevent Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can seem difficult to treat once it’s there. But with a little perseverance, you can reduce if not eliminate it without medication.

Essential oils are one treatment that is simple, natural, and affordable. Plus, once you have these essential oils in your cupboard, you’ll find that they have plenty of other practical uses!

Preventing and reducing toenail and fingernail fungus depends on making sure that they are aired out. So especially if you sweat a lot or it’s hot out, make sure you

• Air your feet out
• Use natural powder to reduce sweat
• Change socks
• Use a hand and foot lotion with tea tree oil
• Wear sandals or open shoes when possible
• Wash and dry any affected area thoroughly

Always check with a physician if you notice unusual symptoms. If your nails have white lines, dark lines, splitting, or pitting, for example, this could be a sign of something serious.

The Top 3 Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

There are a lot of essential oils out there which have antifungal properties. Here we’ve listed our top three that we think are the most effective for fighting nail fungus and more.

Tea Tree Oil

If you don’t yet have any tea tree oil in your cupboard, you should get some right away -- it’s a powerful and practical oil with plenty of uses.

Start by using a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Rub it all into the affected area. You may also add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball and let it sit on your nail for about half an hour. Do this for 20 minutes each day and you should notice a reduction in symptoms.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon oil that contains a powerful ingredient called eugenol. Use it as a compress. or blend with a carrier oil.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano oil has a multitude of uses and is a fantastic antifungal and antibacterial. This means that it’s an effective treatment for several different ailments which are typically caused by fungus or bacteria, for instance:

• Ringworm
• Athlete’s foot
• Dandruff
• Acne
• Psoriasis

Also, you can use it for gum problems, muscle pain, and even as an insect repellant.

Be careful using this oil as it is very pungent. Be sure to dilute it first into a carrier oil or water before using it on the affected areas.

Discover the Healing Power of Essential Oils

We all face minor health problems from time to time. Whether you are facing nail fungus, respiratory problems or muscle aches, we probably have something that can help.