Tea tree oil for tinea

Tinea - also known as Athlete’s Foot or tinea pedis - is a common fungal infection of the foot. Thriving in warm, damp environments, the fungus is easily transmitted by going barefoot in public places such as health clubs/gyms, swimming pools or showers.

The condition will present itself with symptoms such as:-

• burning, itching or stinging between toes or on soles of feet
• peeling skin, blisters, cracks or cuts between toes or on soles of feet
• dryness of skin on the bottom or sides of feet

How does tea tree oil work to treat tinea?

Because tea tree oil has antifungal properties, it’s ideal for treating fungal infections such as tinea pedis. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree - a plant that is native to Australia. Tea tree oil has a long history of use by the native Aboriginal people.

Studies have found that tea tree oil also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it a useful home remedy for all sorts of conditions and ailments - click here for a comprehensive list of tea tree oil uses.

When applied to skin affected by tinea, tea tree oil will improve the burning and itching sensation and within days the skin will show improvement in terms of dryness and scaling, providing all-natural relief for this itchy foot condition.

Tea tree oil - a natural remedy for tinea

Here’s a few tips for using tea tree oil to treat tinea:-

• Twice a day, soak your feet in a container of water that has Epsom salts added to it - this will act as a drying agent.
• After soaking, apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area.
• Wear sandals or flip flops wherever possible because the fungus likes a warm, moist environment.
• At night, keep your feet outside of your bed covers wherever possible to keep your feet cool.
• If you have to wear socks during the day, change them several times if possible.

If you must wear socks (work, etc.) this is an ideal time to apply a tea tree oil cream. These can be found at most pharmacies or drug stores, or you can make your own by applying a couple of drops of 100% essential tea tree oil to a generic anti-fungal cream.

If you don’t see an improvement in your symptoms within a week of using tea tree oil, please consult your healthcare professional as you may need to be prescribed something stronger to deal with your tinea.

Benefits of using tea tree oil to treat tinea

The main benefit to using tea tree oil is it’s an all-natural treatment for your skin without using chemical-containing anti fungal creams.

If you care about your health and wellbeing, try tea tree oil as a first option for treating tinea, but if this doesn’t work for you please see a doctor for further treatment.

Anyone who is taking antibiotics are more at risk of developing fungal infections due to an imbalance of good bacteria in the body.

Best alternative treatment for tinea

Because of it’s anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil is the best alternative treatment for tinea infections on the feet.

The oil can be found at most health food stores or pharmacies - always make sure you buy a 100% essential oil and not a blend that contains a carrier oil.

How to treat tinea with tea tree oil

Apply tea tree oil to the affected area and surrounding skin, then apply with a tea tree oil cream. Do this twice a day for at least 3-4 days… after symptoms have disappeared you should continue with the tea tree oil treatment for at least a week.

If symptoms persist after a week please consult your healthcare professional as you may have a more severe case of tinea.

How to prevent tinea reinfection

No one likes having itching, burning skin due to tinea, so here’s a few tips to avoid reinfection:-

• Keep your feet as dry as possible, especially between the toes.
• Avoid closed in shoes and wear sandals or flip flops as much as possible.
• Always wear shoes in public places - never go barefoot.
• Wear cottons socks - not synthetic, and be sure to change your socks regularly.
• Wash socks using hot water in the washing machine.
• Use a foot powder to keep feet dry.

Always be aware of the side effects of using tea tree oil – if your tinea infection worsens please consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Good luck with using tea tree oil to treat tinea!