Nail Fungal Infection
A nail fungal infection can affect your fingernails or toenails. It's more common in toenails. It changes the way fingernails and toenails look. They may thicken, discolor, change shape, or split. Nail fungal infections can be hard to treat because nails grow slowly and have limited blood supply. The infection often comes back after treatment.
Talk to your health care provider about treatment choices. There are two types of medicines used to treat this condition.
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Topical antifungal medicines. These are applied to the nail area. These medicines may not work well, because they can’t get deep into the nail. But newer topical medicines penetrate the nail better and can possibly cure the fungus. Follow your provider's instructions about how to use these medicines.
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Oral antifungal medicines. These medicines work better because they are taken by mouth and treat the fungal infection from the inside out. But there is always the chance the infection may still come back. It may take 9 to 12 months for your nail to look normal again. This means the infection has cleared. Your health care provider may have you repeat treatment if needed. Most people take these medicines without any problems, so it's rare to stop treatment because of side effects. Your provider may give you some monitoring blood tests during treatment. Before you start treatment, talk with your provider about possible side effects and when they should be reported. Follow your provider's instructions about how to use these medicines. Contact your provider with any questions or concerns.
If medicines don't help, a health care provider can do surgical debridement or remove the nail. These methods physically remove the fungus from the body. This helps medical treatment work better.
If the changes in your nails aren't bothering you, you may not need treatment. Discuss this with your provider.
Home care
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Use medicines exactly as directed for as long as directed. Treating a fungal infection can take longer than other kinds of infections.
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Smoking is a risk factor for fungal infection. This is another reason to quit.
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Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear socks made with wicking material that pulls moisture away from your skin, and wear shoes that let your feet breathe. Sweaty feet increase your risk of fungal infection. They also make an existing infection harder to treat.
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Use footwear when in damp public places like swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms. Don't go barefoot. This will help you stay away from the fungus that grows there.
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Don't share nail clippers or scissors with others.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if:
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Skin by the nail becomes red, swollen, or painful, or it drains pus (a creamy yellow or white liquid).
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You have side effects from oral antifungal medicines.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lalitha Kadali
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
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