How Do I Treat Fungal Nails?

What Are Fungal Toenails?

Fungal toenails, also called onychomycosis, occur when fungus grows underneath or within the nail. The infection can cause the nail to become:

• Thickened
• Yellow or discolored
• Brittle or crumbly
• Distorted in shape
• Painful or uncomfortable

Fungal nail infections are common and may spread gradually if left untreated.

Common Treatments for Fungal Nails

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and overall nail health.

Topical Antifungal Medications

Prescription topical treatments are applied directly to the nail over time. These may work best for mild infections but often require long-term use.

Oral Antifungal Medications

Oral antifungal medications may be more effective for deeper infections but can carry potential side effects and may require monitoring.

Laser Therapy

Some offices offer laser treatments designed to target fungal organisms within the nail. Results can vary, and multiple sessions may be needed.

Minimally Invasive Nail Treatments

Newer minimally invasive approaches may allow medication to penetrate through the nail plate and reach the fungus more directly beneath the nail.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Fungal nail infections typically do not resolve on their own. Over time, the infection may spread deeper into the nail, making treatment more difficult.

Early treatment may help:

• Improve treatment success
• Reduce nail damage
• Prevent spread to other nails
• Decrease discomfort or pain

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should consider seeing a foot and ankle specialist if you notice:

• Thick or discolored nails
• Nail separation from the nail bed
• Pain while walking
• Recurrent fungal infections
• Worsening nail appearance despite over-the-counter treatment

People with diabetes or circulation problems should seek evaluation promptly, since foot infections can become more serious.

About Dr. Eman Elmi

Dr. Eman Elmi is a podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist affiliated with BASS Medical Group and Diablo Foot & Ankle. Dr. Elmi provides treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including fungal nail infections and minimally invasive foot procedures.

Video Transcript

Fungal nails are very difficult to treat, and unfortunately, there isn’t a consistent way to treat them effectively.

Common treatments include oral antifungal medication and topical antifungal treatments, both of which have their own risks and benefits.

There are also newer treatments, such as laser therapy, but these have limitations in their efficacy.

What has stood the test of time is treating the fungal infection on your nails as soon as possible. The earlier you address the issue, the better the chance of resolving it.

There are new, minimally invasive treatment options available in the U.S. and at Diablo Foot & Ankle, which allow medication to penetrate through the nail plate to the source of the fungus on the nail bed.

I’m Dr. Eman Elmi, and thank you for watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fungal toenails go away on their own?

Fungal nail infections usually do not go away without treatment and may worsen over time.

Are fungal toenails contagious?

Yes. Fungus can spread through shared surfaces such as locker rooms, pools, shoes, or nail tools.

How long does fungal nail treatment take?

Treatment may take several months because toenails grow slowly and healthy nail regrowth takes time.

Is laser treatment effective for fungal nails?

Laser therapy may help some patients, although results can vary and additional treatments may be needed.