Nail fungus: what it looks like and how to deal with it
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) shows up as thick, discolored, or crumbly nails. It usually starts on a toenail but can affect fingernails too. If your nail is yellow-brown, lifting from the nail bed, or giving off a mild odor, it’s likely a fungal infection. Acting early makes treatment easier and faster.
Treatment options that actually work
Over-the-counter creams and sprays help if the infection is mild or just starting. Topical antifungals like clotrimazole or terbinafine creams can reduce surface symptoms, but they often don’t reach the deeper nail plate where fungi hide. Medicated nail lacquers (ciclopirox) are another topical option; use them exactly as directed and expect months of use.
For moderate or stubborn infections, oral antifungals are the faster route. Doctors commonly prescribe terbinafine or itraconazole. These clear infections from the inside out and usually run for 6–12 weeks, but the nail itself takes months to look normal again because new healthy nail must grow in. Blood tests before and during treatment are often recommended—especially with terbinafine—because of possible liver effects.
If pills aren’t an option, ask your clinician about in-office treatments: nail debridement (trimming and thinning the nail) improves topical penetration, and newer laser therapies can reduce fungal load. Results vary, and lasers can be costly. Combining debridement with prescription or topical therapy often gives the best chance of a full cure.
Simple, practical home care and prevention
Keep feet clean and dry. Change socks daily and choose shoes with good airflow. Use antifungal powders if you sweat a lot. Trim nails straight across and thin the top layer with a file to reduce thickening. Disinfect clippers and avoid sharing nail tools. At public pools or locker rooms, wear sandals.
Don’t rely on quick fixes. Home remedies like vinegar soaks or tea tree oil may help mild cases but rarely cure established infections on their own. If you try a home method, pair it with good foot hygiene and watch for improvement over weeks, not days.
See a doctor if the nail is very painful, the infection spreads, you have diabetes or poor circulation, or home care hasn’t helped after a few months. Early medical treatment lowers the chance of permanent nail damage and stops the infection from spreading to other nails.
Final practical tips: take photos of the nail to track progress, be patient (nails grow slowly), and follow treatment instructions fully. With the right approach you can clear most infections and keep them from coming back.