Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Lifestyle Modifications

To prevent the development, spread, and recurrence of fungal nail infections.

Treat athlete's foot promptly to prevent its spread to the nails.
Maintain good foot hygiene by keeping nails short, and feet clean and dry.
Wear clean socks daily and choose breathable, well-fitting shoes that do not make your feet hot and sweaty.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, nail clippers, or shoes.
Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public showers, gyms, and pool areas to reduce exposure to fungi.
Discard old shoes that may harbor fungal spores.

ConsultPodiatristDermatologist

Medicinal Treatment

To eradicate the fungal infection and promote the growth of healthy, clear nails.

Topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail lacquers or creams, applied daily or weekly for several months until healthy nail grows out. These are often the first line of treatment for milder infections.
Oral antifungal tablets, prescribed by a GP or specialist for more severe or persistent infections, typically taken for up to 6 months. These may require preliminary blood tests to check liver function and ongoing monitoring due to potential side effects like headaches, rash, stomach ache, nausea, or diarrhoea. They are not suitable for all patients, including those with certain liver or kidney conditions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Laser therapy, an emerging non-invasive treatment option that uses focused light to target and destroy the fungus within the nail without damaging surrounding tissue.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologistPodiatrist

Surgical Treatment

To remove severely infected nail tissue and facilitate the growth of a healthy nail.

Partial or complete nail avulsion (removal) for severely infected or painful nails that have not responded to other treatments. This is a minor procedure performed under local anesthetic to allow new, healthy nail to grow.
Chemical nail removal using urea-based compounds to soften and detach the infected nail, which can be an alternative to surgical removal.
Debridement, which involves thinning thickened nails and removing infected debris, often performed by a podiatrist. This can improve comfort and enhance the penetration and effectiveness of topical antifungal medications.

ConsultPodiatristDermatologist

Surgical Options

Compare procedures, costs, and hospitals.

Nail avulsion

Specialists

PodiatristDermatologistGeneral Practitioner

About This Disease

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Fungal Nail Infection Treatment.

Know more about Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To prevent the development, spread, and recurrence of fungal nail infections.

Treat athlete's foot promptly to prevent its spread to the nails.

Maintain good foot hygiene by keeping nails short, and feet clean and dry.

Wear clean socks daily and choose breathable, well-fitting shoes that do not make your feet hot and sweaty.

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, nail clippers, or shoes.

Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public showers, gyms, and pool areas to reduce exposure to fungi.

Discard old shoes that may harbor fungal spores.

ConsultPodiatristDermatologist

Medicinal Treatment

To eradicate the fungal infection and promote the growth of healthy, clear nails.

Topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail lacquers or creams, applied daily or weekly for several months until healthy nail grows out. These are often the first line of treatment for milder infections.

Oral antifungal tablets, prescribed by a GP or specialist for more severe or persistent infections, typically taken for up to 6 months. These may require preliminary blood tests to check liver function and ongoing monitoring due to potential side effects like headaches, rash, stomach ache, nausea, or diarrhoea. They are not suitable for all patients, including those with certain liver or kidney conditions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Laser therapy, an emerging non-invasive treatment option that uses focused light to target and destroy the fungus within the nail without damaging surrounding tissue.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDermatologistPodiatrist

Surgical Treatment

To remove severely infected nail tissue and facilitate the growth of a healthy nail.

Partial or complete nail avulsion (removal) for severely infected or painful nails that have not responded to other treatments. This is a minor procedure performed under local anesthetic to allow new, healthy nail to grow.

Chemical nail removal using urea-based compounds to soften and detach the infected nail, which can be an alternative to surgical removal.

Debridement, which involves thinning thickened nails and removing infected debris, often performed by a podiatrist. This can improve comfort and enhance the penetration and effectiveness of topical antifungal medications.

ConsultPodiatristDermatologist

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease