What are the options for at home toenail fungus treatment?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that causes brittle, discolored or thickened toenails. While a fungal toenail infection isn’t usually serious for otherwise healthy people, it can be unsightly and embarrassing. Getting rid of nail fungus at home can take several months or even as long as a year, but healthy nails are possible once again with time, patience and the right treatment.

There are over-the-counter topical nail fungus treatments available. These include nail creams, ointments and liquids that contain antifungal medications. These ingredients may help slow or stop the growth of the fungus. Before applying, you should cut and file down the nail as much as possible. Apply the medicated product as often as directed for best results. If you have a health condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, such as diabetes, you should seek medical care before trying to treat foot conditions yourself.

Some people report having success clearing up toenail fungus with home remedies such as tea tree oil, but there’s very little research to back this up.

Over-the-counter topical medications and home remedies aren’t always effective for toenail fungus, and people with other health conditions, such as diabetes, should seek medical care. In some cases, an oral medication may be necessary to help clear the infection. If your toenail fungus doesn’t respond to home treatment or keeps coming back, see your healthcare provider, who may recommend a prescription topical treatment or an oral antifungal medication, such as itraconazole or terbinafine. Oral antifungal medications typically need to be taken for about six to twelve weeks, but in some cases, it may take about four months to clear up the infection.

Updated by Julie McDaniel, MSN, RN, CRNI, October 2024.