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 or 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 the best results. 

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. 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 at least three months to clear up the infection, but in some cases, it may only take around six weeks.

Published August 2022.