Toenail Fungus: A Practical Guide to Treatment and Prevention

If you’ve ever found yourself hiding your feet, you’re not alone.
Toenail fungus is one of the most common — and most stubborn — infections. It’s frustrating to treat and surprisingly easy to catch.

The real secret to success is understanding what it is, how to manage it properly, and how to stop it from coming back.

What Is Toenail Fungus — and How Do You Get It?

Tiny fungi that live on the skin and nails cause toenail infections.
Walking barefoot in public places such as gym floors, pool areas, or yoga studios is the most common way to pick it up.
Each step taken by an infected person releases millions of fungal spores, which can attach to the next bare foot that passes by.

Most nail infections start as athlete’s foot — a fungal skin infection that spreads to the nails.
Susceptibility can also run in families, meaning some people are naturally more prone to it than others.

Don’t Self-Diagnose — Get Tested

If your toenails are discoloured (yellow or brown), thickened, or crumbly, don’t assume it’s fungus.
Around half of all abnormal-looking nails are caused by something else — often trauma or tight shoes.

Ask your GP or podiatrist to take a nail clipping for laboratory testing.
This step matters: treating the wrong condition wastes both time and money.
For example, a green nail may indicate a bacterial infection (Pseudomonas), which requires a completely different approach.

A Review of Common Treatments

1. Topical Lacquers (e.g. Curanail)

How they work: Applied like nail varnish, these contain antifungal agents such as amorolfine to penetrate the nail.
Challenge: The fungus usually starts beneath the nail, which acts as a tough barrier.
Best for: Mild infections limited to the nail tip.
Commitment: Requires daily or weekly use for 9–12 months as the nail grows out.
Verdict: Good for early infections, but less effective if the surrounding skin isn’t treated at the same time.

2. Non-Medicated Topical Solutions and Oils

How they work: These contain acids (such as vinegar) or essential oils (such as tea tree) that make the nail surface less hospitable to fungus.
Challenge: There’s limited scientific evidence of effectiveness, and penetration remains an issue. Tea tree oil can also irritate the skin.
Verdict: Safe to try as a supplement, but not reliable as a main treatment.

3. Oral Prescription Medication (e.g. Terbinafine)

How it works: The drug reaches the nail through the bloodstream.
Effectiveness: The medical gold standard, with a success rate of about 75–80%.
Precautions: A liver function test is required before starting and occasionally during treatment. Alcohol should be avoided while taking the medication.
Verdict: Very effective when used under medical supervision; ideal for moderate to severe cases.

The Step Everyone Misses: Preventing Reinfection

Getting rid of nail fungus is only half the battle.
If the skin — the original source of the fungus — isn’t treated, studies show recurrence rates as high as 80%.

Many people have fungus living harmlessly on the soles or between the toes. It can look like dry, flaky skin.

To prevent reinfection:

• Treat the skin: Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream (containing terbinafine or miconazole) from ankle to toes for four weeks. Repeat every few months.
• Practise good foot hygiene: Wash and, most importantly, dry feet thoroughly after gym sessions or public showers.
• Protect: Always wear flip-flops in communal changing areas and around pools.

Final Verdict on Treatments

The Bottom Line

The most effective strategy is a combined approach:

• Get a professional diagnosis.
• Treat the nail with oral or topical antifungal medication.
• Treat the surrounding skin to prevent reinfection.
• Maintain good foot hygiene and repeat skin treatment every few months.

Fungal nail infections require patience, not punishment.
With consistent care and prevention, you can restore your nails — and keep them clear for good.