How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus: A Complete Guide
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus: A Complete Guide
By Sylke Bommel Ā· Updated July 2026 Ā· 8 min read
Key Takeaways
- Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, affects an estimated 10% of people worldwide, making it one of the most common nail conditions.
- Dermatophyte fungi cause 60 to 70% of cases, most often the species Trichophyton rubrum.
- Nails thicken, discolor, and become brittle gradually, so early treatment gives the best chance of a clear regrowth.
- Topical antifungal solutions work best on infections limited to the surface of the nail, applied consistently as the nail grows out.
- People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should see a podiatrist before self-treating.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, known clinically as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that develops underneath, within, or on the surface of the toenail.
It typically starts as a small white or yellow discoloration near the tip of the nail and spreads deeper as the infection progresses. Left untreated, the nail can become thickened, crumbly, and separated from the nail bed.
Onychomycosis is common, affecting an estimated 10% of the global population and accounting for up to half of all nail disorders. It becomes more frequent with age, largely because nail growth slows and circulation to the feet naturally declines over time.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused most often by dermatophyte fungi, a group of organisms that feed on keratin, the protein that makes up nails and skin.
Dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, are responsible for roughly 60 to 70% of cases. Yeasts account for about 20%, and non-dermatophyte molds make up the remainder.
These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, which is why infections are so often picked up in communal showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and damp shoes. Minor trauma to the nail, tight footwear, excessive sweating, and reduced circulation all raise the risk, and the infection is more common in older adults and in people who have had athlete's foot, since the same fungi can spread from skin to nail.
How Is Toenail Fungus Diagnosed?
A podiatrist or dermatologist diagnoses toenail fungus by examining the nail and, in many cases, taking a small clipping or scraping to confirm the fungus under a microscope or through lab culture.
This step matters because several other conditions, including psoriasis, nail trauma, and less commonly some circulation disorders, can mimic the appearance of a fungal nail. Confirming the diagnosis before starting a long treatment course helps avoid months spent treating the wrong problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
A fungal nail infection is usually painless at first and identified by changes in color, thickness, and texture rather than discomfort.
| Healthy Nail | Fungal Nail |
|---|---|
| Smooth, uniform color | Yellow, white, or brown discoloration |
| Even thickness | Thickened, hard to trim |
| Firmly attached | Crumbly, may separate from the nail bed |
| No odor | Mild foul odor in some cases |
As the infection progresses, walking in closed shoes can become uncomfortable simply because the thickened nail presses against the shoe.
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus: Treatment Options
Getting rid of toenail fungus starts with consistent daily treatment, since the infection lives within the nail and needs weeks to months to grow out.
For infections limited to the surface and edges of the nail, topical antifungal treatments applied daily to a filed, clean nail are the standard starting point, while oral antifungal medication is generally reserved for thicker or more extensive infections and is prescribed and monitored by a physician.
This is where filing back the affected nail matters. Imperial Feet's Nail Mycosis Solution is a deep-penetrating formula designed to be applied to a filed nail surface so it can reach further into the nail plate toward the nail bed, rather than sitting on top of a hardened, thickened nail where it cannot make contact with the fungus. Consistency over the full regrowth period, typically several months for a toenail, matters more than any single application.
How to Prevent Toenail Fungus From Coming Back
Preventing toenail fungus means keeping feet dry, keeping shoes fungus free, and treating any related skin infection at the same time.
Reinfection is common because the fungus that caused the original infection often survives in shoes and socks. Rotating shoes so they fully dry between wears, changing socks daily, wearing sandals in communal showers and pools, and disinfecting shoes are all practical habits that lower the odds of a repeat infection. Anyone who also has athlete's foot should treat both at once, since the fungus travels easily between skin and nail.
10%
Onychomycosis affects an estimated 10% of people worldwide, per a 2020 clinical review in Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery.
When to See a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus
- āThe nail is painful, not just discolored
- āThe skin around the nail is red, swollen, or warm to the touch
- āYou have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system
- āSeveral nails are affected or the infection is spreading
- āThere is no improvement after 3 to 4 months of consistent topical treatment
ā ļø Important: if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, see a podiatrist before self-treating a fungal nail infection, since these conditions raise the risk of secondary infection.
Nail Mycosis Solution
Nail Mycosis Solution is formulated to penetrate a filed nail surface and reach deeper toward the nail bed, supporting the daily routine your nails need while a fungal infection grows out.
View Nail Mycosis SolutionFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get rid of toenail fungus?
Clearing toenail fungus usually takes several months to a year, since the nail has to grow out fully. Topical treatments are applied daily to a filed nail throughout this period. Consistency matters more than speed, and stopping early is the most common reason infections return.
Can toenail fungus go away on its own?
Toenail fungus rarely clears without treatment. Because the fungus lives within the nail structure, it typically needs an antifungal approach, whether topical or, for more severe cases, prescribed oral medication, alongside consistent foot hygiene to fully resolve.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes, toenail fungus can spread to other nails, to the skin as athlete's foot, and to other people through shared surfaces like showers, pool decks, and nail tools. Wearing sandals in communal areas and not sharing files or clippers reduces the risk of spreading it.
What is the best way to apply topical toenail fungus treatment?
File the top of the affected nail lightly before each application so the solution can penetrate rather than sit on a hardened surface. Apply to clean, dry nails, let the solution dry fully, and repeat daily for consistent contact with the infection.
Why does toenail fungus keep coming back?
Toenail fungus often returns because fungal spores survive in shoes, socks, and showers after the visible infection clears. Disinfecting footwear, changing socks daily, and treating any accompanying athlete's foot at the same time all reduce the chance of reinfection.
Clinical Sources
- Leung AKC, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL, Barankin B, Leung AAM, Wong AHC. Onychomycosis: An Updated Review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. 2020;14(1):32-45. doi:10.2174/1872213X13666191026090713.
- NHS. Fungal nail infection. nhs.uk/conditions/fungal-nail-infection/
- Mayo Clinic. Nail fungus, Symptoms and causes. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis). apma.org/patients-and-the-public/conditions-affecting-the-foot-and-ankle/toenail-fungus/
Related Reading
Owner, Imperial Feet ā Third-Generation Foot Care
Sylke Bommel is the owner and third-generation leader of Imperial Feet, the Dutch professional foot care brand her grandfather founded in 2001. Raised in Aruba and based in Haarlem, just outside Amsterdam, she has led the brand's international expansion for over a decade, growing Imperial Feet from a single Dutch distributor to a professional range used by pedicurists, podiatrists, and pharmacies in more than 20 countries, including the United States.
Editorial note: Sylke writes from the perspective of a foot care brand owner and formulator, not a medical practitioner. Content is educational and does not replace individual medical advice from a qualified foot care professional.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a qualified foot care professional. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a persistent infection, consult a podiatrist before self-treating.
