Toenail fungus is a common fungal condition that often starts after a rash on the foot spreads to the nails. When mild, it looks like white and yellow spots growing under the nail beds. If left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes. The fungus often begins in the form of athlete's foot between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Treating it early is best, as later stages of toenail fungus can be hard to mitigate with over-the-counter treatments. We researched dozens of toenail fungus treatments and evaluated them based on the following attributes: medication forms, ingredients, and treatment areas. We also had a medical dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy regarding how toenail fungus progresses and what to know about how to treat it. If you’re treating your fungus at home and nothing changes after you’ve used the product for the prescribed time, consult your doctor for treatment recommendations and next steps. Also, contact a medical professional if you experience burning, stinging, swelling, irritation, redness, bumps, and other skin irritation during or after treatment. Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, says that as cases get more severe and more toes become infected, it becomes harder to treat with over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. You should reach out to a healthcare provider if more toes become infected. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Solution: Best Medicated Nail Polish: Arishine Toenail Fungus Treatment at Arishinebeauty.com (See Price) In This Article Ingredients to Look for in Toenail Fungus Treatments Types of Toenail Fungus Treatments Our Picks How We Selected Toenail Fungus Treatments Our Experts FAQ Pros Easy application Cures and prevents fungus Includes aloe vera and tea tree oil to soothe irritation Cons Must be applied twice a day Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate 1%, tea tree oil, aloe vera, eucalyptol, olive oil, and lavender | Dose: Apply twice daily | Uses: Cures and prevents fungal infections while reducing itching and burning Fungi-nail Anti-Fungal Liquid is our top pick for the best toenail fungus treatment because it both cures and prevents toenail fungus and athlete's foot while also easing irritating symptoms and improving the overall health of your skin. Its maximum strength formula includes five essential oils like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and lavender to reduce burning and itching sensations. At the same time, its active ingredient, tolnaftate, works to eliminate fungal infection. We love that it comes with a small brush for easy application. To apply this product, put the solution underneath the nail and around your cuticle. Application doesn't take long, and if you're able to build it into your morning and nightly routine, it should be easy enough to remember to apply. One potential downside to this product is that you have to apply it twice a day (both morning and night), and, depending on the severity of your infection, it could take a few months to eliminate the fungus fully. It's also worth noting that it does have a slight medicinal smell, but it's not too overpowering, and some may even like the smell of the tea tree oil. Pros Relaxes muscles with Epsom and sea salts All-natural solution Free of synthetic fragrance Cons Essential oils may be potential allergens Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, dead sea salt, MSM, and therapeutic-grade essential oils | Dose: Add 1.5 tablespoons of foot soak mix for every gallon of water. Soak your feet for About 15-20 minutes. | Uses: Treats fungus all over feet; eliminates food odor and aches If you’re looking for an all-natural route to treat toenail fungus, then this foot soak could be for you. Not only is a foot soak a relaxing way to end your day, but the ingredients used in Purely Northwest’s soak include Epsom salt, sea salt, tea tree oil, and other oils. These ingredients soothe the skin while addressing foot and toenail fungus. The combined ingredients work to dry out the fungus to prevent spreading. The benefits of the soak also include healing cracked feet and soothing aches. This US-made product has no dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it a great all-natural solution. Results, depending on severity, might take longer to show when using the soak over prescription or over-the-counter treatments. Pros Great for athletes and gym goers Cleanses and deodorizes Also treats acne, candida, and rashes Cons Fragrant oils may be overwhelming Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil | Dose: Use like a standard body wash. Leave soap on for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing. | Uses: Cleanses bacteria and fungus all over skin; treats and helps prevent acne A medicated soap is another way to address toenail fungus and other forms of fungus that can grow on the feet. The Remedy Soap specifically addresses fungal infections by combining all-natural ingredients: tea tree oil, aloe, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Tea tree oil works to soothe the skin, while peppermint balances the body’s natural oils. Then eucalyptus works to heal unhealthy skin on the feet and surrounding the nails.This product is aimed at athletes and gym-oriented people, as sweat-induced exercise can often cause fungal infections. Remedy created the product to be gentle enough that it can be used daily to clean the body. Besides treating toenail fungus, the soap also alleviates athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and body odor. The fragrant oils may be overwhelming for some. Pros Penetrates underneath nail beds Tea tree and lavender sooth skin Money back guarantee Cons Results can take several weeks Only for toe and fingernail fungus Active Ingredients: Undecylenic acid (10%) | Dose: Apply twice daily using the brush applicator. Allow the solution five minutes to absorb. | Uses: Treats fungus on and around the toenails Funginix Healthy Nail Formula uses a unique blend of ingredients to eliminate toenail fungus while healing the skin. Undecylenic acid works to kill the toenail fungus and prevent regrowth, while tea tree and lavender oil soothe the skin. For optimal results, apply the solution on the cuticles and skin surrounding the nail. This helps the product penetrate underneath the nail bed to address the fungus. Do not apply the solution like nail polish. Funginix recommends applying the solution daily and practicing patience, as toenail fungus often takes longer to treat.The best part about Funginix is that it offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the results. Results can take several weeks and it's only for toe and fingernail fungus. Pros Both cleanses and treats Colorless and odorless formula Gentle on irritated skin Cons Slow results Active Ingredients: Lauric esters | Dose: Wash with cleanser like a normal soap, followed by gel. | Uses: Treats and fights fungus on nails Probelle attacks toenail fungus by creating a multi-step solution to clean the problem area and prevent fungal growth. In the morning, use Probelle coconut oil body wash to clean the area and then apply the nail polish solution to the dried nails. In the evening, apply the Natural Fungal Gel Nail Treatment to the affected area and let it dry. Probelle claims that 94% of people in a clinical trial saw improvement from the system within six weeks. The Probelle treatment system doesn’t just use a unique combination of washes, polishes,and gels to achieve results—it also harnesses the benefits of coconut oil lauric esters. Customers say the formula is gentle on their skin and shows results within weeks of daily use. The company also says that more severe infections can take up to a year to heal because of how long it takes for nails to grow. Pros Convenient pen brush applicator Treats discoloration, brittleness, and cracked nails Easy, on-the-go treatment Cons Only works on nail plates Treatment process can be slow Active Ingredients: Deacetylated chitin (2%), O-hydroxybenzoic acid (3%), and Angelica dahurica | Dose: Applicator automatically delivers correct amount with two to three clicks. | Uses: Treats fungus infection on and around nails; helps heal discolored, brittle nails The Arishine Toenail Treatment has the design and convenience of a pencil. Perfect for storing in a bag or pocket while at work, the repair pencil allows you to easily use paintable nail polish on your infected toenail three times a day to treat a nail fungal issue. The Arishine treatment uses 2% deacetylated chitin, 3% O-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Angelica dahurica as active ingredients to eliminate fungus and heal the damage. This solution can help treat discoloration, brittleness, split, rough, and cracked nails. Ultimately, this medicated nail polish can lead to stronger and healthier nails. Arishine is made of natural ingredients and does not conduct animal testing. Treatment requires three applications a day and should be used for four to 12 weeks, although improvement may be visible in as few as two weeks. Arishine offers customers a satisfaction guarantee. The treatment process can be slow, and it only works on nail plates. After consulting experts, we searched the internet for OTC treatments that align with expert criteria for what makes a great product. We narrowed down our list with the following criteria: To find the best toenail fungus treatments, we asked four dermatologists to tell us what to look for when choosing a product—and how to know when you need to step up your game, i.e., opt for something prescription-strength. The experts we spoke to included: How long should I use a toenail fungus treatment? Antifungal medications take some time to fight the fungus. Most products recommend twice daily application for one to two weeks, but the reality is that you’ll likely need to treat the fungus for much longer than that. Caren Campbell, MD, a California-based dermatologist,says oral treatments usually last three months, whereas topicals may need up to 12. She adds that toenails can take a year to grow out. Can topical toenail fungus treatments cause irritation? The active ingredients in most antifungal treatments are quite potent. That means they can irritate. If this occurs with use, consult your doctor. However, most people can use antifungal creams and gels without problems and with healing and soothing effects. As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. Additional reporting for this story by Jennifer Nied and Sarah Bradley For over 10 years, Jennifer Niedhas reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-lamisil-toenailfungustreatment-terbinafinehydrochlorideantiantifungalcream-ardito-762-8d4f501add27424bbab9f2b1e4c827fd.jpg "Get Ready for Sandal Season with the Best, Expert-Approved Toenail Fungus Treatments (1)")
Ingredients to Look for in Toenail Fungus Treatments
Types of Toenail Fungus Treatments
When to Consult a Doctor
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Best Overall
Fungi Nail Anti-Fungal Ointment
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Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
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Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
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How We Selected Toenail Fungus Treatments
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
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FAQs
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus? ›
The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects. Terbinafine resolves toenail fungus about 72% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
What kills toenail fungus permanently? ›Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks. For some patients, additional treatments may be required.
What is the quickest most effective way to get rid of toenail fungus? ›The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus reviews? ›Best Solution
Undecylenic acid works to kill the toenail fungus and prevent regrowth, while tea tree and lavender oil soothe the skin. For optimal results, apply the solution on the cuticles and skin surrounding the nail. This helps the product penetrate underneath the nail bed to address the fungus.
Hydrogen can kill the fungus that grows on toenails, causing the unsightly disfigurement that comes with this condition. There are two common ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat your toenail fungus. Wipe hydrogen peroxide directly on the infected area with a clean cloth or cotton swab.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus? ›Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi.
What kills foot fungus instantly? ›Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.
Tea Tree Oil: A Fungal Infection Fighter
Tea tree oil is widely known for its antifungal effects. To apply to the affected area, dilute a few drops with a carrier oil. This herbal treatment can reduce irritation and aid fight fungus growth.
don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms. have damaged your nails.
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus? ›Wear socks made of synthetic fiber that “wicks” moisture away from your feet faster than cotton or wool socks do. Disinfect instruments used to cut nails. Disinfect home pedicure tools. Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection (those that are discolored, for example).
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus? ›
Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long? ›A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What absolutely kills toenail fungus? ›Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
Dealing with toenail fungus can be frustrating. The infection can still persist even after trying various over-the-counter and home remedies. So if you're wondering whether toenail fungus can ever be cured, the answer is yes – but it may not be with the solution you think.
Does anything really cure toenail fungus? ›Nothing kills toenail fungus right away. It can take at least 6 months to as long as 18 months to see your nail return to normal. What kills toenail fungus the fastest? A prescription medication like terbinafine will work faster than a home remedy, but you'll still need to take it for about 12 weeks.
What worsens toenail fungus? ›Older age. Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily. Having had athlete's foot in the past. Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms.
Has anyone ever cured toenail fungus? ›Dealing with toenail fungus can be frustrating. The infection can still persist even after trying various over-the-counter and home remedies. So if you're wondering whether toenail fungus can ever be cured, the answer is yes – but it may not be with the solution you think.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to cure toenail fungus? ›The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people with toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.