How to treat nail fungus

A fungal nail infection can make a nail yellow, white or brown, thicker, crumbly or separated from the nail bed. A discoloured nail can also have causes other than fungus, so examination and sometimes a nail sample help prevent the wrong treatment. Athlete's foot may coexist and can re-seed the nails if it is left untreated.

Treatment progress is gradual because healthy nail must grow out. A clinician may consider the number of affected nails, how deeply the nail is involved, other health conditions, medicines and liver health before recommending an option.

Do not apply Dettol or another household antiseptic to the nail unless a clinician has specifically advised that product and method. It may irritate surrounding skin and is not a dependable nail antifungal. Keep nails short and dry, use clean clippers, change damp socks, and avoid sharing footwear or nail tools.

A clinician may discuss topical antifungal treatment for selected mild infections, oral antifungal treatment when the infection is more extensive, or laser treatment as an adjunct in some settings. Nail surgery is reserved for selected painful or severely damaged nails and does not replace treatment of the fungus.

Arrange an assessment if a nail changes colour or shape, especially when several nails are involved or the change persists. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, severe pain or fever. People with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or a weakened immune system should seek advice early for a foot or nail problem.

Ask whether the nail change has been confirmed as fungus, whether a sample is needed, which treatment fits your health history, how long it should be used, and how to reduce reinfection from athlete's foot or shared nail equipment.