Nail Fungus: Causes, Treatments, and What Actually Works

When your toenails turn yellow, thick, or crumbly, it’s not just ugly—it’s likely nail fungus, a common fungal infection that attacks the nail bed and can spread if untreated. Also known as onychomycosis, it’s caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp places like showers, gym floors, and sweaty shoes. This isn’t something that goes away on its own. Left alone, it can get worse, hurt when you walk, and even infect other nails or skin.

Most people think nail fungus is just a problem for older adults, but it can hit anyone—even kids. It spreads easily in shared spaces, and tight footwear or minor nail injuries make it worse. Topical antifungals, medicated creams, lotions, or nail polishes applied directly to the nail are often the first try, but they don’t always work deep enough. That’s why many need oral antifungals, pills like terbinafine or itraconazole that treat the infection from inside the body. These are more effective but come with risks, like liver stress, so blood tests are often needed.

There’s no magic cure. Laser treatments and home remedies like tea tree oil get lots of attention, but real evidence is thin. What works best? A mix of the right medicine, good hygiene, and patience. It takes months for a new healthy nail to grow out. You can’t rush it. The key is starting treatment early, keeping feet dry, and avoiding shared nail tools or shoes.

Some of the posts below show how people manage this condition with real prescriptions, what side effects to watch for, and how to tell if your treatment is working—or if you’re wasting money on something that won’t help. You’ll find practical advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes that make nail fungus come back.