Everything You Need to Know About Nail Fungus

Got a weird spot on your toenail that won’t go away? Chances are you’re dealing with nail fungus, also called onychomycosis. It’s more common than you think—about 10 % of adults in Australia have it at some point. The good news is you can clear it up without a lifelong battle, but you need the right info.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Fungi love warm, damp places. That’s why sweaty shoes, public pools, and communal showers are perfect breeding grounds. The most common culprits are dermatophytes, a group of fungi that feed on keratin, the protein in nails. When a nail gets a tiny crack or the skin around it is damaged, spores slip in and start growing.

Risk factors are simple: age (older nails grow slower), diabetes, a weakened immune system, or having a nail injury. If you’ve been on antibiotics recently, you might notice a fungal overgrowth because the good bacteria that keep fungi in check get wiped out.

How to Treat It Fast

First‑line treatment is usually an over‑the‑counter (OTC) antifungal cream or lacquer. Look for products containing clotrimazole or terbinafine. Apply it daily to the affected nail and the surrounding skin for at least 12 weeks—yes, patience is part of the cure.

If the infection is stubborn or spreads to several nails, a prescription may be needed. Doctors often prescribe oral terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) for 6‑12 weeks. For severe cases, topical solutions like Grifulvin V (an antifungal spray) can be added to boost results.

Home remedies aren’t a magic bullet, but they can help thin the fungus and speed up healing. Soaking the nail in a mixture of warm water, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes daily creates an acidic environment that fungi dislike. Tea tree oil, applied with a cotton swab, has mild antifungal properties—just test a small area first to avoid skin irritation.

While you wait for the nail to grow out (it can take 9‑12 months for a toenail), keep your feet dry. Change socks twice a day, use breathable shoes, and consider antifungal powder inside your shoes.

Prevent Recurrence

After you clear the infection, the worst thing you can do is go back to old habits. Trim nails straight across, file down thickened areas, and disinfect nail clippers after each use. If you use communal showers, wear flip‑flops. For athletes, let shoes air out after workouts and rotate pairs so they dry fully.

Finally, keep an eye on your nails. A tiny white spot can be the first sign of a new infection. Spot‑treating early saves you weeks of treatment later.

Dealing with nail fungus feels frustrating, but with the right mix of OTC products, prescription help (if needed), and simple daily habits, you’ll see clear nails returning in months, not years. Stick to the plan, stay dry, and don’t let the fungus win.