Fungal Nail Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

A fungal nail infection is one of the most common nail conditions seen by doctors and pharmacists. While often mild at first, it can become stubborn and difficult to treat if left unchecked. Many people live with fungal nail infections for years, unaware that effective fungal nail infection treatments are available — including prescription options that can help clear the infection from the root.

In this article, we’ll explore what causes fungal nail infections, the signs to look out for, how to prevent them, and what to do if you think you have one.

What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal nail infection occurs when fungi — usually dermatophytes, yeasts, or moulds — invade the nail bed or nail plate. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, public showers, and swimming pools.

Although anyone can develop a fungal nail infection, they are more common in adults, particularly in toenails. This is because toes often stay warm and enclosed in shoes for long periods, providing ideal conditions for fungi to grow.

What Are Three Signs of a Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail infections develop gradually, often starting with subtle changes. Here are three common signs to look for:

Discolouration of the nail – The nail may turn yellow, white, or brown. Over time, the colour can spread across the entire nail.
Thickened or brittle nails – The nail may become hard, crumbly, or distorted in shape.
Separation or lifting of the nail – In more advanced cases, the nail can lift from the nail bed, sometimes causing pain or bad odour.

Other possible symptoms include discomfort when wearing shoes, a rough nail surface, or debris collecting under the nail.

What Are the Three Most Common Causes of Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal nail infection can develop for several reasons, but the most common causes include:

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – A fungal skin infection on the feet that can spread to the toenails.
Warm, damp environments – Wearing tight, closed shoes for long hours creates a perfect environment for fungal growth.
Nail trauma or poor nail hygiene – Small cuts or injuries around the nail can let fungi enter and take hold.

Other risk factors include diabetes, reduced blood circulation, a weakened immune system, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Yes — toenail fungus can spread from one person to another, but it tends to do so gradually. The infection is usually passed on through contact with infected skin or by touching contaminated items and surfaces, such as shared floors, towels, or footwear.

To reduce the risk of spreading it:

Avoid sharing footwear, socks, or nail care tools.
Keep feet clean and dry.
Wear flip-flops in communal changing areas or public showers.

It’s also wise to treat athlete’s foot promptly, as this can spread to the nails and lead to fungal nail infection.

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment Options

Treating a fungal nail infection can take time, but early and consistent treatment offers the best results.

1. Prescription Antifungal Medication

Prescription treatments are often the most effective way to clear a fungal nail infection. These medications work by targeting the fungus from within, preventing it from spreading and allowing the healthy nail to grow back.

Standard options include terbinafine or itraconazole, available as tablets. These treatments typically need to be taken for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the infection.

You can get prescription antifungal treatment quickly and conveniently through GP24’s online prescription service — no need for a visit to your GP. After a short online questionnaire, one of our Irish-registered doctors can prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your fungal nail infection.

2. Antifungal Nail Lacquers

For milder cases, antifungal nail lacquers or topical treatments can be effective. These are painted onto the nail daily or weekly to help stop fungal growth. However, they generally work best for infections that affect only the nail surface, not deeper layers.

3. Combination Treatment

In some cases, your doctor may suggest using an oral antifungal medicine alongside a topical nail treatment. Using both together can often lead to better results, particularly when the infection is stubborn or affects several nails at once.

Prescription Fungal Nail Treatment

Get prescription treatment quickly and conveniently through GP24’s online prescription service — no need for a visit to your GP.

Home Remedies for Fungal Nail Infections

Although medical treatment is usually needed to fully clear the infection, there are a few home remedies that may help ease symptoms and support the healing process:

Keep nails short and clean. Trim nails regularly to prevent further damage and reduce the area where fungi can thrive.
Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. This helps keep feet dry and reduces fungal growth.
Use tea tree oil (with caution). Some people find that diluted tea tree oil, known for its antifungal properties, may help mild infections.
Apple cider vinegar foot soaks. Soaking feet in a diluted vinegar solution may help create an environment that’s less hospitable to fungi.
Disinfect nail tools. Always clean nail clippers and files after use to prevent reinfection.

While these remedies can help manage symptoms, they’re unlikely to eliminate the infection — especially once it’s under the nail. For that, prescription treatment for fungal nail infection is usually required.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Fungal Nail Infection?

If a fungal nail infection is left untreated, it can gradually get worse. The nail may thicken, change colour, and become sore, which can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.

In certain cases, the infection may extend to nearby nails or the surrounding skin, sometimes resulting in conditions like athlete’s foot. Individuals with diabetes or poor blood circulation are especially vulnerable, as leaving the infection untreated can cause more serious complications.

Catching the infection early and starting treatment promptly is the most effective way to prevent these issues and help nails return to a healthy state.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

Prevention is often easier than treatment. You can lower your risk by following a few simple steps:

Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
Change socks daily, and choose breathable materials like cotton or bamboo.
Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas.
Use antifungal foot powders if you’re prone to sweaty feet.
Trim nails straight across and disinfect tools regularly.

Conclusion

A fungal nail infection can be frustrating, but with the proper treatment and a bit of patience, it’s completely manageable. Early intervention and good foot care habits make a big difference in how quickly your nails recover — and how likely the infection is to return.

Whether you’re dealing with a mild case or a recurring infection, GP24’s online prescription service offers convenient, discreet access to trusted antifungal treatments that work.