Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are one of the most common nail conditions podiatrists see in Australia. The nail turns yellow, white, or brown, thickens, becomes brittle, and can eventually crumble or lift away from the nail bed. It's not dangerous, but it doesn't resolve on its own — and the longer you leave it, the harder it is to treat and the more likely it is to spread to other nails or the surrounding skin.
Here's what you need to know about treating fungal nails effectively, and the products that actually help.
How fungal nail infections start
Fungal nails are caused by the same organisms that cause tinea (athlete's foot) — dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. In most cases, a fungal nail infection starts as tinea between the toes or on the sole of the foot, then spreads to the nail plate when the fungus gets underneath the nail edge or into the nail fold.
This is why treating both the nail and the surrounding skin matters — if you clear the nail but the tinea on your skin persists, reinfection is almost guaranteed.
Risk factors include age (nails grow more slowly with age, giving fungi more time to establish), diabetes, peripheral circulation issues, communal showers and pools, tight or non-breathable footwear, and nail trauma. Toenails are affected far more often than fingernails because feet spend more time in warm, enclosed shoes.
Types of fungal nail treatment
There's no single magic treatment for fungal nails. Most cases require a combination approach, and the right strategy depends on how much of the nail is affected and how long the infection has been present.
1. Topical antifungal solutions
Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin. They work best for mild to moderate infections — particularly when less than half the nail is affected and the nail matrix (the growth area at the base) isn't involved.
The key challenge with topical treatments is penetration. The nail plate is a dense keratin barrier, so most creams designed for skin can't reach the fungus living underneath the nail. This is why nail-specific formulations — solutions and lacquers rather than creams — tend to be more effective for nail infections.
Canesten Topical Solution ($15.95) is a clotrimazole-based antifungal solution. Its liquid format penetrates better than cream formulations, making it suitable for application around and under the nail edge. Apply twice daily to the affected nail and surrounding skin. For best results, file the nail surface first to improve penetration — your podiatrist can do this professionally, or you can use a nail file at home.
Canesten Topical Anti-Fungal Cream ($15.55) uses the same clotrimazole active ingredient in cream form. While cream doesn't penetrate the nail plate as effectively as solution, it's essential for treating the tinea on the surrounding skin that often accompanies nail fungus. Using both together — solution on the nail, cream on the skin — addresses the full infection cycle.
2. Nail repair and strengthening treatments
While antifungal treatments target the infection itself, the damaged nail needs support to grow out healthy. Fungal nails are often brittle, dehydrated, ridged, and prone to crumbling — cosmetically poor even as the new nail grows in clear underneath.
Akileine Onykoleine Nail Solution ($23.55) is a nail-specific treatment designed to support nails that are discoloured, thickened, or damaged. Apply to the nail surface daily as part of your nail care routine alongside antifungal treatment.
Ecrinal Nail Repair Serum ($23.95) is a hydrating treatment for fragile, damaged, or dehydrated nails. It helps condition the nail plate while new growth comes through, reducing brittleness and improving nail appearance during the treatment period.
Ecrinal Vitamin Nail Strengthener ($22.95) provides nail fortification with Provitamin B5 and Methionine — useful for nails weakened by infection or trauma that need structural support as they grow out.
For nails that have become severely damaged or partially lost, Acrytensil Liquid Nail Dressing ($27.55) creates a protective, porous coating over the nail surface, reinforcing what's left of the nail while the new plate grows through.
3. Cosmetic nail treatments for fungal nails
One of the most frustrating aspects of fungal nail treatment is the timeline — it takes 9–12 months for a big toenail to grow out completely. During that time, the nail can look unsightly, which stops many people wearing open-toed shoes or going barefoot.
Dr.'s REMEDY HYDRATION Clear Moisturising Nail Treatment ($25.95) can be worn as a clear coat to improve nail appearance while allowing the nail to breathe underneath. The full Dr.'s REMEDY range offers podiatrist-formulated nail polishes and treatments designed for use on compromised nails — a practical option for people who want to cover discolouration without sealing the nail under conventional polish.
4. Treating the surrounding skin
As mentioned, fungal nail infections almost always coexist with tinea on the skin. Treating the skin infection is just as important as treating the nail — otherwise the fungi reinfect the nail as fast as it grows out.
Solveasy Tinea Spray ($14.95) is a fast-acting antifungal spray for tinea between and under the toes. The spray format reaches areas that creams miss, particularly the web spaces between toes where tinea tends to persist.
Lamisil Once Solution ($28.55) is a single-application terbinafine treatment for athlete's foot. One application forms a film that continues working for up to 13 days — useful for people who struggle with daily application compliance.
For ongoing prevention after clearing the infection, keeping feet dry is critical. Akileine Green Anti-Perspirant Powder ($24.50) inside shoes and socks reduces the moisture environment that fungi need to thrive.
When you need prescription treatment
Topical OTC treatments work well for early and mild-to-moderate infections. But if the infection involves more than half the nail, multiple nails, or the nail matrix, your podiatrist or GP may recommend prescription-strength options — typically oral terbinafine (Lamisil tablets) taken for 6–12 weeks, or a prescription nail lacquer such as amorolfine (Loceryl) or ciclopirox.
See a podiatrist if you notice any of these signs: multiple nails affected, infection spreading despite treatment, nail pain or thickening making it hard to cut, diabetes or circulation issues (higher complication risk), or no improvement after 3 months of topical treatment.
A practical treatment routine
Fungal nail treatment requires consistency over many months. Here's a practical daily routine using OTC products:
Morning: Apply Canesten Solution to the affected nail and under the nail edge. Apply Canesten Cream to the skin around and between the toes. Let dry before putting on socks.
Evening: Repeat Canesten Solution and Cream applications after washing and thoroughly drying feet. Apply Onykoleine Nail Solution or Ecrinal Nail Repair Serum to support nail condition.
Weekly: Gently file the surface of the affected nail to thin it — this improves penetration of topical treatments. Cut nails straight across, not too short.
Ongoing: Wear breathable socks (bamboo or moisture-wicking), rotate shoes to let them dry out, use Akileine Anti-Perspirant Powder in shoes, and wear thongs in communal showers. Continue treatment for at least 2–3 months after the nail looks clear — the fungus can persist in the nail bed even after visible improvement.
How long does fungal nail treatment take?
This is where expectations matter most. Toenails grow approximately 1–1.5mm per month. A big toenail takes 9–12 months to fully replace itself. Even with perfect treatment compliance, you won't see a completely clear nail for close to a year — what you're looking for is healthy, clear nail growing in from the base while the damaged portion grows out and gets trimmed away.
This is normal. It doesn't mean the treatment isn't working. Take a photo of the nail when you start treatment and compare monthly — the progress is much easier to see side by side than day to day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
For mild to moderate infections, a combination of topical antifungal solution on the nail and antifungal cream on the surrounding skin, applied consistently for 6–12 months, is effective for many people. For severe or multi-nail infections, oral antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist is typically needed. No single product clears fungal nails overnight — persistence is the key.
Can I treat fungal nails at home?
Yes — mild to moderate fungal nail infections can be managed at home with OTC antifungal products, consistent daily application, and good foot hygiene. The products in this guide are all available without prescription. See a podiatrist if you have diabetes, circulation issues, or if the infection isn't improving after 3 months of home treatment.
How can I tell if my nail is fungal or just damaged?
Fungal nails typically show yellow, white, or brown discolouration that starts at the tip or side of the nail and spreads toward the base. The nail thickens, becomes brittle, and may lift from the nail bed. Nail damage from trauma (like dropping something on your toe) usually affects one nail, starts at the point of impact, and grows out as the nail replaces itself. A podiatrist can take a nail clipping to test for fungal infection if the diagnosis is unclear.
Does tea tree oil work for fungal nails?
Tea tree oil has some antifungal properties in laboratory studies, but evidence for its effectiveness on established nail infections is limited. The main challenge is the same as any topical — penetrating the nail plate. If you want to try tea tree oil, use it alongside (not instead of) a proven antifungal like clotrimazole, and apply it consistently. Don't rely on it as a standalone treatment.
Will nail polish make fungal nails worse?
Conventional nail polish seals the nail surface and traps moisture underneath, which can worsen fungal infections. If you want to cover discoloured nails during treatment, use a breathable, podiatrist-formulated product like the Dr.'s REMEDY range, which is designed to be used on compromised nails without sealing out air.
Can fungal nails spread to other people?
Yes — the fungi that cause nail infections can spread through direct contact and shared surfaces like shower floors, pool areas, and shared towels. Wear thongs in communal wet areas, don't share nail clippers or files, and treat the infection promptly to reduce the risk of spreading it to household members.
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