Fungal Toenail Treatment options
If you have thick, discoloured, or crumbly toenails, you’re not alone. Fungal toenails are common and there are several ways to manage or treat them depending on your goals. At our Whitby Family Footcare, we help you choose the option that fits your lifestyle, health, and expectations.
1. Do Nothing
If your fungal nails don’t bother you, treatment isn’t required. The infection may stay the same or slowly worsen over time, but it’s not dangerous for most people. However this is something we don’t recommend
2. Nail Thickness Reduction (Debridement)
If your nails are thick, painful, or hard to trim, regular reduction every 8–10 weeks can:
- Reduce pressure in shoes
- Improve comfort
- Make nails easier to manage at home
This option doesn’t cure the fungus, but it keeps the nails comfortable and manageable.
3. Topical Antifungal + Nail Reduction
Many patients start with a topical treatment. These products must be used once or twice daily for up to 12 months to see improvement.
Common options include:
- Over‑the‑counter antifungals like Lamisil™ spray for skin fungus around the nail
- Prescription topical medications, like Jublia™ or Ciclopirox ™
- Formula 3™ our preferred OTC option due to its penetrating oil base, if you don’t have prescription drug coverage.
- For patients who have difficulty reaching their feet, we may also recommend Nizoral ™foot soaks.
Topicals work best for mild to moderate infections. Success rates are around 30% with consistent use.
4. Oral Medication + Topical Treatment + Nail Reduction
Oral terbinafine (Lamisil™) is considered the most effective medical treatment, with improvement rates around 75%.
Important notes:
- Taken once daily for 90 days
- Requires liver function and blood tests before and during treatment
- We only prescribe it after lab confirmation of fungus
- Generic versions are available
This option is best for patients who want the highest chance of clearing the infection and are comfortable with medical monitoring.
5. Laser Therapy + Topical Treatment + Nail Reduction
Laser therapy uses light energy to target fungus in the nail without damaging the surrounding skin.
Benefits:
- No injections
- No pills
- No lab tests
- No downtime
Reported effectiveness is around 60-75%, especially when combined with regular nail care and topical treatment. Results vary depending on nail damage, circulation, and how long the infection has been present.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
Every case of fungal toenails is different. During your assessment, we’ll examine your nails, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment plan that fits you best.