Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 27, 2023.
Official answer
by Drugs.com
There really is no ‘best’ over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for nail fungus. OTC products are available to treat fungus on the skin around the nail bed, but are not very effective at treating the hard nail bed. Prescription medicines, which you either take by mouth or apply to the nail, are more effective for nail fungus.
A fungal infection of the nail is called onychomycosis. Fungus growing under your nails can appear as a white, yellow, brown or black color with a crumbly texture. Fungal nail infections occur most frequently in the toenails, but can occur on the fingernails, too.
Be sure to treat any athlete's foot (tinea pedis) you may have as well, as these can worsen or lead to fungal nail infections. Effective antifungal products like creams or sprays for athlete's foot can be found over-the-counter.
Treatment for nail fungus can take months, but not all people need to be treated. While the nail fungus may not fully clear up, in many people it may not cause any long-term effects, either.
What over-the-counter products treat nail fungus?
Over-the-counter (OTC) nail fungus medicines include:
- clotrimazole (FungiCure Intensive)
- tolnaftate (Fungi-Nail, Opti-Nail)
- undecylenic acid
These OTC products treat the fungus on the skin around the nail bed and not the actual nail fungus itself.
Urea (Kerasol) can help to soften and improve the appearance of brittle, yellow nails, but it does not treat the nail fungus.
Which prescription products treat nail fungus?
The best products for nail fungus are prescription medicines you take by mouth or topical liquid medicines you apply to the nail.
Prescription medicines commonly used to treat nail fungus (onychomycosis) include oral and topical treatments, such as:
- topical efinaconazole (Jublia)
- topical tavaborole (Kerydin)
- topical ciclopirox (Ciclodan, Penlac Nail Laquer)
- oral terbinafine (Lamisil)
- oral itraconazole (Sporanox)
Oral antifungal medicines tend to work better than topical ones, but are associated with greater side effects and drug interactions. In some cases, your doctor may decide to combine treatments, or use laser or photodynamic therapy. Speak with your podiatrist (foot doctor) about these techniques.
In the most severe cases, your doctor may recommend you have surgery to remove part or all of the nail.
Learn more: How do I get rid of nail fungus?
This is not all the information you need to know about this condition and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Always discuss any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
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FAQs
Fungi-nail Anti-Fungal Liquid is our top pick for the best toenail fungus treatment because it both cures and prevents toenail fungus and athlete's foot while also easing irritating symptoms and improving the overall health of your skin.
What is the number one OTC nail fungus treatment? ›
What over-the-counter products treat nail fungus?
- clotrimazole (FungiCure Intensive)
- tolnaftate (Fungi-Nail, Opti-Nail)
- undecylenic acid.
Lamisil comes in a spray and powder spray, in addition to the cream form. How it works: The most effective of all OTC treatments, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, terbinafine is an antifungal product that kills the fungus and keeps it from coming back by inhibiting an enzyme it requires to grow.
What is the number one nail fungus remover? ›
Best Overall
If you've decided to try to kill toenail fungus at home, Jodi LoGerfo, a board-certified dermatologist at the Orentreich Medical Group in New York City, suggests Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream as the best over-the-counter treatment.
What is the strongest fungal nail treatment? ›
For a severe infection, your doctor can give you an antifungal pill that you'll take for as long as 12 weeks. Studies show that drugs like itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) work best to help a new, healthy nail grow in to replace the infected one.
Is there anything that really works for nail fungus? ›
Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin). You rub this product into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails.
What kills nail fungus the fastest? ›
Nothing kills toenail fungus right away. It can take at least 6 months to as long as 18 months to see your nail return to normal. What kills toenail fungus the fastest? A prescription medication like terbinafine will work faster than a home remedy, but you'll still need to take it for about 12 weeks.
Can you buy oral antifungal medicine over the counter? ›
Some antifungals are available without a prescription from a pharmacy, but others require a prescription. Antifungals are available as a cream, oral drop, lozenge, pessary, nail lacquer, tablet or injection.
Do over the counter antifungals work? ›
OTC antifungal creams are an effective treatment for a lot of skin fungal infections. They're easy to use and cause minimal side effects. However, if your skin infection doesn't go away after finishing treatment with an OTC cream, contact your healthcare provider.
What kills fungus right away? ›
Some evidence suggests that white vinegar, or acetic acid, may possess antifungal qualities. “White vinegar can help eliminate fungus when mixed in warm water,” explains Dr. Purdy. You can soak your foot in the diluted vinegar mixture, or apply it directly to the nail.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are typically used for this purpose. Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte). This is usually the case. Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus asap? ›
Antifungal pills also work more quickly than medicine applied to the nails. Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus? ›
Hydrogen peroxide can help in treating toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. However, its effectiveness may vary for individuals. It's best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
What is the best toenail fungus medicine over the counter? ›
Over-the-counter and natural treatments for toenail fungus
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
- Clotrimazole (Mycelex)
don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms. have damaged your nails.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus? ›
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus? ›
Hydrogen peroxide can help in treating toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. However, its effectiveness may vary for individuals. It's best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.
Does Kerasal really work? ›
Prescription treatment may successfully eliminate the fungus, but it does not repair the nail once it is damaged. It can take about 12 months for a healthy toenail to fully grow in and replace the damaged nail. Kerasal® can help improve the appearance of existing damaged nails with results starting in just two days.
What is the best antifungal tablet for nail fungus? ›
What oral medications are available?
- Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte). This is usually the case.
- Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold.
