Nail fungus is common and treatable, but it’s slow. Antifungal nail lacquers from the pharmacy may help mild infections, while more stubborn ones often need prescription treatment from a GP, and a healthy new nail can take months to grow. The sooner you start, the better, so it’s worth getting a discoloured or thickened nail checked early.
This guide is part of our common illnesses A–Z, where we cover everyday conditions and when to get help.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus (the medical name is onychomycosis) is an infection that grows on or under a nail. It usually affects toenails rather than fingernails. healthdirect notes toenail infections are common, especially in older people, and they often start when tinea (athlete’s foot) spreads from the skin into the nail.
Signs of a fungal nail infection
According to healthdirect, a fungal nail infection can cause:
- a yellow or brown nail;
- white spots or patches on the nail;
- thickening of the nail;
- a crumbly or brittle nail;
- the nail lifting away from the skin underneath (the nail bed).
It often starts at the tip or edge of the nail and spreads slowly. It isn’t usually painful at first, but a very thick nail can become uncomfortable in shoes. Left untreated, the infection can damage the nail.
Who’s more likely to get it?
The fungi that cause nail infections love warm, damp places, which makes the Gold Coast’s humid summers, sweaty sneakers and wet pool decks a good environment for them. healthdirect lists these risk factors:
- sweaty feet;
- having athlete’s foot;
- walking barefoot in public pools, showers and change rooms;
- diabetes;
- a weakened immune system;
- psoriasis.
Nail fungus: myth vs fact
Myth: “Any thick, yellow nail is fungus.”
Fact: Not always. healthdirect notes nails can also be damaged by injury or by long-term inflammation such as psoriasis. healthdirect explains a doctor can take a scraping of the nail to send for testing, and results may take 5 to 6 weeks. Confirming the cause first means you don’t spend months on a treatment that won’t help.
Myth: “An antifungal cream from the cupboard will fix it.”
Fact: Creams are made for skin, and healthdirect notes that antifungal creams and ointments don’t usually work well on toenail infections because they can’t get through the nail. Pharmacies stock antifungal nail lacquers and paints designed for nails, which may help milder infections. Ask your pharmacist which suits you, and follow the directions on the pack closely.
Myth: “If it hasn’t cleared in a few weeks, the treatment isn’t working.”
Fact: Nail treatment takes patience. healthdirect notes some nail infections can take up to 12 months to get better, and your nail may not look normal for several months after treatment because the healthy nail has to grow out.
Myth: “Tablets are the easy fix.”
Fact: For more severe or widespread infections, a doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. healthdirect notes treatment can take 3 to 6 months, and you may need blood tests to check your liver while you’re taking them. Your GP will talk you through whether they’re right for you.
Myth: “It’s just cosmetic, so it doesn’t matter.”
Fact: For many people it’s mainly a cosmetic worry, but healthdirect notes the infection can spread to other toenails and, if untreated, may destroy the nail. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it’s worth having any nail changes checked.
What you can do at home
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Dry them well after swimming or showering.
- Wear breathable shoes and change sweaty socks. Cotton socks and giving shoes a day to dry out between wears can help.
- Wear thongs at public pools, gym showers and change rooms.
- Don’t share nail scissors, clippers, shoes or towels.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly, so it doesn’t spread into the nails.
- Keep nails short and trimmed straight across, and use separate clippers for any infected nails.
How your pharmacist can help
Bring your feet in and we’ll take a look. Our pharmacists can:
- talk you through whether it looks like a fungal infection or something else;
- explain how antifungal nail lacquers are applied and how long you’ll likely need to use them;
- recommend antifungal creams or powders if you also have athlete’s foot on the skin;
- let you know when stronger options are needed, as some treatments need a prescription.
If you take regular medicines and want to check that a new treatment fits in safely, a medication review can help.
When to see a GP about nail fungus
See your GP if:
- the nail hasn’t improved after using a pharmacy treatment as directed;
- the infection has spread to other nails;
- the nail is painful, or the skin around it is red, swollen, hot or has pus;
- you’re not sure it’s a fungal infection;
- you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or the infection is in a child.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, healthdirect recommends you also see a podiatrist. The Help Medical GPs in our store can assess your nails and talk about prescription options.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
If you’ve noticed a discoloured or thickened nail, our pharmacists can take a look and help you decide on the next step. Pop in, with no appointment needed. Find us on the ground floor of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach, open 7 days (until 9pm Thursdays), or call (07) 5592 2099.
Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey (BPharmSci, MPharm), Pharmacist.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.