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3 AntiFungal Nail Treatments You Can Try

  • Writer: Monica Pineider
    Monica Pineider
  • Jul 6
  • 3 min read

Is a fungal nail infection threatening to ruin sandal season for you? Not only can these infections be painful, but they can wreck your confidence. You may find yourself hiding your feet in closed shoes year-round. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up 3 Antifungal nail treatments that you can try to restore your feet and fight off the infection for good.


Doctor examines patient's foot in a clinic while both wear masks; shelves with books and certificates and a window are visible in the background — antifungal nail treatment consultation.

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What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?


A fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis, is caused by fungi that invade the nail bed. It often starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail.


Over time, the infection can cause the nail to thicken, discolour, and crumble. It spreads easily and can be challenging to treat if left untreated for too long.




Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT)

A podiatrist in a mask examines a patient's foot in a clinic, with medical tools nearby. Posters and a clock are visible on the wall.


PACT therapy is a non-invasive, high-tech antifungal nail treatment. It combines a light-sensitive gel with a special LED light to destroy fungal spores.


How PACT Works:


  • Your podiatrist removes infected nail tissue.

  • A PACT gel is applied to the nail.

  • A blue LED light activates the gel to kill the fungus.

  • Each session takes about 10 minutes per nail.


You’ll usually need three sessions, one per week. Between sessions, you’ll treat your nails at home with a prep kit.


Even your shoes are treated with UV to prevent reinfection.


Benefits of PACT:


  • Non-invasive and painless

  • Works against drug-resistant fungal strains

  • Targets only the infected area

  • Can be combined with other treatments


Drawbacks of PACT:


  • Temporary blue discoloration of the nails

  • Mild tingling sensation during treatment

  • Not suitable for pregnant people


PACT is an ideal choice if you want a safe and effective antifungal nail treatment without

harsh drugs.



Oral Antifungal Medications


Various colorful pills lined up on a blue background, representing different types of antifungal nail treatment medications in assorted shapes and sizes.

If you prefer a medical approach, oral antifungal medications could be right for you. These are prescribed by a doctor and taken on a daily basis.


The most common options include terbinafine and itraconazole. Treatment usually lasts several weeks to a few months.


How They Work:


  • The medication enters the bloodstream.

  • It targets the fungus from inside your body.

  • It helps healthy nails grow out and replace the infected ones.


Benefits of Oral Medications:


  • Up to 85% success rate

  • No need for frequent podiatry visits

  • Easy to take once prescribed

  • Good for severe or stubborn infections


Drawbacks of Oral Medications:


  • Potential side effects like headaches, upset stomach, or dizziness

  • May affect liver function

  • Require blood tests every 12 weeks

  • Can interact with other medications


Oral medications are a powerful option—but they come with risks. Your doctor will discuss these before prescribing them.




Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Antifungal Nail Treatments


Two glass bottles with herbs inside, casting shadows on a white surface. The liquid is light yellow, creating a calm, natural mood.

For mild infections or budget-conscious care, you might consider home remedies or over-the-counter antifungal nail treatments.


These typically include:


  • Topical antifungal lacquers

  • Medicated ointments

  • Essential oils like tea tree or oregano oil


You can find these at most pharmacies. They’re easy to apply at home and don’t require a prescription.


However, they usually take 6 months to 2 years to show results. Their success rate is much lower—around 8–10%.


Benefits of Home Remedies:


  • Inexpensive and widely available

  • You can treat your nails at home

  • Minimal side effects

  • Great for very early-stage infections


Drawbacks of Home Remedies:


  • Slow results, often taking years

  • Low success rates, especially for advanced infections

  • May need to be combined with professional treatments

  • No guarantee of eliminating the fungus


Home remedies can be a helpful, supportive treatment, but they’re rarely effective on their own for moderate to severe cases.




Which Antifungal Nail Treatment Is Right for You?


Choosing the proper antifungal nail treatment depends on:


  • The severity of the infection

  • Your health history

  • Your budget

  • How quickly you want results


If your infection is mild and recent, a topical antifungal nail treatment or natural remedy may be enough.


But if the nail is thickened, discoloured, or painful, professional care is the better path.



Final Thoughts


A fungal nail infection is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can impact your comfort, confidence, and overall foot health.


Fortunately, several antifungal nail treatments are available to help. Whether you choose PACT, oral medications, or home remedies, there’s a way to fight back and get healthy nails again.


When in doubt, book an appointment with a qualified podiatrist. Professionals like The Feet People are skilled in treating fungal infections and can guide you to the best treatment for your situation. Book an appointment today to see what fungal nail treatment they recommend. 


Don’t wait. Reclaim your feet today.

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