Nail Infection

The nail gradually becomes thickened, discoloured (white, yellow or brownish) and brittle or crumbly. It's usually painless at first and often starts at the edge of a toenail. Fungal nail infections frequently follow untreated athlete's foot, so check the skin between your toes too — our antifungal page covers that.

Mild infections affecting one or two nails can be treated with a weekly medicated nail lacquer such as Curanail or amorolfine 5%, available from the pharmacy. It works by killing the fungus in the nail as the healthy nail grows out. Our pharmacist can check a lacquer is suitable for your nails first.

Be patient — nails grow slowly, so treatment continues until the healthy nail has fully grown out. That typically means around six months for fingernails and nine to twelve months for toenails. The infection is only gone once the new nail looks normal all the way through.

Rarely — left alone they tend to spread slowly along the nail and sometimes to other nails. That said, a mild infection that isn't bothering you doesn't always need treating. If it's spreading, uncomfortable or you'd simply like rid of it, starting early helps — smaller infections clear more reliably.

See your GP if the nail is painful or badly damaged, or the infection involves several nails — oral antifungal tablets are prescription-only and may suit severe infections better. Also get advice promptly if you have diabetes, as foot problems need closer care, or if pharmacy treatment hasn't helped.