Fungal Toenails: How to Treat Onychomycosis Effectively

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a stubborn condition that causes nails to thicken, discolor, and sometimes become painful. It’s more than just cosmetic—if left untreated, fungal nails can spread to other nails or skin and cause long-term discomfort. For people with diabetes or poor circulation, this can be especially risky.

What Causes Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments like shoes, showers, and locker rooms. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, nail trauma, poor circulation, and spending long hours in closed-toe shoes.

Symptoms include:

• Yellow, white, or brown nail discoloration

• Thick, brittle, or crumbling nails

• Nails lifting from the nail bed

• Pain or difficulty trimming nails

Why Treatment Matters

Fungal nails almost never clear up on their own. Successful treatment takes time, consistency, and a careful routine at home paired with professional podiatric care.

Daily Treatment Instructions

The cornerstone of treatment at Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists is a structured routine you follow every morning and evening.

AM Instructions (Morning Routine)

• File the affected nail(s) down carefully.

• Apply a thin layer of Clarus antifungal solution to the nail.

• Allow solution to dry.

• Put on clean, dry socks—preferably moisture-wicking to limit fungal growth.

PM Instructions (Evening Routine)

• Apply Kera nail gel to the affected area

• If your provider has recommended using EBM EB-L1 supplement in conjunction, take 1 capsule daily.

What to Expect

• Consistency is key—both AM and PM steps must be followed daily.

• Toenails grow slowly. It may take 9–12 months for a clear nail to fully replace the infected one.

• Regular office visits are important so your podiatrist can thin the nails (debridement) and track progress.

Additional Treatment Options

For more advanced cases, oral antifungal medications may be added to your treatment plan. These work internally and can be combined with topical treatments for better results. Your provider may recommend bloodwork to ensure safety during oral therapy. Laser nail procedures may also be considered for more advanced cases.

Preventing Reinfection

Even after your nails improve, fungal infections can return. Preventive steps include:

• Wearing breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks

• Avoiding walking barefoot in public showers or pool areas

• Disinfecting shoes regularly

• Keeping nails trimmed and filed

• Avoiding nail polish or artificial nails during treatment

Final Thoughts

Onychomycosis can be stubborn, but with daily AM and PM care routines combined with podiatric guidance, patients can achieve healthy, clear nails. At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we provide personalized treatment plans and regular follow-up care to make sure you stay on track and prevent recurrence. If you notice the condition of your nails worsening, contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.