The 5 Best Nail Fungus Treatment Options

If you thought you were alone in dealing with fungus under your nails, think again. It's a common problem that can be treated easily and safely. In fact, many people actually have an overgrowth of fungus in their nail bed, they just don't realize it. Rather than wait and see if things get worse, we recommend the right product to take care of your nail fungus. There are a lot of options out there, so it's important to get the right one. That's why we did the research for you and came up with the best of the best. Here, we list our top five favorites, from the inexpensive option to the most effective pick.

Arishine Fungus Treatment, Anti-Fungus Nail Treatment, 2-pack

Let your toes shine with Arishine

If testimonies mean anything to you, this option from Arishine has delivered the best results for the most people for a long time now, and wins our top pick.

Best Overall

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While there are many great options out there, this treatment from Arishine seems to nail it. Applying the solution is easy and becomes second nature after a week or two. Plus, you’ll start to see serious results within two weeks. Although that may not seem like much, it’s actually considered quite fast. Even better, the applicator pen is superior to the brush, and can be carried around inconspicuously. It’s also one of the best bang-for-your-buck options on our list, with an affordable price tag. For those looking for a nail fungus treatment that’s easy and effective, this is it. Now you can stop worrying about your nails and turn your attention to that growing bald patch…

Pros

Easy to apply
Affordable
Highly effective

Cons

Small quantity

Ariella Toenail and Nail Repair Pen, Renews, Fixes, and Restores, 2 Pieces

Fast results with Ariella

Although the overall treatment lasts about as long as that of competitors, this one seems to have the fastest visual results.

Best Fast-Acting

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This option from Ariella is very similar to the Arishine, with one minor difference. If you’re in the market for a solution that has the fastest visual results, we recommend this two-piece kit. It’s an all-around great option, and many users claimed to see results within a couple of days. Those with fingernail fungus may want to consider this pick in order to kick-start the healing process. That being said, the overall treatment time will vary per user. Also, this solution is the real deal and requires a little trial-and-error to figure out the best application schedule. Some users may have to apply up to three times a day to start seeing results. This one, just like Arishine’s option, comes in two 3-ml applicator pens, so it should last over two months.

Pros

Great value for the price
Fast-acting

Cons

Requires a few extra steps for fast results

Extra Strong Fingernail and Toe Nail Fungal Treatment, Organic and USA-Made

Keepin' it au-naturale

Those looking for an all-natural, organic option will find what they're looking for in this treatment option from Foot Cure.

Best Organic Option

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For those skeeved out by the prospect of wiping man-made chemicals onto your body, you’ll likely find peace of mind in this organic fungal treatment from Foot Cure. While we’re normally skeptical about the effectiveness of any over-the-counter remedy that claims to be all-natural, this one is truly effective. The main active ingredient is tea tree oil, which has been used for centuries for its anti-bacterial properties. Although this pick may not have say “#1 Physician-Approved” on the side, it seems to work for just about every case of mild nail fungus. Best of all, it’s fast-acting and affordable.

Pros

Made in the USA
All-natural ingredients

Cons

Strong smell

Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal, 10mL bottle

Cheap but effective

This nail fungus treatment from Kerasal is an easy-to-apply and fast-acting reminder that cheap doesn't always mean ineffective.

Best Budget Option

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While it’s kind of hard to get excited about a treatment for nail fungus, this option puts that reluctance to the test. With a high quantity of 10mL, this pick won’t break the bank and still deliver the results you’re looking for. The application process can get a little messy compared to that of the pen-style applicators, but overall it’s a pretty straight-forward and inconspicuous squeeze bottle. The consistency is stickier than most other options, too, which is actually a strength, as it won’t drip off. With 10 milliliters of solution, Kerasal’s treatment should last long enough to completely eliminate fungus in your nail bed.

Pros

High quantity for cheap
Simple ingredients
Fast-acting

Cons

Not recommended for naturally thin, soft nails

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak With Epsom Salt, Made in the USA, For Toenail Fungus, Athlete’s Foot

Soak the fungus away

If you've got the time and will, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in this salty solution by FineVine Organics.

Best Soak

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If you want an alternative treatment option, we recommend this surprisingly effective foot soak from FineVine. Using a blend of seven different oils and Epsom salt, it can be a viable solution to nail fungus and the other malodorous maladies of the feet. If you’ve tried other products and found them to be ineffective, we recommend using this soak once a day for a week or two and seeing if the problem persists. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind after a long day, and will definitely help in your battle against fungus. Unlike other options, this one cleanses the entire foot rather than just small areas. With tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender thrown into the mix, the smell is pleasant and relaxing.

Pros

Cleans entire foot
Relaxing and therapeutic
Helps restore color

Cons

Not portable

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have nail fungus? What are the signs?

The short answer: yes. If you’re a living, breathing human being, chances are you have at least some kind of fungal growth on your body. As gross as it may be to think about, our entire body is covered with bacteria, fungus, and other foreign life forms. That’s why it’s really nothing to be ashamed about, should you ever find yourself typing the word “fungal” into a search bar.

That being said, sometimes an overgrowth of fungus within the nail bed can cause discoloration and damage to the nail. It’s an infection that should be treated just like any other, so immediate treatment is recommended. If your toe nail changes color and becomes thicker, brittle, and starts to shed powdery debris, you have nail fungus.

How does treatment for nail fungus work?

For those with mild cases, we recommend trying a non-prescription treatment, like the options in our list. If the problem persists or grows worse, a prescribed oral treatment may be necessary. Use your best judgement here, and always check with your doctor for the most appropriate medical treatment. The most common over-the-counter treatment option is painted onto the nail. This solution of anti-fungal and antibiotic chemicals both kills the fungus and protects the nail bed. It basically works by creating an environment that’s uninhabitable for fungus and bacteria. Unfortunately, even the fastest-acting options can take several months to have permanent effects.