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With extensive research and our medical staff’s ratings, we’ve developed a list of the best ways to treat nail fungus. Each option is evaluated according to its per-bottle price, customer service record, positive feedback, and guarantee policy. Here, we offer users a way to make an informed decision when selecting an effective nail fungus treatment.
The Big 5 OTC Products for Nail Fungus
These are our top reviewed choices worth pursuing
Treatment Rating
Customer Rating
Editor Review
MSRP
Patients Treatment
(est.)
Succes Rate *
Treatment Time
Product Safety
Return Policy
Customer Support
Zeta Clear
89.7 / 100
$59.95
20,000+
91%
1-3 Months
Safe to Use
Restock Free
Naturasil
80.1 / 100
$35.95
10,000 - 20,000
85%
2-4 Months
Safe to Use
Risk Free
Nail-Rx
78.4 / 100
$49.95
10,000 - 20,000
80%
2-4 Months
Safe to Use
Unknown
Editor’s Pick
EmoniNail
EmoniNail is our top overall treatment for nail fungus. This top-quality blend of active and homeopathic makes EmoniNail an efficient way to eliminate nail fungus and restore the nails’ normal appearance.
The formula, which was refreshed in 2016, combines essential oils that penetrate the nail with a potent active ingredient. This powerful combination may result in superior nail fungus treatment results. Our conclusion on the product’s effectiveness is backed up by user reviews as well as the product’s overall success rate, which is above that of any other topical treatment that’s currently available.
Our experts believe that EmoniNail offers the ideal combination of ingredients to treat nail fungus. Our users consistently see diminished discoloration within weeks, and most see complete fungus removal within months. Most people will experience full regrowth of clear, healthy, fungus-free nails. We wholeheartedly recommend EmoniNail, used along with our treatment guide, for the elimination of nail fungus.
Treatment Comparison
There are numerous home remedies for nail fungus, such as apple cider vinegar, oregano oil, or coconut oil, but they simply don’t work. Patients have surgical options to consider, such as laser treatment or nail removal. However, choosing an FDA-recognized treatment is a sure way to eliminate toenail fungus.
Things to Look for in an
OTC Nail Fungus Treatment
Over-the-counter treatments are only as effective as their active ingredients and those ingredients’ concentrations. Some treatments have no FDA-approved antifungal ingredients at all, and choosing a treatment with an effective combination of inactive and active ingredients at the highest allowable concentration is crucial to treatment success. When you’re choosing an OTC nail fungus treatment, you’ll need to think of a few key factors. We’ve listed some inactive and active ingredients to look for.
Undecylenic acid: This ingredient is extracted from castor oil, and it’s FDA-approved as an antifungal agent. The maximum allowable concentration for undecylenic acid is 10%, as anything higher may bring bothersome side effects.
Tolnaftate: This is an active ingredient that’s listed in the FDA monograph (link below) for its antifungal properties and its ability to treat nail fungus. The most ideal concentration for tolnaftate is 1%; anything higher may result in discomfort, irritation, and other side effects.
Polyethylene Glycol: This viscous, clear liquid is odorless and hydrophilic. Its primary function is to get into the nail bed, delivering antifungal ingredients such as undecylenic acid or tolnaftate to the infected areas under the nail plates.
Sunflower Seed Oil: This all-natural ingredient penetrates the nail to deliver antifungal ingredients to the infected areas. It contains high levels of vitamins E, D, and
Tea Tree Oil: This ingredient is known for its antimicrobial uses, and it helps the active ingredient get into infected areas under the nail. However, the FDA does not list it as an antifungal agent on the monograph.
Prescription Nail Fungus Treatment Options
There are two types of prescription treatments: oral and topical. Oral medications are taken by mouth, and topical treatments are applied to the affected areas. In some instances, a patient with nail fungus may use both approaches for maximum effectiveness. However, the most cost-efficient solution is to begin with an over-the-counter treatment and assess the results after several months. At that point, treatment can be continued, or you can seek a physician’s advice.
Prescription topical remedies are beneficial in that they’re applied directly to the affected area and systemic complications are less likely. However, administration time is longer than with oral medications. Unless these remedies are well-formulated, their healing properties might not be available as absorption may be inadequate. Topical remedies often cause local irritation, and you may have trouble using them if your mobility is limited.
If you take prescription oral medicines for nail fungus, you have several options. The success rate for these medicines is approximately 50%, and even when an infection is cured, there’s always the chance that it will return. Oral medicines are typically easier to apply than topical creams, but they carry more potential for side effects. While nail fungal infections aren’t life-threatening, prescription medicines can cause serious illness, and, in some cases, death. If you have an underlying health problem, it’s important to consider an OTC remedy before moving on to a prescription treatment such as one of those listed below.
Tavaborole: It’s taken daily for 48 weeks, at a cost of approximately $1200. Potential side effects include swelling, redness, and breathing problems.
Efinaconazole: Also taken each day for 48 weeks, this treatment costs roughly $450 and comes with side effect such as blisters, ingrown nails, irregular breathing, and pain/swelling at the affected area.
Ciclopirox: This daily, 48-week treatment costs approximately $1000 and comes with the potential for blisters, pain in affected areas, ingrown nails, and breathing problems.
Terbinafine (Lamisil): This daily, 30-day treatment plan costs about $1200 and may cause difficulties if you use blood thinners. Potential side effects include headaches, dizziness, and irregular breathing.
Diflucan: This daily, 30-day treatment costs approximately $1200 and may cause bleeding when used along with blood-thinning drugs. Dizziness, headaches, throat swelling, and breathing irregularities are other concerns.
Griseofulvin Fulvicin: This daily, year-long treatment costs about $2400 and may cause decreased sperm count, headaches, throat swelling, dizziness, numbness, breathing irregularities, confusion, rashes, joint pain, and muscle pain.
Sporanox: This twice-daily, year-long treatment costs approximately $1300 and may cause facial or throat swelling, hives, tiredness, weight gain, breathing difficulties, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
If these oral or topical treatments cause any adverse effects, call a doctor right away. Many of these treatments should be avoided if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant. Not all are covered by insurance, and you’ll need to check with your insurer to confirm coverage. While these treatments may be effective, it’s always best to try a safe over-the-counter nail fungus treatment before seeing a doctor for a prescription.
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