Nail fungus treatment generally falls into two categories: topical and oral. Here's how they differ.
Applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin, topical options (creams, lacquers, sprays) tend to have fewer systemic side effects but can struggle to penetrate a thick nail plate in sufficient concentration.
Prescription oral antifungals work from the inside out and are generally considered more effective for severe or widespread infections, but carry a higher risk of side effects, including potential liver effects that require monitoring.
Mild-to-moderate cases are often reasonable candidates for topical-first approaches. Severe, widespread, or long-standing infections are usually better addressed with a doctor's guidance, sometimes combining oral treatment with topical maintenance afterward.