Permanent elimination of toenail fungus typically requires advanced medical treatment, because fungus lives deep under the nail and can survive for months. The most effective options include:
Oral antifungal medication (e.g., terbinafine) — highest success rate, treats the infection from the inside out.
Laser treatment — targets fungal organisms under the nail without harming surrounding tissue.
Medical-grade topical antifungals — effective for mild infections or as a supplement to oral therapy.
Nail debridement — thinning the fungal nail so medication penetrates better.
Home remedies alone rarely provide a permanent cure. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact type of fungus and choose the treatment that fully eradicates it.