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Help for 1 in 7 adults with fungal nail infections

	You shouldn’t feel embarrassed to discuss your fungal infection with a doctor, but you may have to be patient to get rid of it. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for fungal nail infections that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medications rate best for treating fungal nail infections.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with fungal nail infection, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research about fungal nail infections, and expert evidence and advice about treatments.

Key points for people with fungal nail infections

• Fungal infections of your nails may look bad but usually aren't serious.
• If you don't get treatment for an infected nail, it can spread to other nails.
• Serious infections can damage your nail. This can make it hard for you to walk.
• You don't need to be embarrassed about having a fungal nail infection, no matter how horrible you think it looks. Doctors are used to seeing them.
• Fungal nail infections can be cured.
• You can buy some treatments at the pharmacy over the counter. Or your doctor or foot doctor can prescribe others if you need them.
• It might take up to a year to get rid of an infection if it's bad.

If one of your nails is thick and looks whitish or yellowish or if it crumbles when you touch it, you probably have a fungal infection. In the United States, about 1 in 7 adults are known to have a fungal nail infection. You have a higher risk of getting a nail infection if you are a man, have a weak immune system, get athletes foot, swim and share changing places or wear shoes that make your feet sweaty.

With the right treatment you should be able to get rid of a nail infection caused by a fungus, even if you've had it for years or it's very bad. Nail creams, nail polishes and pills can all help. But you may have to be patient. It could take months to clear up. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about fungal nail infection. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.