Nail Fungus Treatment: What Works & When to Get Help

Written by Kwok Siew Kong (SK), Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic

If you’re an active adult in Singapore, nail fungus is probably not high on your health priority list until you notice your nail turning yellow, thick, or brittle, or it starts catching on your socks after a run.

I see this often in my clinic. Many patients tell me, “It doesn’t hurt, so I thought it was fine,” or “I’ve been applying something from the pharmacy for months.” Nail fungus rarely causes problems overnight, which is exactly why it’s easy to ignore. But left unmanaged, it can become stubborn, uncomfortable, and frustrating to treat.

As a podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic, my goal is to help patients understand what nail fungus actually is, what nail fungus treatment options make sense, and when professional care can save you time, money, and unnecessary trial-and-error.

Nail Fungus Is Common and Commonly Underestimated

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that affects the nail plate and the nail bed underneath. In Singapore’s warm, humid climate, it’s especially common among:

• Runners and gym-goers
  
• People who wear closed shoes for long hours
  
• Those who sweat easily
  
• Anyone using shared facilities like pools or gyms
  

It often starts subtly:

• White or yellow discoloration
  
• Thickened nail edges
  
• Brittle or crumbly nails
  

Because early nail fungus is usually painless, many people assume it’s cosmetic. Unfortunately, that’s where problems begin.

Why Nail Fungus Gets Harder to Treat Over Time

Here’s the agitating truth: fungus lives under the nail, not on the surface.

As the infection progresses:

• The nail thickens, blocking topical treatments
  
• Fungus spreads deeper and sometimes to nearby nails
  
• Nails become harder to cut and more uncomfortable in shoes
  
• Secondary bacterial infections can occur if the skin breaks
  

For active adults, this can affect:

• Running and training comfort
  
• Shoe fit
  
• Confidence wearing open footwear
  

The longer nail fungus is left untreated, the more resistant it becomes, regardless of how many products you try.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask, often followed by paranoia about hygiene.

Nail fungus is not a sign of poor hygiene. In fact, active lifestyles increase exposure.

Common Causes We See Clinically

• Prolonged moisture from sweaty feet
  
• Tight or repetitive shoe trauma (especially in runners)
  
• Shared environments (gyms, swimming pools, communal showers)
  
• Athlete’s foot spreading to the nails
  
• Minor nail injuries that allow fungi to enter
  

In Singapore’s climate, fungal organisms thrive easily when nails are stressed or damaged.

What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Nail Fungus?

This is a very common Google search, and an important one to clarify.

There is no instant or overnight cure for nail fungus.

Toenails grow slowly. Even when treatment is effective, improvement happens gradually as healthy nails grow out. Claims of “7-day cures” are misleading and set unrealistic expectations.

What Does Speed Up Recovery?

The fastest effective nail fungus treatment usually involves:

• Reducing fungal load physically
  
• Improving penetration of antifungal treatments
  
• Supporting healthy nail regrowth
  

This is why combination approaches tend to work better than relying on a single cream or solution.

What Is the Best Treatment for Nail Fungus?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best nail fungus treatment depends on:

• How thick the nail is
  
• How long has the infection been present
  
• How many nails are involved
  
• Your activity level and health profile
  

Common Nail Fungus Treatment Options

Treatment	When It’s Useful	Key Considerations
Topical Antifungal Nail Creams/Oils	Mild or early infections	Limited penetration if nails are thick
Oral Antifungal Medication	Severe or multiple nails	Requires prescription and monitoring by a doctor
Nail Debridement (Podiatrist)	Thick, painful, stubborn nails	Improves comfort and treatment response
Nail Removal	Severe or recurrent cases	Reserved for advanced infections
Photodynamic Light-Based Therapy (PACT®)	Patients wanting non-drug options	Painless, no systemic side effects

Most successful outcomes involve combining treatments, rather than relying on just one.

How a Podiatrist Helps With Nail Fungus Treatment

This is where many patients finally see progress.

At Physio & Sole Clinic, nail fungus treatment focuses on changing the environment that allows fungus to survive, not just applying medication.

During a Podiatry Appointment, We:

• Confirm whether the nail change is truly fungal
  
• Trim and thin thickened nails safely (debridement)
  
• Physically remove infected nail material
  
• Improve penetration of antifungal treatments
  
• Reduce pressure and discomfort in shoes
  
• Prevent spread to neighbouring nails
  

Debridement alone often improves comfort and makes topical treatments far more effective.

Advanced Option: Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®)

For patients who:

• Wants effective treatment
• Prefer to avoid oral medication
  
• Have recurring fungal infections
  
• Want a painless, conservative option
  

We offer Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®).

Why Some Patients Choose PACT®

• Uses light-activated antimicrobial action
  
• Targets fungal cells without harming surrounding tissue
  
• Completely painless
  
• No systemic side effects
  
• Safe for repeated sessions
  

In our clinical experience, PACT® works best when combined with podiatric nail care and proper home management. Treatment duration varies but typically spans three to six months, depending on nail growth.

Common Myths About Nail Fungus

“If it doesn’t hurt, it’s harmless.”
Nail fungus often becomes painful later, not earlier.

“One bottle will fix everything.”
Thick nails block penetration.

“It will clear up on its own.”
True spontaneous resolution is uncommon.“Once treated, it never comes back.”
Without footwear and hygiene changes, recurrence is possible.

When Should You Seek Nail Fungus Treatment in Singapore?

You should consider professional care if:

• The nail is thick, yellow, or brittle
  
• More than one nail is affected
  
• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t helped after 6–8 weeks
  
• The nail is painful, lifting, or difficult to cut
  
• You’re active, and footwear comfort matters
  

Early assessment often shortens treatment time and reduces frustration.

What I Tell My Patients

I often remind patients that nail fungus is persistent, not dangerous, but ignoring it usually makes treatment harder later.

The best outcomes happen when patients:

• Treat early
  
• Stay consistent
  
• Combine professional care with home management
  

Progress is gradual, but with the right approach, improvement is achievable.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Nail Fungus Treatment

There is no magic cure, but there is a sensible, evidence-based approach.

At Physio & Sole Clinic, we focus on:

• Accurate diagnosis
  
• Conservative, practical care
  
• Advanced pain-free options
  
• Clear expectations and timelines
  

If you’re unsure whether what you’re dealing with is nail fungus, or you’ve tried multiple treatments without success, a proper podiatry assessment can save you months of trial-and-error.

Ready to Get Your Nails Checked?

If nail changes are affecting your comfort, confidence, or activity, we’re here to help.
A podiatry assessment can clarify what’s happening and guide you towards the most appropriate nail fungus treatment.

Book an appointment at Physio & Sole Clinic and take the first step towards healthier nails!