Causes

• There are two main causes of toenail infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common occurs when fungus infects one or more toenails. The infection starts out as a tiny yellow or white spot in the nail. Over time, it makes the nail thick, discolored and crumbly. An ingrown toenail can also cause an infection, especially if you have poor foot circulation due to diabetes or another medical condition.
  
  

Medication

• An infection caused by an ingrown toenail is typically cured with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. The Mayo Clinic says that some physicians will prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure if there is a high risk of infection, even if the toe is not yet infected.
  
  A fungal infection is typically cured with oral antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor. The Mayo Clinic says that terbinafine and itraconazole are the most commonly used drugs. The infection is not considered to be completely cured until a new, healthy toenail grows out.
  
  

Lacquer

• An antifungal lacquer can cure mild or moderate fungal infections on your toenails. The Mayo Clinic says that a special nail polish containing ciclopirox is typically prescribed for this use. It has to be applied to the infected toenails once a day for a week, allowing layers of lacquer to build up. Then the layers are removed and the process is started again. It can take up to a year to cure the infection completely.
  
  

Topical Treatments

• Over-the-counter topical medications usually will not cure a fungal toenail infection on their own, but you can combine them with oral medication to enhance the results. They come in lotion form. If you decide to use one, the Mayo Clinic says your doctor may debride the infected nails. This involves filing away some of the surface to lessen the treatment area. It can help make the lotion more effective.
  
  

Photodynamic Therapy

• Photodynamic therapy uses a laser to irradiate the affected toenails. This is done after the application of a special acid.
  
  

Nail Removal

• Very severe fungal toenail infections may require removal of the nail for a cure. The doctor will remove your nail surgically, and the Mayo Clinic says he may also treat the area with ciclopirox. A new, healthy nail will grow in the old one's place, but it can take up to 1 year to grow in completely.