How to recognize nail fungus and what can you do?
Nail fungus most commonly appears as a change in color (yellowish, white, or brown nail), thickening, and crumbling of the nail. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and progresses slowly.
It is important to be consistent with regular care, as improvement is not visible immediately – a healthy nail must gradually grow out and replace the damaged one, which can take several months.
Table of contents
How to recognize nail fungus?
Nail fungus usually starts as a mild color change – a white or yellowish line at the edge of the nail. Over time, the nail becomes thicker, brittle, and may begin to crumble. The infection often spreads slowly, so many people notice it only when it has already progressed.
What can you do?
With nail fungus, improvement is not visible on the old part of the nail, but on the new part that grows. A healthy nail must gradually replace the damaged one, which can take several months. That is why it is important not to expect quick visible changes of the entire nail.
With nail fungus, improvement is not visible on the old part of the nail, but on the new part that grows. That is why many people think something is not working if they do not see a difference after a few days.
In practice, changes are often first seen at the base of the nail. The old, damaged part simply has to grow out.
A toenail may need 6–12 months for full recovery.
How long does nail fungus last?
Nail fungus does not disappear quickly. Toenails grow approximately 1–1.5 mm per month, which means it can take several months for a healthy nail to completely replace the affected one.
That is why many people think something is not working if they do not see a difference after two weeks. In reality, improvement is often first visible at the base of the nail, where the healthy part begins to grow.
People’s experiences with nail fungus
Many people notice that changes do not happen overnight but gradually. Improvement is often first visible at the base of the nail.
I use Smrekovit on a fungal nail, which heals slowly but nicely. It also greatly relieves or completely eliminates my shoulder pain, so I am very grateful that I found out about you and have already recommended it to others.
Mariša, Polzela
[6] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive
My boyfriend and I tried it for nail fungus and after just one week, we saw concrete results.
Petra Mahnič, Facebook
[77] Facebook feedback, received 24.2.2016, printed and stored in the Smrekovit archive
You can find more user experiences here →
What is actually happening to the nail
Fungus develops under the nail, where it has good conditions – moisture, warmth, and protection. The problem is that the nail is hard and grows slowly, so access to the infection is limited. That is why improvement is not quick – the nail must actually “grow out” healthy again.
Why nail fungus is not easy to get rid of
- they are located under the nail
- the nail grows slowly
- the environment (moisture, footwear) remains the same
- they recur quickly
That is why many people make a mistake – they try something briefly, do not see results, and give up.
How to help yourself with nail fungus
Nail fungus is not something that can be solved with a single application. In practice, consistency is key. If you apply something every other day or occasionally, it usually has no effect.
The environment is also important. Moisture and a closed space in footwear create conditions where fungus develops more easily, so it makes sense to ensure dry socks and breathable shoes.
Disinfection of nail tools is often overlooked. If the same scissors or clippers are used for multiple nails or by several people, the infection can spread quickly.
A common mistake is that people give up too quickly. Nails grow slowly, so changes are only visible on the new part of the nail.
If the condition does not improve at least slightly after a few weeks, the question arises whether it makes sense to continue. If progress is visible, it is often worth persisting.
People’s experiences with nail fungus
Many people report that changes do not occur immediately but gradually. Improvement is often first visible at the base of the nail, while the damaged part slowly disappears.
…My husband had problems with nail fungus on his feet. With regular application of Smrekovit, they have almost completely disappeared. He has been applying it for more than 6 months. (94)
Renata, Rovte
[94] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive
I finally found a cream that really helps. I have been battling with nail fungus for three years. A friend recommended your product to me. She lent me half a box and as I can see an improvement in my nails after only 25 days, I am very happy and hopefully I will get rid of the fungus.
Emilija, Bled
[101] handwritten feedback, received 6.8.2018, stored in the Smrekovit archive
Spruce is extremely effective for nail fungus and various wounds. A unique product and yet without chemistry.
Tatjana, Logatec
[118] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive
Your product and your instructions have been very successful in eliminating the fungus on my toenail. Thank you very much, I am very grateful, as medicinal chemistry did not help me.
The user wished to remain anonymous
[123] electronic feedback received on 4.7.2017, stored in the Smrekovit archive
You can find more user experiences here →
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Smrekovit 365 spruce resin cream
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How to prevent nail fungus?
- regularly changing socks
- drying footwear
- not sharing footwear
- basic nail hygiene
If nail fungus appears frequently, it makes sense to act already in the early stage.
Why does nail fungus often recur?
Conditions that can be mistaken for nail fungus
- nail injury
- aging of the nail
- dry or brittle nails
- changes due to pressure from footwear
Not every nail change means fungus – it is important to observe how it develops.
Types of nail fungus
The most common causes are dermatophytes. Less commonly, yeasts or molds are responsible. In practice, this does not change much for the user – what matters more is how early they act and how persistent they are.
How nail fungus progresses
Nail fungus usually progresses gradually:
- at first, a slight change in color appears
- the nail becomes thicker and brittle
- in an advanced stage, it may begin to crumble or separate
Because they progress slowly, many people notice them only in a later stage.
When is nail fungus more likely to occur??
Fungus appears more often:
- in constant moisture (sweating, closed footwear)
- with mechanical damage to the nail
- with poorer circulation
- in older people
- with frequent visits to pools and saunas
If these factors are present, there is a higher chance that the problem will recur.
Spruce resin and nail fungus
Spruce resin has been used for a long time, mainly because of its properties that affect microorganisms.
Laboratory studies have observed effects against some common fungal pathogens. In practice, this means that resin acts in the environment where fungi develop, but the effect is not immediate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does nail fungus last?
They often last for months, sometimes longer, because the nail grows slowly.
Can nail fungus go away on its own?
Redko. Brez ukrepanja običajno napredujejo.
Can they spread?
Yes, they can spread to other nails or the skin.
Does nail fungus hurt?
In the early stages, nail fungus is usually painless. However, if the infection spreads to the entire nail and surrounding skin, it can become painful. That’s why it’s important to take the condition seriously and begin treatment as soon as possible.
What does nail fungus look like?
As the infection progresses, the nail becomes dull, yellow, greenish, or brownish in colour. It thickens and eventually separates from the nail bed. The infection usually begins as a small yellowish spot beneath the tip of the nail.
How is nail fungus transmitted?
Most commonly in moist environments (pools, showers) or through direct contact.
Can the infected part of the nail be cut off?
It can be trimmed, but this does not remove the cause – what happens under the nail is what matters.