Is nail fungus painful?

While fungal nail infections usually aren't painful, if left untreated they can lead to pain and discomfort when wearing shoes, walking, or standing for long periods of time, notes WebMD. The two types of fungal nail infections are distal subungual onychomycosis and white superficial onychomycosis.

Treating mild-to-moderate fungal nail infections with antifungal creams and gels prevents the development of pain and also helps prevent another infection, notes WebMD. People with moderate-to severe fungal nail infections can treat them with antifungal pills that offer the best chance for a cure. In severe cases, doctors treat fungal nail infections by removing the nail.