According to Credence Research report “Onychomycosis Treatment Market By Treatment Type (Drugs, Laser and Photodynamic Therapy, Surgery); By Disease Type (Distal Subungual Onychomycosis, Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis, White Superficial Onychomycosis, Other Disease Types); By Gender (Male, Female); By End Use (Hospitals, Dermatology Clinics, Homecare Settings, Ambulatory Surgical Centers); By Geography – Growth, Share, Opportunities & Competitive Analysis, 2024 – 2032” The global Market is on a stable growth trajectory, expanding from USD 4.21 billion in 2024 to an estimated USD 6.13 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.81%. This steady rise underscores the continued demand for effective, convenient, and safer therapies to treat fungal nail infections across diverse patient populations.
Onychomycosis, a chronic fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails, is no longer viewed merely as a cosmetic nuisance. It is increasingly recognized as a condition that affects mobility, comfort, and quality of life, especially in older adults and individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes. As awareness grows and more patients seek medical attention for nail disorders, the market for both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) onychomycosis treatments is expanding in scale and sophistication.
Current Treatment Landscape
The market is currently anchored by drug-based therapies, which accounted for approximately 72% of the total segment share in 2024. This dominance is driven by strong clinical efficacy, established prescribing patterns among dermatologists and primary care physicians, and a broad base of products available across oral and topical formats. At the same time, the competitive landscape is evolving as newer treatment modalities such as laser and photodynamic therapy gain visibility, particularly in urban and specialty clinic settings where patients are actively seeking faster-acting and less invasive options.
Rising Prevalence of Fungal Nail Infections
A key driver of market growth is the rising prevalence of fungal nail infections worldwide. Aging populations, a growing incidence of diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, the popularity of fitness centers, public swimming pools, and nail salons, as well as increased use of occlusive footwear, all contribute to a larger at-risk population. Onychomycosis is especially common among older adults, where thickened and discolored nails can affect mobility and increase the risk of secondary infections. This growing clinical burden is pushing healthcare systems and industry players to prioritize more effective and patient-friendly treatment solutions.
Long Treatment Duration and Recurrence
However, the market is not without challenges. One of the most persistent restraints is the inherently long duration of treatment required for onychomycosis. Nails grow slowly, and visible improvement may take several months, especially in toenails. This prolonged timeline often leads to frustration and poor adherence, with many patients discontinuing therapy prematurely when they do not see immediate results. Recurrence is another major concern. Even after apparent clearance, fungal infections can return, particularly if the underlying risk factors—such as untreated athlete’s foot, damp environments, or tight footwear—remain unaddressed. Such recurrences can undermine patient confidence in available therapies and make physicians more cautious about promising outcomes.
Safety and Cost Constraints
Safety concerns with systemic drugs also act as a restraint. Oral antifungal agents, while effective, may be associated with liver toxicity and drug–drug interactions, especially in patients who are already on multiple medications for chronic conditions. This safety profile limits their use in certain populations and encourages greater interest in topical and device-based therapies that avoid systemic exposure. On the economic side, advanced treatments like laser and photodynamic therapy can be expensive and are not consistently reimbursed, which constrains their adoption in some regions and income groups. In low- and middle-income countries, limited access to specialists and lower awareness further restrict diagnosis and treatment rates, despite significant unmet need.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
At the same time, several promising trends are reshaping the competitive landscape and opening up new avenues for growth. Innovation in topical and combination therapies is accelerating, with companies exploring new antifungal molecules, improved nail-penetration technologies, and multi-mechanism approaches designed to shorten treatment duration while maximizing safety. Patient-friendly delivery systems are also gaining prominence. There is growing focus on formats such as once-daily or less frequent application, film-forming solutions, and other convenient modes that integrate more easily into patients’ daily routines and reduce the likelihood of missed doses.
Non-invasive and device-based approaches, including laser and photodynamic therapy, are becoming more common in urban dermatology clinics, podiatry centers, and specialized foot-care practices. These treatments appeal to patients who either cannot use systemic drugs or prefer to avoid them due to potential side effects. Although this segment is smaller compared with drug-based treatments, it is expected to grow more rapidly as clinical evidence expands and as equipment becomes more accessible. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of OTC antifungal products across pharmacies, retail chains, and e-commerce platforms is broadening the market. Consumers with early or mild infections are increasingly opting for self-care solutions, which not only expand the overall market base but also increase brand visibility for companies operating both in prescription and OTC segments.
Segmentation Analysis
From a segmentation perspective, the market can be viewed across several dimensions. By treatment type, drugs remain the core of the market, followed by laser and photodynamic therapies, and surgical options such as nail avulsion for severe or treatment-resistant cases. By disease type, distal subungual onychomycosis represents the most common clinical form and thus drives the majority of treatment demand, while proximal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis, and other mixed or atypical forms together account for the remaining share and often require nuanced treatment approaches.
By Treatment Type
- Drugs
- Laser and photodynamic therapy
- Surgery
By Disease Type
- Distal subungual onychomycosis
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis
- White superficial onychomycosis
- Other disease types
By Gender
- Male
- Female
By End Use
- Hospitals
- Dermatology clinics
- Homecare settings
- Ambulatory surgical centers
By Geography
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- South-east Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Regionally, the market reflects a distinct distribution. North America currently leads with approximately 39% of global revenue, supported by high awareness levels, a well-established network of dermatology and podiatry services, strong adoption of both prescription drugs and OTC products, and relatively favorable reimbursement frameworks. The region is also a hub for innovation in topical therapies and device-based solutions, with many of the leading companies and research centers headquartered here.
Europe follows with about 28% of the market, backed by strong public health systems, an aging population, and rising focus on foot health and aesthetics. Key European markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy contribute significantly to revenue, with consistent demand for both systemic and topical therapies.
Asia Pacific holds roughly 26% of the global share and is one of the most promising growth regions in the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, rising healthcare expenditure, increasing prevalence of diabetes, expanding middle-class populations, and growing attention to personal grooming and lifestyle are collectively boosting demand. Improved access to dermatological care and the expansion of modern retail and e-commerce channels further support market development in this region.
Key Players:
- Moberg Pharma
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Reddy’s Laboratories
- Johnson & Johnson Services
- Merz Pharma
- Novartis
- Galderma Laboratories
- Bausch Health Sciences
- Azilda Family Foot Care
- Kaken Pharmaceuticals
The competitive landscape in the Onychomycosis Treatment Market is quite active, with both global pharmaceutical giants and niche dermatology firms vying for share through innovation and strategic positioning.
In November 2025, Moberg Pharma AB entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Karo Healthcare AB regarding the commercialization of MOB-015 in Europe. Under this partnership, MOB-015 will be launched under the Lamisil brand in most of the 19 countries where MOB-015 has regulatory approval. This agreement significantly broadens Moberg’s European footprint and accelerates time-to-market across the region.
Looking ahead to 2032, the Onychomycosis Treatment Market is expected to retain its steady growth pattern, sustained by persistent disease burden, rising awareness, and continuous innovation. The most successful companies will likely be those that combine strong antifungal efficacy with better tolerability, shorter treatment durations, and user-friendly formats that promote adherence. As digital health tools and teledermatology become more integrated into patient care pathways, there is also potential for improved monitoring, follow-up, and early intervention, further enhancing outcomes and treatment satisfaction.
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