The global onychomycosis treatment market size reached USD 3.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during 2025-2033. North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market, owing to the improvements in the healthcare infrastructure. The rising prevalence of this fungal infection among adults and millennials due to the increased exposure to public swimming pools and the use of tight, contaminated, or soiled clothes, shoes, socks, etc., is primarily driving the market.
Onychomycosis treatment market is witnessing strong growth and change as the world's healthcare dynamics evolve to reflect the increased incidence of fungal nail infections. Currently, the regulatory environment is in the process of change as governments and healthcare agencies across the globe are recognizing the increasing burden of onychomycosis. Organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) are also rapidly approving new antifungal therapies, driving additional innovation in the industry. Moreover, regulatory agencies are striving to make treatments safe and effective, which is contributing toward the trust of patients in existing treatments and toward more widespread use of new therapy.
Technological Advances in Treatment Techniques
Technological progresses in treatment techniques are having a strong influence on the onychomycosis treatment sector. Ongoing research and development (R&D) are fueling new antifungal drugs, laser therapy, and more sophisticated diagnostics. Oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine and itraconazole are being improved to increase their efficacy, while topical drugs are adapting to provide more accessible and less painful alternatives. Laser therapy, which focuses light energy to kill fungal infections, is becoming increasingly popular because it provides precise and limited side effects. In addition, novel diagnostic technologies that facilitate more precise and quicker identification are improving treatment outcomes by enabling earlier treatment. Such advances are making treatments safer, more effective, and more convenient for patients to receive. Consequently, the onychomycosis treatment market is growing as new technology improves the overall experience of treatment. In 2024, Eisai Company, Limited declared that the company signed a licensing agreement concerning the development and commercialization rights for the antifungal drug fosravuconazole in the Asia/Oceania region* with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under this agreement, Eisai grants Sato Pharma exclusive rights to the intellectual property of fosravuconazole in the specified countries/regions.
Increased Awareness about Onychomycosis
Increased awareness about onychomycosis is a major driver for the treatment market. Rising efforts to make the population aware of the cause, symptoms, and risks associated with fungal nail infections are witnessing. Health institutions, dermatologists, and public health initiatives are disseminating information on how treatment and prevention of onychomycosis can be achieved. Consequently, more people are becoming aware of the condition and going for early treatment. This is particularly relevant in areas where the stigma attached to nail infections has previously made people reluctant to go for medical care. As information becomes more readily available, patients are increasingly taking control of the problem, resulting in increased diagnosis and treatment demand. The heightened awareness is building a more educated patient base, which is driving market expansion as people seek solutions to enhance their quality of life. In 2024, CDC and WHO conducted Fungal Disease Awareness Week 2024, where experts shared information in diagnostics and susceptibility testing. These initiatives were also responsible for increasing the awareness about fungal diseases like onychomycosis.
Aging Population and Demographic Changes
The growing population of older individuals is playing a big role in the expansion of the market size. According to the predictions of WHO, the number of individuals aged 60 and over will increase 1.4 billion by 2030. As individuals grow older, immune systems are weakened, and circulation tends to decrease, both of which heighten the risk of fungal nail infections. In addition, older persons tend to have more comorbid conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, further increasing their risk. The shift in demographics to an aging population, specifically within developed areas, is driving the need for treatments specific to this population. Pharmaceutical organizations are emphasizing developing therapy that is safe and effective for the elderly patient, many of whom will have contraindications or sensitivities to certain drugs. Thus, the market is observing a rise in demand for treatments that are appropriate for the aging population, including those with minimal side effects and simpler administration techniques, for example, topical antifungal solutions or laser treatments.
Growing Incidence of Onychomycosis
The increasing prevalence of onychomycosis is impelling the market growth. With an aging global population, the rates of fungal nail infection are rising, especially in older adults. Such individuals tend to have compromised blood circulation, weakened immune systems, and altered nail structure, all of which predispose them to onychomycosis. Also, with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, the risk of fungal infection of the nails continues to rise. With more individuals suffering from onychomycosis, there has been a growing need for treatment of the condition. Healthcare professionals are more actively diagnosing and treating the condition early, which is part of the reasons for increasing treatment rates. Consequently, dermatologists and pharmaceutical firms are concentrating on creating new and better treatments for these section of patients.
Growing Preference for Non-Invasive Treatments
The growing preference for non-invasive treatments is transforming the market for onychomycosis treatment. Patients are looking for alternatives to oral drugs, which can have side effects or cause extended treatment regimens. Topical medications, like antifungal gels and lacquers, are increasingly popular since they are convenient to use and may be purchased over the counter. These medications are viewed as less risky and more convenient than oral drugs. In addition, non-surgical methods such as laser treatment are also gaining popularity within the clinic because they can cure the infection without drugs and with minimal recovery time. Non-invasive treatments are especially attractive to patients who are worried about the possible side effects or systemic effects of oral antifungal therapy.
Increasing Access to Treatment
Increasing access to onychomycosis treatment is one of the drivers of the market. With improving healthcare systems around the world, treatment options are readily available to patients, especially in remote or underprivileged regions. The growing availability of antifungal medication over the counter is a major aspect of how access is becoming greater. Patients no longer require a prescription for less severe cases of onychomycosis, making treatment easier and less expensive. Also, the rise of online pharmacies and e-commerce sites is giving customers the option to buy medicines from the convenience of their homes, enhancing the accessibility of medication in areas where there are limited pharmacies or healthcare centers. Moreover, the increase in number of specialist dermatology clinics is enhancing access to expert care so that patients are provided with the most suitable treatment for their ailment. This increased availability is driving more individuals to pursue care.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the onychomycosis treatment market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the disease type, treatment type, drug class, and distribution channel.
Breakup by Disease Type:
Distal subungual onychomycosis currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the disease type. This includes distal subungual onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis, candidal onychomycosis, and others. According to the report, distal subungual onychomycosis represented the largest market segmentation.
Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) is the most common form of fungal nail infection, characterized by the invasion of the nail bed and underside of the nail plate, leading to discoloration, thickening, and detachment of the nail. Recent advancements in the treatment of DSO have seen the launch of several innovative therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes. Topical antifungal solutions with enhanced nail penetration capabilities, such as efinaconazole and tavaborole, have been introduced, providing effective alternatives to oral medications. Additionally, the advent of laser treatments specifically designed for DSO has gained traction, offering a non-invasive and painless option that targets the fungal pathogens directly. New combination therapies, integrating both topical and oral agents, have also been launched to tackle the persistent nature of DSO by employing a multifaceted approach. In November 2023, Blueberry Therapeutics Limited, one of the pharmaceutical companies focused on developing innovative nanomedicines to treat dermatological conditions, introduced BB2603, a novel topical terbinafine antifungal product to treat distal subungual onychomycosis.
Breakup by Treatment Type:
Currently, drug treatment holds the largest market share
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the treatment type. This includes laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and drug treatment. According to the report, drug treatment represented the largest market segmentation.
Drug treatment for onychomycosis mainly involves oral and topical antifungal medications, each with distinct examples of efficacy in treating the condition. Oral antifungals like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole are commonly prescribed due to their ability to reach the nail bed through the bloodstream, effectively targeting the fungal infection from within. On the other hand, topical treatments, such as ciclopirox and efinaconazole, offer non-invasive options that are applied directly to the affected nail. Ciclopirox is a nail lacquer that is applied daily and gradually penetrates the nail to eradicate the fungus. For example, in July 2022, Zydus Lifesciences received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market an antifungal efinaconazole topical solution for onychomycosis.
Breakup by Drug Class:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the drug class. This includes allylamine, azole, griseofulvin, and others.
Allylamines, such as terbinafine, are prominently featured due to their high efficacy and relatively short treatment duration, making them a preferred choice for both patients and healthcare providers. Azoles, including itraconazole and fluconazole, are also thoroughly examined, highlighting their broad-spectrum antifungal activity and flexibility in dosing regimens, which cater to patients requiring alternative treatment options. Griseofulvin, an older antifungal, is analyzed for its continued use in cases where other treatments are contraindicated. The report further explores other emerging drug classes and novel antifungal agents that are being developed to address the limitations of existing therapies, which is propelling the onychomycosis treatment market share. This analysis not only informs about the market dynamics but also aids in understanding the evolving preferences and trends in antifungal treatments.
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
Retail pharmacies account for the majority of the total market share
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes hospitals and clinics, online stores, retail pharmacies, and others. According to the report, retail pharmacies represented the largest market segmentation.
Retail pharmacies represented the largest segment in the onychomycosis treatment market, reflecting their pivotal role in the distribution and accessibility of antifungal medications. This dominance is attributed to the convenience and widespread availability of retail pharmacies, making it easier for patients to obtain both prescription and over-the-counter treatments. For example, widely used oral antifungals like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are commonly dispensed through retail pharmacies, allowing for prompt initiation of treatment following a diagnosis. Additionally, popular, topical solutions such as ciclopirox (Penlac) and efinaconazole (Jublia) are readily accessible at these outlets, providing non-invasive treatment options for patients. The extensive reach of retail pharmacies, often supplemented by in-store pharmacist consultations, supports patient adherence to treatment regimens, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of therapy. This segment's growth is further bolstered by the increasing availability of online pharmacy services, which offer added convenience and discreet purchasing options, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers seeking onychomycosis treatments.
Breakup by Region:
North America currently dominates the market
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.
The expanding geriatric population is primarily driving the market. The Census Bureau estimated that more than 55 million individuals in the U.S. are aged 65 years or older, out of which one-fourth live in one of three states, namely Florida, California, and Texas. Besides this, the rising number of regulatory approvals is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. For example, in April 2021, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (Alembic) announced that its joint venture Aleor Dermaceuticals Limited (Aleor) received tentative approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for the treatment of onychomycosis in the toenail. Similarly, in February 2021, Lupin Limited received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval for its tavaborole topical solution for onychomycosis.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Billion USD |
Scope of the Report | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Predictive Market Assessment:
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Disease Types Covered | Distal Subungual Onychomycosis, Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis, White Superficial Onychomycosis, Candidal Onychomycosis, Others |
Treatment Types Covered | Laser Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy, Drug Treatment |
Drug Classes Covered | Allylamine, Azole, Griseofulvin, Others |
Distribution Channels Covered | Hospitals and Clinics, Online Stores, Retail Pharmacies, Others |
Regions Covered | Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico |
Companies Covered | Bausch Health Companies Inc., Cipla Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Galderma Holding S.A., GSK plc., Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Lumenis Be Ltd, Moberg Pharma AB (publ), Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., TheOTCLab B.V., Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., etc. |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Benefits for Stakeholders:
The global onychomycosis treatment market was valued at USD 3.6 Billion in 2024.
We expect the global onychomycosis treatment market to exhibit a CAGR of 4.5% during 2025-2033.
The high prevalence of onychomycosis among the masses, along with the advent of water-soluble antifungal treatment solutions, is primarily driving the global onychomycosis treatment market.
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rising inclination towards e-pharmacy solutions that administer onychomycosis treatment by providing topical nail lacquers and ointments to maintain nail hygiene.
Based on the disease type, the global onychomycosis treatment market can be categorized into distal subungual onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis, candidal onychomycosis, and others. Among these, distal subungual onychomycosis holds the majority of the total market share.
Based on the treatment type, the global onychomycosis treatment market has been segmented into laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and drug treatment. Currently, drug treatment represents the largest market share.
Based on the distribution channel, the global onychomycosis treatment market can be bifurcated into hospitals and clinics, online stores, retail pharmacies, and others. Among these, retail pharmacies account for the majority of the total market share.
On a regional level, the market has been classified into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, where North America currently dominates the global market.
Some of the major players in the global onychomycosis treatment market include Bausch Health Companies Inc., Cipla Limited, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Galderma Holding S.A., GSK plc., Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Lumenis Be Ltd, Moberg Pharma AB (publ), Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., TheOTCLab B.V., and Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.