Can Toenail Fungus Go Away on Its Own? Changes in a toenail, such as discoloration, thickening, or brittleness, often lead to an important concern: can toenail fungus go away on its own? Because fungal nail infections usually develop gradually and may not cause immediate pain, it can be tempting to wait and see if the condition improves without treatment. In most cases, however, toenail fungus does not completely resolve without medical care.