I too have had this problem, treated it myself as I didn't want to deal with the problems of the Lamasil. I file (and keep doing it) down the thick nail and a quick soak with diluted bleach. I tried the Tea Tree oil - really wanted it to work, but it didn't. I have to always file down the nail - the whole surface, not just the top, I use the coarse file made for acrylic nails - they are black usually. I use the bleach while the nail is freshly filed - it has worked well for several years now. Good luck!