The topical fungicides do not penetrate well.

Some people file down the nail, to make it thinner. Apply whatever topical, and cover with a bandaid to enhance penetration.
Remedies include, Vicks vapro rub, liquid clotrimazole, Lamisil lotion, even a new thing called Dr. Paul's Piggy Paste (at Walgreen's).
If you Google the latter and put "review" into the search you'll find many people who have tried the various approaches in the comments. There are many many approaches, but it appears they only work for some people.

Toenail fungus is typically ugly, but mostly benign.
But ingrown nails, or nails that curl up on themselves and penetrate the nail bed, can be very painful, and if the infection is not treated, cause serious problems. Some people get mrsa and that could be even fatal. Putting triple antibiotic on the
cuticles if that is what is inflamed may help, but may not cure anything. Cover with a bandaid.

It is important to get the correct diagnosis before attempting your own treatments. Because circulation to the feet is poor, and difficult, infections are difficult to get rid of there.