Overview
Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.
If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back.
Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
Products & Services
Symptoms
Symptoms of nail fungus include a nail or nails that are:
- Thickened
- Discolored
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged
- Misshapen
- Separated from the nail bed
- Smelly
Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it’s more common in toenails.
When to see a doctor
You may want to see a health care provider if self-care steps haven’t helped and the nail becomes increasingly discolored, thickened or misshapen. Also talk with your health care provider if you have:
- Diabetes and think you’re developing nail fungus
- Bleeding around the nails
- Swelling or pain around the nails
- Difficulty walking
