Onychomycosis of a fingernail

Fingernail fungus can change the nail's colour, texture, thickness, and attachment to the nail bed. Debris may collect beneath it, and the edge can become fragile. A fungal nail infection may occur alongside Athlete's Foot, but a discoloured fingernail can also result from injury, psoriasis, eczema, or product irritation. The visible appearance does not reliably identify the cause, so a clinician may examine the nail and test a clipping or scraping.

Keep the nail trimmed, dry, and gently cleaned; do not scrape beneath it or share nail tools. Treatment may be topical antifungal treatment applied to the nail, or oral antifungal treatment when the infection and your health history make that suitable. A clinician may discuss laser treatment for nail fungus or nail surgery in selected cases. Follow the prescribed course and allow healthy nail to grow out; stopping early can leave infection behind.

Arrange an assessment if a nail becomes persistently thick, crumbly, yellow, white, brown, or lifted, especially when other nails or the feet are affected. Seek prompt care for pain, pus, spreading redness, fever, or a new dark streak. Early advice is sensible if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity.

Ask whether the nail needs a fungal test, which treatment suits its extent and your medicines, and how long to continue it. Ask how to clean tools, protect nearby nails, and recognise recurrence.