Symptoms and risk factors Affected nails may become yellow, white or brown, thick, crumbly or distorted. Risk rises with athlete's foot, diabetes, nail injury, damp footwear, shared grooming tools and communal wet areas.
Diagnosis A dermatologist may take nail clippings or scrapings because psoriasis, trauma and other conditions can resemble fungus. Identifying the cause helps avoid unnecessary medicine.
Treatment Treatment depends on how much of the nail is involved and the patient's health. Options include prescription topical solutions or oral antifungal tablets. Oral treatment may work better for extensive infection but requires review of medicines, liver health and possible interactions. Healthy nail must grow out, so visible clearing takes months.
Prevention Keep feet dry, change socks, disinfect or replace contaminated footwear, avoid sharing clippers and wear sandals in communal showers. Treat athlete's foot promptly.
Seek care for pain, spreading redness, diabetes, poor circulation or a new dark streak that has not been assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nail fungus clear without treatment?
It often persists and may slowly worsen.
Why does treatment take months?
The damaged nail must grow out and be replaced by healthy nail.
Is every thick nail fungal?
No. Trauma and psoriasis can cause similar changes.
Is nail fungus contagious?
It can spread through direct contact or contaminated tools and surfaces.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.