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Nail Fungus
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection of the nails, usually the toenails. It causes thickened, discoloured and brittle nails and can be slow to clear.
Causes & risk factors
- Fungal infection of the nail
- Warm, moist conditions and sweating
- Tight or non-breathable footwear
- Nail injury
- Athlete's foot spreading to nails
- Diabetes or weak immunity
Common symptoms
- Thickened nails
- Yellow, white or brown discolouration
- Brittle or crumbly nails
- Nail lifting from the nail bed
- A slightly foul smell in some cases
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Nail clipping for fungal test
- Fungal culture
- HbA1c (if recurrent)
Treatment & management
- Antifungal nail lacquers for mild cases, as advised
- Oral antifungal medicines for more severe infection
- Keeping feet clean and dry
- Wearing breathable footwear and clean socks
- Treating any associated athlete's foot
- Long treatment, as nails grow slowly
When to see a doctor urgently
- Nail changes not improving with treatment
- Pain, redness or swelling around the nail
- Nail fungus in a person with diabetes
- Spreading infection to other nails or skin
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about nail fungus. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does nail fungus take so long to treat?
Nails grow slowly, so a healthy nail must gradually replace the infected one. Treatment often takes several months, especially for toenails.
Can nail fungus spread?
Yes. It can spread to other nails and to other people through shared footwear or damp areas, so good foot hygiene is important.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.