Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Fungal infection of a fingernail or toenail.
TreatmentsPart of: Fungal Infections, Ringworm (Tinea)
About Toenail Fungus
If your nails become brittle or change color, it might be caused by a fungal nail infection. The big toenails are often affected. Nail fungus is much less common in the fingernails.
Fungal nail infections are very persistent. Because our toenails only grow slowly, treatment generally takes a long time and requires patience. It can take several months until treatment is successful.
Symptoms
A whitish-yellowish or brownish discoloration of the nails is a sign of nail fungus. The nails may become brittle, thicker and change shape. Sometimes they are also painful. The affected part of the nail can detach from the nail bed. Nail fungus is also referred to as “onychomycosis.”
The big toenails are particularly affected by nail fungus. In the vast majority of people, the fungus develops at the front or side edge of the nail. It is less common for the infection to spread from the nail root. This kind of infection is most common in people with a severely weakened immune system, possibly following a serious illness. It might also occur after an organ transplantation because people have to take medication that suppresses the immune system… Read more about Toenail Fungus