What it is
It is not usually serious but can take a long time to treat. Antifungal nail paints or tablets can help, but a new healthy nail takes months to grow.
Keeping feet clean and dry and treating athlete's foot early can help prevent it.
Common signs
- Nail turning white, yellow or brown
- Thickened nail
- Brittle or crumbly nail
- Nail lifting off
- Pain or discomfort, sometimes
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the nail
- A nail clipping sent for testing, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Nail sample results
- Treatments used and for how long
- Photos of the nail over time
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this a fungal infection or something else?
- Should I use nail paint or tablets?
- How long will treatment take?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Red, hot, swollen skin around the nail with fever, especially if you have diabetes: get it checked urgently
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.