How do I know if I have a fungal nail infection?

Thankfully, fungal nail infections are easy to spot. And the quicker you spot them, the easier and quicker the treatment process will be! A fungal nail infection usually starts out as a small white patch at the top of the nail, usually in one of the corners. You may also notice the beginning of a fungal nail infection as the nail turns yellow, grows thicker or becomes very brittle. Either way, these are the top warning signs that you probably have a fungal nail infection. Initially there is no pain from the fungal nail infection, so it’s best to keep a look out by regularly checking your nails.

As it is a progressive condition, fungal nail infections spread if they are left untreated. They spread across to other nails and spread through the nail to leave the entire nail surface area infected. This can cause the nail to become yellow, brown, green or even black, which can be incredibly unsightly - if you hadn’t noticed the infection before, you definitely will notice it now. At this point, other changes in the nail can also occur. They can become soft and brittle and parts or the whole nail can come off. The skin next to the nail could become inflamed and if it is still left untreated, then it can destroy the nail bed and become quite painful.

The beginning stages of a fungal nail infection can be similar to the symptoms of other nail conditions, so it is best to get it looked at by a doctor before you begin treatment. It may not seem severe at first, but fungal nail infections can lead to complete loss of your nail and pain and discomfort. This is why it is essential to take action as soon as you notice it, to give your nails the best chance of quick and easy treatment and healing.