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Fungal nail infection - Onychomycosis

Low urgency
Common-

Infection of the fingernails and toenails that changes their thickness, colour and appearance.

It is caused by fungi that live in the skin.

Symptoms are whitish or yellowish, brittle, fragile and deformed nails.

The diagnosis is made by examining the nails. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic analysis of nail scrapings or by mycological culture of a sample.

The treatment of choice is an oral antimycotic taken over a long period of time. In cases that are refractory to treatment, it may be necessary to remove the nail to achieve a definitive cure.

Bibliographic references
  1. Adam O Goldstein. Onychomycosis: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. UpToDate. Abril 2016
  2. Adam O Goldstein. Onychomycosis: Management. UpToDate. Septiembre 2016
  3. de Berker D. Clinical practice. Fungal nail disease. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:2108.
  4. Gupta AK. Update in antifungal therapy of dermatophytosis. Mycopathologia 2008; 166:353.
  5. Leslie P. Lawley. Eccema, psoriasis, infecciones cutáneas, acné y otros trastornos cutáneos frecuentes. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 71
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    White and/or yellowish nail

    Cracked nails

    Nails fall off the fingers / toes

    Nail-flaking

    Pain in the nail

Symptoms to watch out for

Bleeding around the nails
Swelling or pain around the nails
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Difficulty walking unaided

Self-care

Apply over-the-counter topical antifungals.
Clip and polish the nails.
Avoid prolonged sweating of the feet, change socks twice a day.
Use shoe wear in swimming pool and changing room areas.
Avoid sharing shoeware.
Dry the feet thouroughly, specially between toes.
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