Fungal nail infection is a common problem affecting around three in every 100 people in the UK. Around half of all nail problems are due to a fungal infection.
Fungal nail infection is about four times more common in toenails than fingernails and can involve all or part of the nail, including the nail plate, nailbed and root of the nail.
It usually affects adults, especially men, and becomes more common as you get older.
Read information about other nail abnormalities.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of a fungal nail infection is the nail becoming thickened and discoloured. The nail can turn white, black, yellow or green.
You will not usually feel any pain at first, but the nail can look ugly and, without treatment, there is a chance the infection will spread and lead to complications such as cellulitis.
Read more information about the symptoms of a fungal nail infection.
What causes a fungal nail infection?
Several types of fungus cause nail infections. For example, athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection of the toes that easily spreads to the toenails, and candida is a yeast that can cause an infection of the skin around the nails (usually the fingernails).
There are several factors that increase the risk of a fungal nail infection, such as:
- wearing shoes that cause hot sweaty feet, or being in a humid environment
- regular damage to the nail or skin
- having poor health, or certain health conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis
Read more information about the causes of a fungal nail infection.
Treating a fungal nail infection
Treatment is not always needed if your infection is mild.
Otherwise, your GP may send a clipping of your nail to a laboratory for tests to find out the exact cause of the infection and to rule out other conditions. They will then discuss appropriate treatments with you.
Fungal nail infections can be treated and usually cured, but some types of treatment can take several months to work. The main treatment options are either antifungal tablets or antifungal nail paint.
Antifungal tablets are the most successful treatment but they may cause side effects. You should discuss this with your GP before deciding which treatment to take.
It is important to ensure you look after your nails properly and practise good foot hygiene to stop the infection returning.
Read more information about treating a fungal nail infection.
