A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus invades a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail (nail bed). The infected nail usually turns yellow or white, and it may crumble and split. Bits of skin and nail may build up under the nail. The nail may also get thick, and it may separate from the skin.
Most infections are caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. You can get infected by walking barefoot in public showers or pools or from sharing personal items, such as towels or nail clippers. Some people are more likely to get fungal infections than other people are.
Fungal nail infections usually do not get better without treatment. Even with treatment, these infections often come back.
Current as of:
March 22, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.