Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
Fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, can make the nail yellow, white or brown, thickened, crumbly or separated from the nail bed.
Contributing factors
- Fungal organisms entering a damaged or vulnerable nail
- Athlete’s foot spreading to the nail
- Warm, moist footwear environments
- Repeated nail trauma
- Increasing age and slower nail growth
What can you do?
- Keep feet clean and dry and change damp socks.
- Treat coexisting athlete’s foot.
- Do not share nail clippers or footwear.
- Topical treatments may help selected mild infections but require prolonged use.
- If diagnosis is uncertain, nail testing may prevent unnecessary treatment.
When not to wait
Seek advice if surrounding skin becomes red, swollen or draining, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation or immune suppression and develop a nail or skin infection.
Seek advice if surrounding skin becomes red, swollen or draining, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation or immune suppression and develop a nail or skin infection.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →