Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
A common nail infection that needs confirmation before starting a treatment course that runs for months.
Book a Nail EvaluationNoticed nail discoloration or thickening?
This can point to several causes, including fungal infection -- an evaluation, often with a nail sample sent for testing, confirms the diagnosis before starting treatment.
Already diagnosed and starting treatment?
We'll walk you through the realistic timeline, since nail growth is slow and visible improvement takes months regardless of how effective treatment is.
What Is It?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, causing discoloration, thickening, and sometimes separation from the nail bed. Because several other conditions — including nail psoriasis and trauma — can produce similar-looking nail changes, confirming the diagnosis with a nail sample sent for microscopy or culture is an important step before committing to what is typically a months-long treatment course.
Nail growth is inherently slow — fingernails take months and toenails can take the better part of a year to grow out fully — so visible improvement during treatment is gradual by nature, and this timeline is explained clearly upfront so progress is judged accurately.
Risk Factors
- Warm, humid environments and prolonged moisture exposure
- Shared footwear or walking barefoot in communal areas
- Prior nail trauma or an existing fungal skin infection
Symptoms
- Nail discoloration, typically yellow, white, or brown
- Thickening and brittleness of the nail
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed in more advanced cases
Treatment
- Topical Antifungal Therapy: Used for early or limited nail involvement, applied consistently over an extended period.
- Oral Antifungal Therapy: Considered for more established infection, given as a course over several months.
Our Specialists
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