Recognising a fungal nail

A nail that turns yellow or brown, thickens and starts crumbling at the edge is in most cases a fungal nail. It does not clear up by itself and it can spread to the other nails.

1. How to recognise it

It usually starts at the edge of the big toe: a yellow or white spot that slowly grows towards the cuticle. The nail becomes thicker, opaque and starts to crumble at the free edge.

There is often a layer of loose material under the nail. Pain is usually absent, unless the nail becomes so thick that it presses against the shoe.

2. Where it comes from

Fungi like warmth and moisture. Shared showers, pool floors, shoes that never dry and athlete's foot between the toes spreading to the nail are the usual routes.

A damaged nail, for instance from a knock or from shoe pressure, is easier to enter. That is why a fungal nail is often on the toe under most pressure.

• Recognise discolouration, thickening and crumbling
• Have the nail thinned before using a product
• Treat athlete's foot between the toes as well
• Wash socks and towels at sixty degrees

3. What can be done

It is a matter of patience. Treatment only works as the fungus grows out, and a toenail renews itself in nine to twelve months. Products from the chemist or pharmacy work better if the nail is thinned first.

That is exactly where the pedicurist helps. By flattening the thickened nail and removing loose material, a topical product can actually reach the nail plate.

4. Preventing a return

Treat athlete's foot between the toes at the same time if present; otherwise a source remains. Wash socks and towels at sixty degrees and let shoes dry properly.

Wear pool sandals in shared spaces. Trim affected nails with separate tools or disinfect them after use, so you do not move the fungus to a healthy nail.

5. When to see your GP

With several affected nails, with diabetes or with reduced immunity it is wise to have your GP take a look. Sometimes a culture is needed and sometimes treatment from within.

Patty sees nails close up and often recognises the pattern early. She will always discuss it with you and say honestly when a doctor should be involved.

In practice this subject belongs with short treatment and callus removal. There you can read how Patty works, or you can request an appointment straight away.

Further reading: preventing blisters, when should you see a pedicurist?, what should you bring to the pedicurist?.

Frequently asked questions