Fungal nail infection: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For fungal nail infection you can first see: Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: yellow, white or brown discolouration of the nail; thickening of the nail; a brittle, crumbling nail; the nail lifting off the nail bed; sometimes a bad smell. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: dermatophyte fungi; athlete’s foot spreading to the nail; damp, closed shoes; pools and shared showers; diabetes and older age. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Because nails grow slowly, treatment can take a few months for fingernails and up to a year for toenails. The doctor decides between treatment applied to the nail and tablets.

Yes. It can spread via wet floors, shared towels and nail tools.

Usually not; it progresses slowly and needs treatment.

See Dermatology.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there redness, swelling, pain and pus around the nail?” “Do you have diabetes and has a sore opened on your foot?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the nail has thickened or more than one nail is affected; you have diabetes or poor circulation; there is pain or infection.