How can I identify and treat a fungal infection in my nails?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, commonly cause nails to become thick, discolored (yellow, white, or brown), brittle, or crumbling at the edges. In some cases, nails may separate from the nail bed or emit a mild odor.

Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases often respond to topical antifungal creams or medicated nail lacquers applied over several weeks or months. More advanced infections may require oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, which work from the inside out and typically offer higher cure rates. Laser therapy and nail removal are options in stubborn cases.

Because thick or discolored nails can also signal psoriasis, trauma, or other conditions, getting the right diagnosis matters. Before spending time or money on the wrong treatment, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, often changes the look of your nail. You might notice that the nail turns yellow, brown, or white, and it might get thick or start to crumble. These are signs that the fungus has taken hold. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be happening and when to see a doctor.

When it comes to treating the infection, the choice depends on how severe it is. For milder cases, doctors usually recommend a topical antifungal treatment. This medicine comes as a cream, solution, or nail lacquer that you put on your nail to kill the fungus. If the infection is deeper or more extensive, an oral antifungal medication (taken as a pill) might be needed to help fight the fungus from inside your body.

Along with these treatments, keeping your nails clean and dry is important because fungus loves damp places. Always follow your doctor's instructions and be patient, as fungal nail infections can take several months to fully clear up.

(References)

Updated 2022 Dec 2]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279546/
Queller JN, Bhatia N. The Dermatologist's Approach to Onychomycosis. J Fungi (Basel). 2015 Aug 19;1(2):173-184. doi: 10.3390/jof1020173. PMID: 29376907; PMCID: PMC5753109.
Falotico JM, Lipner SR. Updated Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Onychomycosis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Sep 15;15:1933-1957. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S362635. PMID: 36133401; PMCID: PMC9484770.

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