White, Cloudy and Thickened Nails
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Cloudy white nails
Thick nails
White cloudy fingernails
White cloudy toenails
Thickening and curving of the nails
Cloudy nails
White thickening toenails
About the Symptom
It occurs when one or more fingernails or toenails develop white spots or turn entirely white. This can sometimes be accompanied by thickening of the nails and varies by disease.
Possible Causes
Generally, White, cloudy and thickened nails can be related to:
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)
Also known as "athlete's foot." It is caused by a fungal infection of the feet.
- Chloronychia (Green Nail Syndrome)
This is a nail infection that causes greenish discoloration. It is caused by bacteria that thrive in damp environments.
- Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease that typically affects the palms of hands, fingers, and soles. Pus-filled blisters or bumps form, and the affected skin cracks easily. The exact symptoms differ according to the type of pustular psoriasis. It is an immune system disorder and can be inherited. Triggers of disease flares include environmental factors and medications.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Psoriasis (Except for Pustular Psoriasis)
- Diabetic Gangrene
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are your nails thick, white, and cloudy?
- How long have you had white, cloudy, and thick nails?
- How has the appearance of the nails changed since it started?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Nails have turned white, cloudy, and thick
- Nails becoming white, cloudy and thickened
- Thickening and whitening of the nails
- Thick, white, and cloudy nails
- Whitened thickened nails
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FAQs
Q.
Frustrated by Yellowing? Why Your Nail is Harboring Onychomycosis & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Yellow, thick, or crumbly nails are often due to onychomycosis, a fungal infection that rarely clears on its own; confirming the cause is key, and proven treatments include prescription topicals for mild disease and usually more effective oral antifungals for moderate to severe cases, sometimes with nail debridement. There are several factors to consider, like how long recovery takes, ways to prevent recurrence, and when to seek care urgently or if you have diabetes or poor circulation; see below for complete guidance and important details that can shape your next steps.
References:
* Elewski BE, Charif MA. Onychomycosis: A Review. Clin Dermatol. 2022 Mar-Apr;40(2):292-297. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.11.006. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 35249666.
* Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Smeets MJPM, de Kreek M, van der Zwaan AWM, de Jong E, de Vries J, Kollen B, van der Woude G, van den Bogaart E, van der Wal-Huisman H, van Marum RJ, Burgerhof JGM, van Dijk M, van der Meer L, Hoekstra-Weebers J, van der Velde R, Wolffenbuttel BHR, Brand PLP, Touw DJ, Al-Haj N. Diagnosis and management of onychomycosis: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Aug;89(2):339-346. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.016. Epub 2022 Dec 17. PMID: 36535555.
* Wollina U. Current and Emerging Topical and Systemic Therapies for Onychomycosis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 May;24(3):369-378. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00773-y. Epub 2023 Apr 4. PMID: 37014605.
* Gupta AK, Lipner SR. Onychomycosis: clinical presentation and diagnosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jan;82(1):198-206. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.013. Epub 2019 Jun 21. PMID: 31235123.
* Rigopoulos D, Thomas J, Sequeira J, Zisakis A, Gregoriou S. Onychomycosis: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Fungi (Basel). 2023 Mar 14;9(3):355. doi: 10.3390/jof9030355. PMID: 36983792; PMCID: PMC10057077.
Q.
Toenail Fungus Won’t Clear? Why It Persists & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent toenail fungus is common and usually treatable, but it often lingers because toenails grow slowly, medications struggle to reach fungus under thick nails, reinfection from shoes and floors is frequent, or the problem is not fungus at all. Medically approved next steps include confirming the diagnosis with a nail sample, using prescription oral antifungals like terbinafine or itraconazole with monitoring, considering prescription topicals used daily for many months, pairing treatment with nail debridement and strict foot hygiene while treating athlete’s foot, and seeking care sooner if you have diabetes, immune issues, or skin infection signs. There are several factors to consider, and important timelines, risks, and alternatives are explained below.
References:
* Gupta, A. K., Stec, N. M., Summerbell, R. C., Shear, N. H., Piguet, V., Tosti, A., & Piraccini, B. M. (2020). Onychomycosis: a review of current approaches to diagnosis and treatment. *Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology*, *34*(1), 3-16.
* Rigopoulos, D., Larios, G., & Gregoriou, S. (2020). Recurrent onychomycosis: causes and management. *Journal of Fungi*, *6*(4), 312.
* Tosti, A., & Piraccini, B. M. (2020). New treatments for onychomycosis. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *82*(6), 1475-1481.
* Sigurgeirsson, B., & Elewski, B. E. (2018). The new era of onychomycosis management. *Journal of Dermatological Treatment*, *29*(7), 643-650.
* Perea-Caballero, A. L., & Arenas, R. (2022). Update on the diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis. *Journal of Fungi*, *8*(12), 1261.
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Rick P. Overview of nail disorders. In: UpToDate, Post TW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA. (Accessed on Dec 6, 2023)