Warning Signs Of Onychomycosis

White Or Yellow Nails

When the fungus is visible underneath the nail, it often appears as a white or yellow patch of discoloration. The most common place to see it is underneath a toenail or fingernail. Individuals might have an easy time ignoring it, and they might not even notice it at first. Browning of the nails can also occur as the fungal infection continues. Nail psoriasis also involves browning and yellowing of the nails, so it may be difficult to tell which condition is present. Some patients can have both nail psoriasis and a fungal infection.

Yellow nails aren't always a sign of an underlying medical condition. The most common non-medical cause of yellowing nails is nail polish. If individuals wear nail polish frequently, the substances in it can cause permanent staining to the nails. This staining is harmless. In other cases, yellow nails might have non-fungal sources, such as an allergic reaction. More serious conditions that can cause yellowed nails include internal malignancies, chronic lung issues, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphatic obstructions, and liver disease.

Nails Separated From The Nail Bed

As the fungal infection progresses, it can cause the nails to become separated from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. The separation occurs gradually over some time. While the separation itself doesn't tend to cause pain, patients might experience pain as an additional symptom of the fungal infection. Separation of the nail bed isn't always caused by a fungal infection. In fact, the most common cause of this phenomenon is physical trauma. A single blow that damages the nail might cause separation, but individuals might also be surprised to know light and repetitive trauma can cause issues.

If individuals tap their long fingernails consistently against a counter or keyboard every day, they can cause damage. Onycholysis can be caused by the same injury or damage that leads to fungal infection. When the nail separates from the nail bed, it creates pockets of space that are vulnerable to bacteria. Bacteria and fungus sometimes enter the nail through perforations caused by manicure tools pushed too far underneath the nail bed.