Is my thickened yellow toenail a fungus?
Probably, but not certainly: about half of ugly toenails are fungal; the rest are psoriasis, old trauma or simple age-related thickening. Treating a non-fungal nail with months of antifungals is common and pointless.
A clipping sent for testing confirms it cheaply first. Confirmed fungus in a bothersome nail responds best to oral treatment over months; paints suit early edge disease and patience.
Trim straight across, keep feet dry, rotate shoes, and treat athlete's foot between the toes, because that is where nail fungus usually launches from. Diabetics should have nail troubles seen professionally.
Source: NHS, fungal nail infection
See a doctor promptly if
- A new brown or black streak down one nail that you cannot explain by an injury
- Pigment from a nail streak spreading on to the skin around the nail
- Fingertips that have widened and nails that curve over the tips, especially with breathlessness
- A nail fold that is red, hot, swollen and painful, with or without pus
- Nails lifting away from the bed on several fingers at once, with no injury
- Spoon shaped nails along with tiredness, breathlessness or heavy periods
Try the symptom diary10 seconds a day, free, nothing to installSkin follows what you touched, ate and changed. A dated week shows the pattern a photograph cannot.
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
The one skin product doctors push
Broad-spectrum SPF 50, worn daily, does more against skin aging and skin cancer risk than any cream sold above it. The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear every morning.
Buying through this link supports the free library with a small commission. It never changes a pick.
A spot, rash or mole of your own?
Upload up to three photos. A dermatologist replies in writing within 24 hours.
People also ask
Health education, not medical advice.