Fungal nail infection - Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection

The most common sign of a fungal nail infection is the nail becoming thickened and discoloured. The nail can turn white, black, yellow or green.

A fungal nail infection is usually painless at first, and in most cases it won't cause any further complications. But if the infection isn't treated, it may cause pain and discomfort, although this is rare.

If you have pain in the affected toenail, it can eventually make walking and wearing shoes difficult. You may have problems writing if your fingernails are affected.

As the infection progresses you may experience other symptoms, such as the nail becoming brittle, with pieces of nail breaking off and coming away from the toe or finger completely.

If left untreated, the skin around the nail can sometimes become inflamed and painful. White or yellow patches may also be visible on the nailbed, or you may have scaly skin next to the nail.

Read more about how a fungal nail infection is treated.