Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis): Why Nails Turn Thick & Yellow — and How to Treat It
Have your nails turned thick, yellow, brittle or crumbly? A fungal nail infection — called onychomycosis — is the most common cause, and it's more than a cosmetic problem. Left untreated it spreads to other nails and the skin, and it rarely clears on its own. Here's what causes it and how a dermatologist actually treats it.
What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?
Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail by fungi — often the same ones that cause athlete's foot and ringworm. It usually starts as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and slowly spreads, thickening and discolouring the nail as it goes.
Common Signs
- Thickened nails that are hard to trim
- Yellow, white, brown or greenish discolouration
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged edges
- Nail lifting away from the nail bed
- A slightly foul smell in some cases
What Causes It?
- Warmth and moisture — sweaty feet and closed shoes create ideal conditions.
- Athlete's foot spreading to the nails.
- Nail injury that lets fungus get in.
- Age, diabetes and poor circulation, which raise the risk.
- Shared footwear, socks, towels or unsterile pedicure tools.
Why Nail Fungus Is So Stubborn
The fungus lives inside and under the hard nail, where creams simply can't reach. And because nails grow slowly, even effective treatment takes months to show a clear nail. This is why over-the-counter remedies usually fail and the infection keeps coming back — it needs the right medication for long enough.
How Dermatologists Treat It
- Confirming the diagnosis — not every thick or discoloured nail is fungal (psoriasis and injury look similar).
- Oral antifungal medication — the mainstay for most infections, taken for several weeks to months.
- Medicated nail lacquers or solutions for milder or early cases, or alongside oral treatment.
- Nail trimming/debridement to reduce thickness and help treatment work.
- Prevention advice to stop it returning.
See our nail infection treatment and related fungal & skin infection treatment in Champapet.
How to Prevent Nail Fungus
- Keep feet clean and dry; dry between the toes.
- Wear breathable footwear and change socks daily.
- Don't share nail clippers, socks or shoes.
- Treat athlete's foot promptly before it reaches the nails.
- Choose hygienic salons and avoid unsterile pedicure tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cure nail fungus?
It's slow because the nail must grow out — usually 4–6 months for fingernails and 9–12 months for toenails with consistent treatment.
Do over-the-counter creams cure nail fungus?
Usually not — they can't penetrate the hard nail. Nail infections generally need prescription oral antifungals or medicated lacquers from a dermatologist.
Is nail fungus contagious?
Yes — it spreads to other nails, to the skin as athlete's foot, and to other people via shared footwear, towels and nail tools.
Will my nail return to normal after treatment?
Usually yes, as the healthy nail grows out. Very long-standing or badly damaged nails may improve a lot but not always look perfectly normal.
Do home remedies work?
They rarely cure an established infection and often delay proper treatment, letting it spread. A dermatologist's treatment is far more reliable.
Struggling with thick or discoloured nails? Book a consultation with Dr. O Lakshmi Jhansi for expert nail infection treatment in Champapet.
📞 Call 8897489595 💬 WhatsApp Us