Fungal Nails

If one or more of your toenails appear thickened and discolored, they may be infected by a fungus. Fungal nails, or onychomycosis, are not only unattractive; they can be painful, too. There are many different types of fungus that can invade the nail plate. A fungus is a microscopic organism that grows best in warm, dark, moist environments, like socks and shoes. It eats away at the layers of the skin and nails. Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection of the skin), medical conditions such as diabetes, poor blood flow, or decreased immune status can welcome a fungal infection into the nails.