In onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, the nail typically lifts and is brittle. There may be scaly debris below the nail. White nails accompanied by slightly elevated lesions are typical of onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). This image displays a thickening of the nails and accumulation of scaly debris below the nail typical of onychomycosis (a fungal infection of the nails). This image displays the fungal infection onychomycosis. This image displays nails that have broken and not regrown to normal length, typical of onychomycosis. This image displays a nail bed with scaling and debris caused by the lifting of the nail plate in onycholysis. This image displays onychomycosis, a nail fungus infection. In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection).
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Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis):
Information for adults

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Picture of Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis): In onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, the nail typically lifts and is brittle. There may be scaly debris below the nail. Divider line
In onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, the nail typically lifts and is brittle. There may be scaly debris below the nail.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
  • Topical therapy with ciclopirox nail lacquer, which requires daily application for 9–12 months.
  • Oral antifungal treatments offer the best chance for curing fungal nail infection. The most commonly used agents are terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. The medications may cause liver problems or may affect blood cell counts. Blood tests are usually performed before starting therapy and during therapy to look for possible side effects.
  • In stubborn (refractory) fungal nail infection, surgical removal of part of the nail or the entire nail, removing the nail by applying a chemical, or thinning the nail by applying 40% urea ointment may be used, in addition topical or oral antifungal agents.
Last Modified: 3 Mar 2008

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