In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection). This image displays thick, uneven, rough nails typical of onychomycosis. Onychomycosis can cause white areas in the nail. This image displays red and swollen skin around the nails that can accompany onychomycosis. This image displays nails that have broken and not regrown to normal length, typical of onychomycosis. This image displays both great toenails infected with fungus. The great toenail is the most likely area to be affected with a fungus, with discoloration and thickening of the nail plate. The great and third toenails show the thickened and slightly discolored appearance typical of fungal infection. This form of fungal nail infection is call "superficial white onychomycosis," as the fungus grows on the nail surface, giving a white color to the nail plate.
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Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis):
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Picture of Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis): In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection). Divider line
In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection).
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Signs and Symptoms
  • In general, the toenails are most commonly affected by a fungal nail infection. If the fingernails are affected, the toenails are usually affected as well. Nails often become thicker and lift from the nail bed (onycholysis) starting at the growing portion of the nail. You might then see debris under the nails and discoloration of the affected area.
  • In some forms of fungal nail infection, you might see black or white, powdery discoloration on the surface of the nail plate.
  • Also in some forms of fungal nail infection, you might see these abnormal changes farther up the finger (proximally), where the nail originates.
  • Fungal nail infection may occur in people with athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and/or oozing infection (paronychia), caused by inflammation and infection with yeast and/or bacteria in the region where the skin of the finger meets the origin of the nail.
  • In fungal nail infection, one, a few, or all nails may be affected.

Last Modified: 15 Feb 2008

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