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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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: 15 Feb 2008

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