ICD-10: B35.1Infectious & Parasitic DiseasesGeneral Severity
Tinea unguium
Tinea unguium is a common fungal infection that causes your fingernails or toenails to become thickened, discolored, and brittle.
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Tinea unguium is the medical term for nail fungus. It happens when tiny organisms called fungi invade the nail bed, which is the skin beneath your nail, or the nail plate itself.
The condition most often affects toenails, though it can show up on fingernails too. It occurs because these fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, allowing them to slowly break down the hard protein that makes up your nails.
Common Symptoms
- The nail turns yellow, brown, or white.
- The nail becomes thicker than normal.
- The nail turns brittle, crumbly, or flaky.
- The nail loses its natural shine and looks dull.
- The nail shape becomes distorted or slightly lifted from the skin.
- Debris, or buildup of dead skin and fungus, collects under the nail.