Thick, yellow or brittle nails are often called fungus, but trauma, psoriasis and other nail diseases can look similar. Nail treatment is slow because healthy nail has to grow out, so confirming the diagnosis matters before long courses of medicine.
Symptoms & signs
Nail fungus may cause:
Thick, yellow, white or crumbly nails
Nail lifting from the nail bed
Scaling or itching on feet along with nail changes
Slow worsening over months or years
What Dr. Maharania checks
Whether the nail change is fungus, trauma, psoriasis or another nail disorder.
How many nails are involved and whether skin fungus is also present.
Whether nail clipping/KOH test and medicine safety checks are needed.
Treatment approach
Mild cases may use topical treatment, but many toenail infections need longer oral treatment after confirming suitability. Liver disease, other medicines and pregnancy status matter before tablets. Cosmetic improvement takes months because nails grow slowly.
What to expect
1
Confirm nail diagnosis
Long treatment should not start only on guesswork when the nail looks unusual.
2
Check feet too
Untreated foot fungus can keep reinfecting nails.
3
Choose safe duration
Tablets, if needed, require attention to medical history and safety.
4
Track slow growth
Clear nail grows from the base gradually; old damaged nail does not change overnight.
Frequently asked questions
Are all thick nails fungal?+
No. Trauma, psoriasis and ageing-related nail changes can mimic fungus.
How long does nail fungus treatment take?+
Toenails grow slowly, so visible improvement takes months even when treatment is working.
Do I need a test?+
A nail clipping or KOH test may help before long tablet courses or when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Can WhatsApp help before I visit?+
Photos help, but first assessment is better in clinic if many nails are involved, tablets are being considered, or diagnosis is unclear.
