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Onychomycosis: spotting a nail fungus without improvising

3 min · Dr. Romina Orsetti


In brief

  • Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that changes its colour, thickness and texture.
  • The first signs are often subtle: it is best not to wait.
  • At home you can look after hygiene and drying, but don’t improvise a diagnosis or treatment.
  • The podiatrist recognises the problem in time and prevents complications.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail: the first signs are often mild, which is why it is worth having it assessed early rather than relying on a DIY approach.

How can you recognise a nail fungus?

At first the nail may show a small yellow or whitish patch, lose its shine and become thicker or brittle at the edge. Over time it can crumble and lift away from the nail bed. These are common signs of onychomycosis, but not the only possible ones: a trauma or a stain from nail polish can look similar too.

Why not improvise at home?

Looking for an “early photo” online and trying random remedies often means wasting time and confusing different problems with one another. What you can do on your own concerns only prevention and hygiene:

  • Dry your feet well, especially between the toes, after washing and activity.
  • Change your socks often and let your shoes air out.
  • Don’t share towels, socks, slippers or nail clippers.
  • Avoid filing or “scraping away” the nail yourself.
If you notice a nail turning yellow, thickening or crumbling, book an assessment with the podiatrist: a trained clinical eye recognises the problem in time and avoids longer treatment paths and complications.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise early onychomycosis?
Often the nail changes colour (yellow or whitish), becomes thicker or brittle and tends to crumble at the edge. These signs should be assessed by a podiatrist early.
Why shouldn’t I use DIY remedies?
Without an assessment you risk mistaking a different problem, such as a trauma or a polish stain, for a fungus and wasting precious time. The podiatrist tells the causes apart.
Is nail fungus contagious?
It can spread in damp environments and by sharing towels, socks or nail clippers. Good hygiene and careful drying help reduce the risk.

Read more about yellow nails and early fungus and how to prevent fungus at the pool and in the shower.


Concerned about your feet? Let’s talk

An assessment with a podiatrist catches the problem early and prevents complications. Prevention is better than cure: book in Osimo or Villa Musone di Loreto.

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