What is nail fungus?

Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is very common. It can affect between 5-10% of the UK population. Around half of all nail problems are related to fungus. It affects men more than women and is more common as you get older. Fungal toenail infections are usually unsightly. The nail becomes thickened or discoloured. The nail can turn yellow, brown, green, white or black. It can become brittle, difficult to cut and may lift from the end of the toe. In some cases there can be debris that collects underneath the nail and can become malodorous.

Whilst some see the fungal infection as purely cosmetic, when the nail becomes thickened, heavily discoloured and crumbly it can cause significant embarrassment and self consciousness. It can become painful in shoes, can develop corns down the side of the nail and also become impossible to cut or trim.

This video clip from Channel 4’s Embarrassing Illnesses series describes one gentleman’s nail fungal problem.