A fungal nail infection can be painful and is mostly an embarrassing nail problem. Fungal nail infections can cause nails to discolour, thicken and become scaly. Nail fungus does not resolve by itself; you need to treat it! Failure to treat will cause pain and more severe infection resulting in complete loss of the nail. It will increase the chance of spreading the infection to other nail and foot areas, and even other individuals.

Onychomycosis is the medical name for a fungal infection (‘mycosis’) of the nail (‘onycho’) that affects the toenails and the finger nails. Fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection. Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi feed itself on keratin, one of the main substances in your nails.