In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection). This image displays thick, uneven, rough nails typical of onychomycosis. Onychomycosis can cause white areas in the nail. This image displays red and swollen skin around the nails that can accompany onychomycosis. This image displays nails that have broken and not regrown to normal length, typical of onychomycosis. This image displays both great toenails infected with fungus. The great toenail is the most likely area to be affected with a fungus, with discoloration and thickening of the nail plate. The great and third toenails show the thickened and slightly discolored appearance typical of fungal infection. This form of fungal nail infection is call "superficial white onychomycosis," as the fungus grows on the nail surface, giving a white color to the nail plate.
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Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis)  Teen information

Picture of Nail Infection, Fungal (Onychomycosis): In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection). Divider line
In some cases, nails can turn white as a result of onychomycosis (nail fungus infection).
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Self-Care Guidelines
  • None necessary except good hygiene and regular washing of the hands and feet.
  • Home remedies that may be helpful include soaking the feet daily in Listerine®, vinegar, vitamin E oil, Vicks® VapoRub®, or tea tree oil.
When to Seek Medical Care
Fungal nail infection does not always require treatment, but see your doctor for any nail disorder. Diabetic patients with foot problems should be evaluated because of the possible risk for developing foot ulcers. Your doctor may perform testing, such as scraping a nail to examine for fungi or clipping a nail to look for bacterial or fungal growth (culture) or to obtain a special stain to look for fungi under a microscope.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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