

The treatments for this issue vary based on the severity of the infection and can include a topical treatment, oral antifungal medications, or procedures like microdrilling, which creates small pores for medication to more deeply penetrate the nail. "As the nail fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop crumbling edges – an unsightly and potentially painful problem." "The insides of shoes are a perfect environment to harbor fungal organisms." He further explained that what often starts as athlete's foot – a skin infection – may spread to the nail itself. "These microscopic organisms typically thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments," Cunha said. A microscopic fungus, Cunha said, may affect one or more nails at a time. Toenails that are unusually thick with a yellow or brown-tinge are most likely the result of a fungal infection.

The color, along with a thick nail, could indicate a fungal infeciton.
