The early signs of nail fungus (and what to do if you spot them)
Have you noticed something different about your nails? A small white or yellowish patch? Some cloudiness? Maybe a texture change? You might be tempted to dismiss it, but what if it’s the beginning of a fungal infection?
Nail fungus isn’t always obvious, and most people don’t recognise the early signs because they’re looking for something more dramatic. But by the time you really notice it, it’s a lot harder to treat. Knowing what to look for means you can address it before it becomes a months-long ordeal.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that can develop under the nail or within the nail plate itself. It usually starts when fungus enters through a small opening, like a crack, a lifted edge, or damage from acrylics, and finds the warm, protected environment ideal for growth. While most infections start in the nail bed and work their way up between the nail plate and skin, fungus can also penetrate through the top surface, infecting the nail plate itself and creating white or yellow patches. Common triggers include damp conditions, weak nails, tight shoes, and public areas such as gym showers.
What are the early signs of nail fungus?
Nail fungus doesn’t make a dramatic entrance. Usually, the signs are much more subtle.
White or yellow spots on the nail tip
This is often the first visible sign of nail fungus. A small discoloured patch that appears near the free edge. They're not on the surface like polish stains; they're in the nail, which means they won't rub off or fade. The discolouration happens because fungus is growing in the space between your nail and the nail bed.
The nail starts thickening
You'll notice your nail texture is different: slightly harder to trim, rougher to the touch. A fungal infection causes the nail to produce excess keratin in response, which creates that thickened, coarser texture.
Your nail loses its clarity
Healthy nails have a slight translucence. When fungus takes hold, that changes. The nail looks cloudy, chalky, or opaque even with polish removed. It's the fungal growth disrupting the nail's normal structure that causes this dull, milky appearance.
A slight lifting at the edges
The nail begins to separate from the nail bed, typically starting at the tip or sides. This separation is often painless early on, but it creates space for the fungus to spread further under the nail.
A musty or unusual smell
Not everyone experiences this, but if you press on the nail and notice an earthy, slightly unpleasant smell, it's worth noting. The odour comes from the fungal organisms and the debris they create as they grow.
Brittleness and breaking at the tips
The nail becomes fragile, breaking or crumbling more easily than usual. The fungal infection weakens the nail's structure, making it less flexible and more prone to damage.
What to do if you think you have a nail fungus
Don’t ignore it!
The earlier you address a fungal infection, the easier it is to treat. What starts as a small discoloured spot can spread to the entire nail and even neighbouring nails if left untreated. Leave it too long, and the fungus becomes deeply embedded, requiring either a daily treatment regimen that can take up to 12 months to fully resolve, or expensive, invasive treatments such as laser therapy or complete nail removal. This is especially critical if you're older, on regular medications, or have diabetes, as infections become harder to resolve and can pose more serious health risks.
Put down the polish (for now)
Polish traps moisture against the nail, creating an even better environment for fungus to thrive. It also hides the infection's progression, making it harder to monitor whether treatment is working. Give your nails a break until you've addressed the issue, or if you do wear polish, opt for one with anti-fungal ingredients and make sure you remove it after 3-4 days.
Keep your nails short and clean
Trim affected nails straight across and file down any thickened areas gently. This reduces the surface area where fungus can grow, making treatment more effective. Clean under your nails regularly, and make sure they're completely dry after washing.
Start with a topical treatment
Our Clear Nails Set combines an exfoliating serum that gently penetrates and softens the nail with a nourishing oil containing tea tree oil, known for its antifungal properties. The serum prepares the nail to better absorb the treatment oil, creating an environment that's inhospitable to fungus while supporting healing. Consistency is crucial here, as most treatments only work when you're diligent.
See a doctor or podiatrist if it’s not improving
If you've been treating it for a month or two without seeing improvement, or if the infection is spreading, see a dermatologist. They can confirm it's actually fungus (sometimes it's psoriasis or another condition) and prescribe stronger treatments if needed. Some cases require oral antifungal medication, particularly if the infection has reached the nail matrix, but this may not be feasible due to age.
Manage your environment
Keep your feet and hands as dry as possible. Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Don't walk barefoot in public pools, gyms, or locker rooms. Disinfect your nail tools between uses, and consider replacing shoes you wore frequently while the infection was developing, as they may house some leftover fungal spores.
Be patient
Nails grow slowly, about 3mm per month. Even with successful treatment, it takes months for the infected portion to fully regrow and be replaced by healthy nail. You should see improvement, with new growth coming in clearly, within 4-8 weeks if the treatment is working.
Don’t share nail tools or polish
Fungal infections are contagious. Keep your tools separate, don't share polish bottles, and wash your hands after touching affected nails.
The sooner you start, the better
Nail fungus is one of those things that's far easier to treat when you spot it early than when you've been ignoring it for months. If you're seeing discolouration, thickening, cloudiness, or any of the other early indicators, take it seriously. Start treatment, keep your nails dry, and commit daily! Two months of consistent daily treatment is infinitely better than 12 months of trying to treat a deeply embedded infection, or worse, having your nails completely removed - yikes. Early intervention can help your nails return to normal within a few months, rather than becoming a chronic issue that's much harder to resolve.
