onychomycosis

onychomycosis Fungus infection of the nail bed under the fingernails or toenails. Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. It usually produces no symptoms other than a cosmetic problem. Treatment includes avoiding artificial nails, using safer application techniques and only new artificial nails, and using topical and oral antifungal medications. Also known as nail fungus and tinea unguium. The rarest form of fungus infection of the fingernail or toenail. The proximal white subungual onychomycosis infection begins in the nail fold, the portion of the nail opposite the tip of the finger. Proximal white subungual onychomycosis is treated with antifungal medications taken by mouth. Also known as proximal subungual onychomycosis.