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A fungal infection of the nail is referred to as onychomycosis in medical terms.
It generally only affects toenails. Fungal bacteria can enter the nail at the edges and gradually make their way towards the middle of the nail. It is usual to observe a yellowish/brownish discolouration of the nail and the texture of the nail will change to a brittle state, possibly leading to segments of the nail falling away. The skin surrounding the nail can also become swollen and painful.
Anti-fungal medicaments can be obtained and these can be topically administered to the toenail, or taken as a tablet. A nail softening cream can be used to bring back a suppleness to the nail in order for the infection to be disposed of by scraping it away. For more extreme circumstances, the nail will need to be removed under a local anaesthetic. Wearing clean socks, washing/drying feet every day, and wearing flip flops in communal showering and changing areas can help to reduce fungal nail infections.