What are the common signs of nail fungus?

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, often manifests through specific symptoms that indicate an infection. The common signs include discoloration, which can present as white, yellow, or brown, along with thickening of the nails. This thickening occurs as the fungus affects the nail structure, leading to brittleness; infected nails may also become more prone to breaking or crumbling.

The presence of discoloration, thickening, and brittleness is crucial in identifying a fungal infection compared to other conditions. Other symptoms, like flaking and peeling, redness and swelling, or pain and discomfort, while potentially relevant in different contexts, are not exclusively indicators of nail fungus. For instance, redness and swelling are more typically associated with infections or irritations that affect skin rather than fungus alone. Similarly, flaking and peeling might indicate other nail issues, such as dryness or damage, rather than a fungal infection. Therefore, recognizing the combination of discoloration, thickening, and brittleness specifically points towards nail fungus, making it the correct answer.