What is a potential indication of onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, often presents with certain clinical indicators that can help in diagnosing the condition. Thickening of the nail plate is one of the common signs that might be observed with onychomycosis, where the infection causes the nail to become more robust due to fungal activity and subsequent changes in the nail structure.

White scaly patches with yellow streaks can also be a manifestation of onychomycosis, where the fungal infection alters the appearance of the nail. Such changes in coloration and texture can be a key symptom pointing to the presence of a fungal infection.

While pitting of the nails and nail separation are associated with other nail disorders (such as psoriasis), they are not typical indications of onychomycosis. This is crucial as understanding the unique signs can assist in accurately assessing nail health and facilitating appropriate treatment measures. Therefore, recognizing white scaly patches with yellow streaks as an indication of onychomycosis highlights important diagnostic criteria for nail technicians and other professionals in the field.