What is a typical sign that a client might have a fungal infection?

A typical sign that a client might have a fungal infection in their nails is the discoloration and thickening of the nails. Fungal infections often lead to changes in the nail's appearance, resulting in them becoming discolored—often yellow or brown—and thickening due to the proliferation of fungi under and within the nail. As the infection progresses, these changes are typically accompanied by a brittle texture that may cause the nails to crumble or break more easily. This physical alteration is a key indicator for nail technicians to recognize potential infections, as proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for the health of the client’s nails and surrounding skin.

Other symptoms associated with fungal infections may include a foul odor and the separation of the nail from the nail bed, but discoloration and thickening remain the most noticeable and indicative signs. In contrast, brightly colored nails, short nail length, or healthy skin around the nails do not provide significant evidence of a fungal infection. Instead, these characteristics are often associated with healthy nail care or other non-fungal conditions.