What is a common sign of nail fungus?

A thickened nail is a common sign of nail fungus. When a fungal infection occurs, it can cause the nail to grow abnormally, leading to an increase in its thickness. This might also be accompanied by other symptoms such as discoloration, a change in texture, and even brittleness. The thickness is due to the overproduction of keratin as the body attempts to protect the area from the infection.

In contrast, other symptoms like a color discharge are traditionally more associated with bacterial infections than fungal ones. Splitting nails can occur from various other conditions, including excessive moisture exposure or chemical damage, but it is not a primary indicator of nail fungus. Bright pink coloration of the nail is often a sign of healthy nail growth rather than any fungal infection and doesn't typically align with the presentation of fungal issues.