What is a common symptom of a nail fungal infection?

A common symptom of a nail fungal infection is discoloration and thickening of the nail. This occurs because the fungus invades the nail and the underlying skin, disrupting normal nail growth. The infection can lead to a change in color—often resulting in a yellow, brown, or even green tint—and a noticeable thickening of the nail plate as the body reacts to the infection. This thickening can also cause the nail to become distorted or elevated, further indicating the presence of a fungal infection.

The other symptoms, such as white spots or a smooth texture, are not generally appropriate indicators of a fungal infection, as they may relate more to different conditions. A shiny surface is also not associated with nail fungus and instead typically suggests healthy nails. Therefore, the presence of discoloration and thickening serves as a clear and common indicator of a nail fungal infection.