What Is the Yellow Debris Under Nails?

The yellow debris that forms under nails is typically caused by a fungal infection in the nail bed called onychomycosis. According to Dr. John Ratz, MD, MBA, a dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery in Florida and an author for emedicinehealth.net, onychomycosis causes about half of all nail disorders.

Types

There are several types of onychomycosis that attack different parts of the nail, and patients can have more than one variety simultaneously.

Function

The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail, making debris from the destruction collect under nails and cause yellow discoloring.

Considerations

Swimmers, athletes, people who sweat profusely or anyone exposed to warm, moist conditions are more vulnerable to onychomycosis.

Treatment

Dystrophic onychomycosis is the most severe form of onychomycosis and involves the entire nail and nail bed. Without treatment, any form of onychomycosis can become dystrophic and cause permanent scarring.

Time Frame

Treatment usually consists of an oral prescription taken for up to six months. Fungal nail infections are prone to relapse.