What symptoms might indicate a fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infections typically manifest with various changes to the nails, among which discoloration, thickening, and brittleness are key indicators. When a nail is infected by a fungus, it can take on a yellow, white, or even brown appearance, deviating from its healthy, even coloration. As the infection progresses, the nail often becomes thicker and may appear distorted. Brittleness is also common, as the structure of the nail weakens, leading to chipping and breaking more easily than a healthy nail would. These symptoms are significant in identifying a fungal infection, as they represent the body's response to the presence of the fungus affecting the nail’s physical properties.