What group of fungal infections are characterized as white patches on the fingernail?

Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis, specifically refers to fungal infections that impact the nails, particularly the fingernails and toenails. This condition is characterized by white patches or spots that appear on the nails. The fungi responsible for this condition often disrupt normal nail growth and can lead to discoloration, thickening, and potentially the separation of the nail from the nail bed.

While onychomycosis is a broader term that includes various types of nail fungus, tinea unguium is a specific category that emphasizes the typical presentation of white patches. This distinction helps identify the particular type of fungal infection affecting the nails rather than other fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, which commonly affects the skin or scalp, or candidiasis, which may affect mucous membranes and skin but not the nails specifically in this manner.

Understanding the characteristics of tinea unguium is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as different types of fungal infections may require distinct therapeutic approaches.