Which condition is typically associated with fungal infections of the nails?

Fungal infections of the nails are most commonly identified as onychomycosis. This condition occurs when fungi infect the nail bed, nail plate, or the surrounding skin, leading to symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, and potential crumbling of the nails. Onychomycosis is characterized by the presence of fungal elements that can be diagnosed through clinical examination or laboratory tests.

In contrast, onychocryptosis refers to ingrown toenails, which is not associated with fungal infections but rather with improper nail trimming or footwear issues. Onycholysis describes the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can occur due to various factors including trauma, but is not specific to fungal infections. Paronychia is an infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, often bacterial but can be fungal, affecting the skin rather than the nail structure itself. Therefore, onychomycosis is the specific condition that directly denotes a fungal infection of the nail, making it the correct answer.