Which condition might cause nails to become discolored?

Nail discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons, and in the context of this question, a fungal infection is a common cause. Fungal infections typically result in nails appearing yellow, brown, or even greenish, depending on the type of fungus involved and the severity of the infection. As the fungus grows, it can lead to changes in the nail's structure and color, making this a reliable indicator of the presence of fungal infection.

Conditions like hypoxia, dermatitis, and psoriasis may also affect the appearance of the nails but do so in different ways. Hypoxia generally affects overall health and may lead to changes in oxygen levels in the blood, while dermatitis primarily causes inflammation and irritation on the skin surrounding the nails rather than directly changing their color. Psoriasis may lead to a thickening or pitting of the nails rather than a significant discoloration. Therefore, identifying fungal infection as a cause of nail discoloration is accurate and pertinent to the study of nail technology.