11/1/2008 7:17:48 AM Hi...

An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem. .....

11/23/2009 7:21:30 PM can this potentially go away by itself?

2/8/2010 6:07:43 AM Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.
The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.