Ava Monroe
Your fingernails can reveal a lot about your health. Changes in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of disease. White spots on nails, known as leukonychia, are often thought to be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiency, but evidence for this is mixed. Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, may be a sign of kidney disease or another underlying condition. Curved or clubbed nails are associated with lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails may be a sign of psoriasis or poor circulation. Pitted nails can be a sign of alopecia areata. Yellow nails are common and may be caused by an infection, or by lifestyle factors such as smoking or nail polish.
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What You'll Learn
Pitted nails can indicate psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis
Pocked or pitted nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects over 50% of people with psoriasis and around 80-90% of people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that commonly develops in people with psoriasis, a condition that causes the overproduction of skin cells, often resulting in dry red patches with thick, silvery scales.
Nail psoriasis causes pitting, discoloration, and changes in the structure of the nails. Pits in the nails can be small or large, shallow or deep, and may occur on one or multiple nails. Discoloration can include white, yellow, red, pink, or brown spots, known as salmon patches or oil drop spots. Changes in nail structure can include horizontal grooves, known as Beau's lines, which can also occur with inflammation of the matrix, the area at the base of the nail.
Pitted nails can be treated with topical steroids, vitamin D-based treatments, biologics, and retinoids. Home remedies such as turmeric, aloe vera gel, capsaicin creams, and Dead Sea salt may also help relieve symptoms. Nail polish and nail hardeners can be used to conceal pitting and protect nails, but it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure proper nail care and prevent infection.
In addition to nail changes, PsA can cause stiffness and pain in the spinal joints, and contribute to mental health conditions such as depression. It is an inflammatory condition that increases the risk of several eye conditions. Nail pitting can also be a sign of heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic, or an early symptom of PsA.
If you notice pitting or other changes in your nails, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist or doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
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White nail discolouration could be a sign of heavy metal poisoning
Pitted nails, or dents in your nails, could indicate an underlying disease that affects your entire body. This condition is known as koilonychia, where the nail curves inward and appears thin and brittle. While white spots on the nails are common and usually benign, they can sometimes indicate an allergy, fungal infection, mineral deficiency, or heavy metal poisoning.
White nail discolouration, specifically transverse lines on the nail, could be a sign of heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by exposure to substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic, or cadmium. Arsenic poisoning, in particular, has been associated with white bands on the fingernails, known as Mees' lines or leukonychia striata. These lines run parallel to the lunula, the white crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail.
Leukonychia, or white flecks on the nail, has been linked to potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies, although evidence for this is mixed. In one case, a patient with Crohn's disease developed severe leukonychia due to selenium deficiency, which disappeared after treatment with this mineral. However, another study found no correlation between leukonychia and zinc or calcium intake. Leukonychia is more commonly associated with nail trauma, such as stubbing your toe or trapping your finger in a door.
It is important to note that nail discolouration, including white spots and lines, is rarely indicative of a serious medical issue. However, if you notice any persistent or concerning changes to your nails, it is always best to consult a dermatologist or medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Spoon nails are associated with anaemia or iron deficiency
Pocked fingernails, or pitted nails, can be a sign of a disease that affects your entire body. One such disease is koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, which is characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy. Spoon nails are associated with anaemia or iron deficiency.
Koilonychia is derived from the Greek words 'koilos', meaning 'hollow', and 'onikh', meaning 'nail'. The condition causes the central portion of the nail to become depressed, while the lateral aspects of the nail are elevated. This results in nails that are concave and resemble spoons. Spoon nails are often soft and have a deep indentation that can hold a drop of water.
Spoon nails are commonly associated with iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is necessary for the production of new red blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to nail abnormalities. Low iron levels can cause a person's skin and nails to pale, and researchers believe that reduced iron levels in epithelial cells may play a role in the development of spoon nails. However, the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.
The treatment for spoon nails typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which is often iron deficiency anaemia. Increasing iron intake through dietary changes or supplements can help resolve the condition. In cases of anaemia, treating the condition through lifestyle changes, specific medical treatments, or procedures can also improve nail abnormalities.
In addition to anaemia and iron deficiency, spoon nails can also be caused by various other factors. These include nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B deficiency, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, poor blood flow to the hands or feet, congenital processes, and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism. Additionally, people living at high altitudes, those with a vegetarian diet, and those with certain infections or injuries to the nail bed may be more prone to spoon nails.
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Beau's lines may indicate kidney disease
Fingernails can reveal a lot about a person's health. While nail abnormalities are rarely the first sign of an underlying condition, they can indicate the presence of a disease. For instance, white flecks on the nail, known as leukonychia, are often associated with vitamin or mineral deficiencies, although evidence supporting this is mixed. Leukonychia is more likely to be the result of nail trauma, such as stubbing your toe or trapping your finger in a door. However, white discolouration could also suggest heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic.
Nail abnormalities can manifest as problems with the colour, shape, texture, or thickness of the nails. For example, healthy nails should be convex, curving slightly outwards, and any dents or dips could indicate koilonychia, a condition where the nail is thin, brittle, and curved inwards. Nails that are rough, split, or crack easily, a condition called onychoschizia, are usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails, but they can also indicate hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
In some cases, nail changes can provide early warning signs of more serious conditions. For instance, horizontal ridges across the fingernail, also known as Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition. Similarly, pitted nails with dents that look like they were made by an ice pick, a condition known as pitting, could signal the presence of a disease that affects the entire body. Curved nails, known as spoon nails, are typically associated with anaemia or an iron deficiency, although they can also be a harmless trait that runs in the family.
While nail abnormalities can sometimes indicate more serious health issues, it is important to remember that they are often benign and may not always signify an underlying condition. Many people experience anxiety about nail abnormalities, but in most cases, these findings have no significant meaning. Nevertheless, if you notice any persistent or concerning changes to your nails, it is always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a professional opinion.
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Redness and swelling around a nail can indicate an infection
Pitted nails with dents that look like they were made by an ice pick are medically referred to as pitting. This condition could be a sign of a disease that affects your entire body. In addition, redness and swelling around a nail can indicate an infection, known as paronychia. Paronychia is a common nail condition that can affect both fingernails and toenails. It usually results from bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail come together.
Paronychia can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, with the skin feeling warm to the touch. It may also result in the formation of pus-filled blisters or abscesses. In some cases, the nail may become detached, abnormally shaped, or discoloured. While paronychia is typically not serious and can be treated at home, it is important to seek medical attention if the infection spreads or persists.
The treatment for paronychia involves addressing the underlying infection and managing the symptoms. Antibiotics are often prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In cases where pus has built up, drainage may be necessary. Warm water soaks can help reduce swelling and pain. It is important to maintain good nail hygiene and protect the nails from exposure to irritants such as detergents and chemicals.
To prevent paronychia, it is crucial to avoid nail biting, nail picking, and cuticle trimming or pushing. These activities can damage the cuticle, weaken the seal between the nail and the skin, and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, when trimming nails, it is important not to cut them too short to prevent injury to the nail bed.
While less common, fungal infections can also cause paronychia. In these cases, antifungal medications may be prescribed. It is important to note that fungal infections tend to develop more slowly and may cause chronic paronychia, which can lead to nail discolouration and abnormal shaping.
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Frequently asked questions
Pitted nails, or pocked nails, could be a sign of a disease that affects your entire body. This condition is known as "pitting" and can also be a sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
Other nail abnormalities that may indicate a health issue include white nails (leukonychia), which could be a sign of heavy metal poisoning; spoon nails, which are associated with anaemia or iron deficiency; and curved nails, which could indicate a disease in the liver, lungs or heart.
Many nail abnormalities are harmless. For example, white flecks on the nail (leukonychia) are often thought to indicate vitamin or mineral deficiencies, but evidence for this is mixed. Vertical ridges are also not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.
