Sophia Delgado
Changes in the colour, texture, or shape of your nails can be harmless, but they can also indicate an underlying disease. Fingernail discolouration can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, long-term use of nail polish, or skin conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus. Calluses, on the other hand, are caused by repetitive movements that create friction on the skin, resulting in hardened skin. They are commonly found on the hands and fingers of people who engage in activities such as writing, playing guitar, or physical labour.
Characteristics and possible causes of fingernail discolouration and calluses
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White discoloration | Injury from cleaning under nails with a sharp object |
| Redness and swelling | Infection around the fingernail |
| Greenish-black colour | Bacterial infection |
| Yellow nails | Fungal infection, smoking, chemotherapy drugs, psoriasis, respiratory tract abnormalities, breathing issues |
| Thickened, curved, or detached nails | Yellow nail syndrome, a rare condition causing arms and legs to swell due to lymph buildup |
| Spoon-shaped nails | Iron deficiency |
| Grooves and ridges in the centre of the thumb | Habit of picking or pushing back cuticles |
| Bluish tint | Lack of oxygen in the body, possibly indicating a lung problem or heart issues |
| Rippled or pitted nails | Early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis |
| Brown or black nails | Nail melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer |
| Calluses | Biting the skin, using cuticle remover, moisturising |
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What You'll Learn
- Repetitive friction or pressing against the skin can cause calluses
- Fingernail infections can cause green, black, or white discolouration
- Yellow nails can indicate lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a nail infection
- Spoon-shaped nails can indicate an iron deficiency
- A fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress can cause nails to stop growing
Repetitive friction or pressing against the skin can cause calluses
Calluses can develop from repetitive movements and are often found on the hands and feet, especially on the palms, fingertips, and soles. They can also occur on the toes and fingers, where the skin has experienced repeated friction or rubbing. For example, a writer's callus appears between two fingers where a pen or pencil is usually gripped. Similarly, a guitarist's calluses often develop on the fingertips or the top pads of the fingers. Calluses from weightlifting are typically found on the palms, right underneath the fingers, where friction from gripping weights occurs.
Calluses can also be caused by standing, walking, or running for long periods. They can develop from physical hobbies, sports activities, or labour-intensive work that puts pressure on the hands, feet, or fingers. For instance, craftsmen, gymnasts, and weightlifters may experience calluses on their hands from the friction of handling equipment. Athletes, such as cyclists and rowers, develop calluses from repetitive motions and pressure on the same spots.
To prevent and treat calluses, it is essential to identify and address the cause. This may involve wearing properly fitted shoes, using protective gloves during activities that cause friction, or moisturising the skin regularly to keep it supple. In some cases, a pumice stone or foot file can be used to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin.
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Fingernail infections can cause green, black, or white discolouration
Fingernail infections, also known as paronychia, can cause green, black, or white discolouration. Paronychia is a nail inflammation that may result from trauma, irritation, or infection. It can affect both the fingernails and toenails. The condition can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, leading to an infection. The specific bacteria causing the infection can be identified by culturing the fluid that accumulates around the wound.
In the case of green or greenish-black discolouration, bacteria cause the infection, and the nail can turn this colour. This type of infection is typically treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage of the pus. If left untreated, the nail can become dry and brittle, detach from the nail bed, and fall off.
White discolouration can occur when the nail plate separates from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. This can happen due to minor trauma, such as cleaning under your nails with a sharp object. Onycholysis is usually harmless but can indicate an underlying infection that requires treatment.
In addition to discolouration, fingernail infections can also exhibit other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness of the skin around the nails. These infections can be caused by various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
It is important to note that fingernail abnormalities, such as discolouration, can result from various factors, including injuries, viral warts, medications, and certain medical conditions. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Yellow nails can indicate lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a nail infection
Yellowish discoloration of the nails can be indicative of various health issues, including lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a nail infection. Nails that are yellow and thickened with stopped growth could be a sign of something going on inside your body.
Lung disease is one potential cause of yellow nails. This can be accompanied by lymphoedema, which is swelling caused by blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. It may also be associated with recurrent pleural effusions (fluid collection in the space surrounding the lungs) and, less commonly, bronchiectasis (chronic, abnormal dilation of the bronchi in the lungs), chronic bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Yellow nails can also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. This condition is often associated with high titers of rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptide. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis-related yellow nails may include medications such as sulfasalazine and vitamin E supplements.
In addition to these conditions, yellow nails could indicate a serious nail infection requiring treatment. While yellow nails can be a sign of an internal issue, it's important to note that external factors like smoking or wearing red nail polish without a base coat can also contribute to nail discoloration.
If you notice persistent or concerning nail discoloration, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions and provide guidance on nail care.
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Spoon-shaped nails can indicate an iron deficiency
Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, are a condition where fingernails are thin and concave, resembling a spoon. This condition can occur in both fingernails and toenails, and it is often a sign of iron deficiency or anaemia. People with spoon-shaped nails may also have underlying medical conditions such as lupus, heart disease, or celiac disease.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of spoon-shaped nails. This can be due to various factors, including dietary choices, absorption issues, or blood loss. For example, those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may be at a higher risk of iron deficiency, as meat contains more absorbable iron than plant-based sources. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or intestinal bleeding, can affect the body's ability to absorb or retain iron.
To treat spoon-shaped nails caused by iron deficiency, increasing iron intake through diet or supplements is crucial. Eating iron-rich foods, such as meat, seafood, beans, leafy greens, and iron-fortified bread or cereal, can help raise iron levels. Additionally, consuming vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.
While spoon-shaped nails can indicate an iron deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Spoon-shaped nails can also be caused by other factors, such as genetic or environmental factors, trauma to the nail, or underlying medical conditions. In some cases, spoon-shaped nails may be a symptom of a more serious underlying disease, so seeking medical advice is essential.
It is worth noting that nail abnormalities, including discolouration and calluses, can result from various factors such as injuries, infections, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions. Therefore, any concerns about nail health should be addressed with a doctor or dermatologist, who can examine and advise on the best course of action.
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A fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress can cause nails to stop growing
Fingernails can be a window to your health, and discolouration or calluses can indicate an underlying issue. Nails that are mostly white with darker rims, for instance, can be a sign of liver problems. Similarly, bluish nails can indicate a lack of oxygen in the body, possibly pointing to a lung or heart problem. Yellow nails are often caused by a fungal infection, but can also be a sign of something more serious, such as thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.
Deep grooves or gaps that run the width of your nail, known as Beau lines, can indicate that something has slowed or stopped your nails from growing. A fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress are common causes of nails growing slowly or stopping altogether. Chemotherapy, in particular, can cause nails to become weak and brittle, and they may even split from the nail bed (onycholysis). Nails may also change colour, with some people experiencing colourless ridges known as Beau's lines. In some cases, nails may fall off after several rounds of chemotherapy treatment.
If you are unsure about what may have caused your nails to stop growing, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can help identify the root cause and provide guidance to promote normal nail growth.
It is important to note that nail abnormalities can result from various factors, including injuries, infections, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. While changes in nail appearance may provide clues about your health, a comprehensive diagnosis requires considering all symptoms and conducting a physical examination.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernail discoloration can be caused by various factors, including fungal infections, smoking, or certain diseases. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as skin cancer or a rare nail tumor.
If you notice any pain, bleeding, or splitting of the nail, it is important to consult a dermatologist. Additionally, if your nails turn yellow, thicken, and stop growing, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
Calluses are caused by repetitive movements or activities that create friction or pressure on the skin. This could include writing, playing musical instruments, weightlifting, or even gripping a steering wheel.
Calluses are generally not harmful, but they can be a source of irritation or discomfort, especially if they are on weight-bearing areas of the hands or feet.
To remove calluses, you can use over-the-counter products and creams, or consult a medical professional for advice. In some cases, reducing the repetitive activities that cause callus formation can help prevent their occurrence.
