Isla Bennett
Changes in the appearance of nails, such as curving, can be harmless traits that run in the family or a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a result of underlying health issues, such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, or skin conditions like eczema. In some cases, nail abnormalities may be a warning sign of a specific disease, such as lung cancer, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or cardiovascular disease. It is important to pay attention to changes in the nails and consult a doctor if other symptoms are present.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | May be harmless and run in families, or a result of aging |
| Can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as lung cancer, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, or skin cancer | |
| Can be caused by nutritional deficits, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or low levels of zinc or iron | |
| Can be caused by chemotherapy, fever, injury, or major stress | |
| Can be caused by yeast-like organism Candida, or bacteria | |
| Can be caused by skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis | |
| Can be caused by certain medications, such as antibiotics | |
| Can be caused by wearing tight shoes or improper nail cutting | |
| Treatment | Treating the underlying cause may help nails return to normal |
| A doctor will identify the underlying issue and advise on treatment | |
| A dermatologist can start a treatment plan |
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Fingernail ridges
Deep horizontal ridges may suggest a serious condition, such as acute kidney disease, and can even stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. Beau's lines can also be caused by medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, trauma to the nails, or malnutrition.
Other potential causes of fingernail ridges include vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, zinc, or biotin. In addition, certain diseases like diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, and thyroid problems can also cause ridges in fingernails.
Nail abnormalities can also manifest as changes in colour, shape, texture, or thickness. For example, white nail syndrome, or "leukonychia", can be caused by arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia. Yellow nail syndrome, characterised by thickening and yellow to yellow-green discolouration, may indicate lymphoedema or compromised respiration. Curved nails, or "nail clubbing", can be a harmless trait that runs in the family, but they can also indicate more serious conditions, such as lung cancer, lung infections, or cardiovascular disease.
If you notice persistent, noticeable changes to your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor will be able to identify the underlying issue and advise on the appropriate treatment.
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Nail abnormalities
Fingernails can reveal a lot about a person's health. Changes in the colour, shape, texture, or thickness of the nails can be indicative of various underlying health issues. Curved nails, for instance, can be a result of increased blood flow to the fingertips or an underlying health condition such as a fungal infection or chronic psoriasis. In some cases, curved nails can be harmless, running in the family, or caused by tight shoes or improper nail cutting.
The presence of red, swollen areas at the base of the nail, along with changes in the nail itself, could indicate an infection known as paronychia, caused by the yeast-like organism Candida. White nail syndrome, or leukonychia, can be associated with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia. Yellow nail syndrome, characterised by thickening and yellow to yellow-green discolouration, may be indicative of lymphoedema and compromised respiration.
In some cases, nail abnormalities can be a warning sign of cancer. Dark streaks on the nail could indicate subungual melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Hutchinson's sign, a darkening of the cuticle with a pigmented streak, may also indicate aggressive melanoma. Nail clubbing, where nails appear wider and spongy, is often associated with underlying health conditions, particularly lung cancer, lung infections, and cardiovascular disease.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice persistent, noticeable changes in your nails, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. A dermatologist or doctor can examine your nails, assess any underlying issues, and advise on the appropriate treatment plan.
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Curved nails
Other potential causes of curved nails include fungal infections, which may be temporary, and certain medications or antibiotics. Moreover, external factors such as long-term exposure to moisture or nail polish can contribute to nail curvature by causing the nails to become brittle and peel.
While curved nails can sometimes be harmless, it is important to monitor any changes in your nails and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual symptoms or persistent nail abnormalities. A doctor can help identify any underlying health issues and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Nail infections
Paronychia is a common nail infection that usually results from bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail come together. Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but it is more common among people who work with water, such as bartenders and dishwashers, and those exposed to irritants like detergents and other chemicals.
Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin may be red and warm to the touch, and there may be pus that builds up under the skin. An abscess may form and require antibiotics and/or drainage. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. It may look yellow or green and can be dry and brittle.
Most nail infections get better with antibiotics. However, in some cases, the infection lasts a long time or comes back after treatment. This is known as chronic paronychia, which is more commonly caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures, or less often, by a chronic bacterial or fungal infection.
Another type of nail infection is a fungal nail infection, which is also known as onychomycosis. This infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails, and the infection can cause pain or discomfort.
Fungal nail infections are usually treated with antifungal medication, which comes in tablets or a special paint applied directly to the nail. A small sample of the infected nail may need to be taken to confirm the presence of a fungal infection before treatment begins. It can take several months for the infection to clear up completely, and if treatment is stopped too early, the infection may return.
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Nail discolouration
Fingernail discolouration can be harmless, but it can also signify an underlying disease. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the possible causes of nail discolouration:
Yellow Nails
Yellow nail syndrome is characterised by thickened yellow to yellow-green nails that seem to stop growing. It could be a sign of lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a severe nail infection. Yellow nails can also be caused by long-term use of nail polish or smoking.
White Nails
White nail syndrome, also known as leukonychia, can be caused by drugs or disease. It is associated with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia. White nails can also be a sign of nail lifting, or onycholysis, which is often caused by injury or infection.
Dark Nails
Dark-coloured nails can be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Endocarditis, a bacterial infection that turns the nail greenish-black, can also cause discolouration.
Blue Nails
High silver intake can cause blue nails.
Green Nails
Pseudomonas bacterial infection causes green nail syndrome, a greenish discolouration of the nails.
Red and White Nails
Darier disease causes red and white streaks on the nails and V-shaped notches on the tips of the nails.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause spoon-shaped nails, known as koilonychia. This condition is particularly associated with Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can result in Lindsay nails, where the bottom half of the nail is white and the top half is pink or pigmented.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common causes of fingernail abnormalities include nutritional deficits, internal diseases, and skin conditions.
If the fingernails are curved, pitted, or have ridges, this may indicate a serious condition. Other warning signs include colour changes, such as dark streaks, which could be a sign of melanoma, or white nails, which could indicate renal failure or hypoalbuminemia.
Treatments for fingernail abnormalities depend on the underlying cause. For example, if the issue is caused by a nutritional deficit, such as a vitamin deficiency or iron deficiency, diet alterations or supplements may be recommended. If the issue is caused by a skin condition, such as eczema, moisturisers or topical ointments may be prescribed. In some cases, surgery or medication may be required.
If you notice any persistent, noticeable changes to your fingernails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if other symptoms are present.
