Isla Bennett
Changes in your nails can be due to a variety of factors, from medical conditions to trauma or products used on the nails. Some nail changes can be harmless, such as nonuniform white spots or lines (leukonychia), which are usually the result of minor trauma. However, some nail abnormalities can indicate more serious health issues. For example, deep grooves or gaps that run the width of the nail (Beau lines) can be a sign of malnourishment or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles or mumps. It is important to be aware of the potential meanings of different nail marks and to seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Small depressions or pits in the nail | Pitting, common in people with psoriasis |
| Nonuniform white spots or lines | Leukonychia, usually the result of minor trauma |
| White lines | Mees' lines, can be a sign of arsenic poisoning |
| Nail plate separates from nail bed | Onycholysis |
| Deep grooves or gaps that run the length of the nail | Beau lines, usually nothing to worry about |
| Deep grooves that run the width of the nail | Onychomadesis, caused by something that slows or stops nail growth |
| Discoloration (dark or white streaks, changes in nail colour) | Can be caused by a variety of conditions, including malnourishment, diseases that cause a high fever, or certain drugs |
| Nails thicken and curve around fingertips | Clubbing, a process that generally takes years |
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What You'll Learn
White spots or lines on the nail (leukonychia)
Nonuniform white spots or lines on the nail are called leukonychia. They are usually the result of a minor trauma and are harmless in healthy individuals. However, sometimes leukonychia is associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies. Factors can include infectious, metabolic, or systemic diseases as well as certain drugs.
White spots on the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, or certain drugs. In some cases, white spots on the nails can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as infectious, metabolic, or systemic diseases.
If you notice white spots or lines on your nails, it is generally recommended to give your nails a break from polish or other products and allow the nail to grow. If the spots remain or reappear, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Deep grooves or gaps that run the length of the nail are common and usually nothing to worry about. These are known as Beau lines. However, if you see deep grooves that run the width of your nail, it means that something slowed or stopped your nails from growing for a while. This condition is called onychomadesis.
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Deep grooves or gaps in the nail (Beau lines)
Deep grooves or gaps in the nail are known as Beau lines. They are common and usually nothing to worry about. However, if you see deep grooves that run the width of your nail, it means that something slowed or stopped your nails from growing for a while. This can be caused by malnourishment, or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever. If you notice deep grooves or gaps in your nails, it is important to monitor them and seek medical advice if they persist or cause concern.
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Disappearance of half-moons at the base of the nail
The disappearance of half-moons at the base of the nail is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, if they have disappeared after being visible for some time, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
Half-moons, or lunulae, are the white crescent shapes at the base of the nail. They are part of the nail matrix, which is the area underneath the cuticle where new nail cells are produced. The lunulae are usually covered by the skin at the base of the nail, so their disappearance is not always noticeable.
There are a few potential causes for the disappearance of half-moons. One possibility is that the nail matrix has been damaged or traumatised, which can cause the lunulae to disappear temporarily. This could be due to an injury, such as hitting your finger, or it could be the result of repetitive actions, such as typing or playing a musical instrument. In some cases, the lunulae may reappear once the nail has grown out.
Another potential cause of disappearing half-moons is a condition called onycholysis, which occurs when the nail plate separates from the nail bed. This can cause the nail to appear white or discoloured, and it may also affect the shape of the nail. Onycholysis can be caused by trauma to the nail, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
If the disappearance of half-moons is accompanied by other nail changes, such as thickening or curving of the nails, it could be a sign of clubbing. Clubbing is a gradual process that generally takes years, and it can be a symptom of various lung and heart conditions.
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Depressions in the nail (pitting)
Depressions in the nail, also known as pitting, refers to small pits or depressions in the nail. This is common in people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, red, and irritated. Pitting can also be a sign of malnourishment or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever. Deep grooves or gaps that run the length of the nail are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you see deep grooves that run the width of your nail, it means that something slowed or stopped your nail growth for a while. This condition is called onychomadesis.
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Dark streaks or changes in nail colour
Another possible cause of dark streaks is melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you notice any new or changing dark streaks on your nails, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
In some cases, dark streaks or changes in nail colour can be caused by trauma to the nail. This can include physical injury or exposure to harsh chemicals. If you have recently experienced any type of nail trauma, it is important to take care of your nails and allow them to heal.
Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies can also cause changes in nail colour. For example, a lack of iron or vitamin B12 can lead to pale or brittle nails. Eating a balanced diet and taking supplements can help improve nail health in these cases.
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Frequently asked questions
These are called leukonychia and are usually the result of minor trauma. They are harmless in healthy individuals but can sometimes be associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies.
These are called Beau lines and are common and usually nothing to worry about. If you see deep grooves that run the width of your nail, it means that something slowed or stopped your nails from growing for a while.
This is called pitting and is common in people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, red, and irritated.
Discolouration of the nails can be due to a variety of medical conditions and you should see your doctor if you notice this.
These are called Mees' lines and can be a sign of arsenic poisoning. If you have this symptom, your doctor will take hair or tissue samples to check for arsenic in your body.
