Sophia Delgado
Discolouration of the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, from fungal infections to skin disorders, drugs, and diseases. In some cases, it may be a natural occurrence, but it can also indicate a health issue. For example, white nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Long-term use of nail polish can also cause yellow or brownish discolouration. It is important to see a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes to your nails, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine whether the change is harmless or requires medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, tumours, drugs, infections, diseases, long-term use of nail polish, melanin, bacteria |
| Colour | Yellow, brown, black, green, white |
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What You'll Learn
Fungal infections
Nail discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections. In fact, about 50% of nail dystrophies are caused by a fungal infection (onychomycosis). This is usually caused by a common fungus present in the air, dirt, and dust.
In some cases, fungal infections can lead to melanonychia, which is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. This discolouration can be black or brown and can affect one or more nails. It can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail.
If you notice any discolouration or other changes to your nails, it's important to consult a doctor or a board-certified dermatologist. They can examine your nails and determine whether the changes are harmless or indicative of a more serious condition.
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Skin disorders
Nail discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including skin disorders, infections, and diseases.
Infections
Fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are a common cause of nail discolouration. This can be caused by common fungi present in the air, dirt, and dust. Bacterial infections, such as Pseudomonas bacteria, can also cause discolouration, resulting in a greenish hue known as Green Nail Syndrome.
Diseases
Nail discolouration can be a warning sign of an underlying disease. For example, white nails can indicate a low red blood cell count, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Melanonychia, or dark pigmentation of the nails, can also be a sign of health issues, although it may also be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin.
It is important to note that not all nail discolouration is indicative of a serious health issue. However, if you notice any changes, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist or your doctor for further evaluation.
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Chemically-induced discolouration
In some cases, chemically-induced discolouration may be a warning sign of a specific disease or health issue. For instance, white nails can signal liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, or heavy metal poisoning. It is important to note that not all nail discolouration indicates a serious health problem, but if you notice any changes, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
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Melanonychia (dark pigmentation)
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. The discolouration may be black or brown and can occur in one or more digits. It can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail.
Melanonychia can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues. The nail plate is usually semi-transparent because of a lack of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. However, under some circumstances, melanin can cause nail discolouration, leading to melanonychia.
As with other nail discolourations, it's important to see a doctor or board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes. They will be able to tell you whether the change is harmless or requires medical testing.
The majority of nail discolouration is caused by infections with common fungi present in the air, dirt, and dust. However, they can be caused by a variety of illnesses, skin disorders, or even chemicals. For example, infection with Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a greenish discolouration (see Green Nail Syndrome).
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Chromonychia (caused by drugs, infections, and diseases)
Discolouration of the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, skin disorders, and chemicals. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. One specific type of nail discolouration is chromonychia, which can be caused by drugs, infections, or diseases.
Chromonychia is a condition where the nails become discoloured due to the presence of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. The discolouration can occur in one or more nails and can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail. While melanonychia can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, it can also indicate health issues. For example, it has been linked to health issues such as liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, and a lack of nutrients in the diet.
In some cases, chromonychia may be caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria, which can cause a greenish discolouration known as Green Nail Syndrome. Other possible causes of nail discolouration include long-term use of nail polish, which can result in yellow or brownish discolouration, and fungal infections, which are responsible for about 50% of nail dystrophies.
It is important to note that not all nail discolouration indicates a serious health problem. However, if you notice any changes to your nails, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist, as they specialise in diagnosing and treating nail disorders and can determine whether the change is harmless or requires further medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of a fungal infection, or a variety of illnesses, skin disorders, or even chemicals.
White nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet.
This could be the result of long-term use of nail polish.
Green nails could be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as Pseudomonas.
