Sophia Delgado
Discolouration of the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, skin disorders, and chemicals. In some cases, nail discolouration can be a sign of an underlying health condition. The type of discolouration can vary, with white, yellow, brown, black, and green nails all signalling different potential issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, tumours, drugs, infections, diseases, long-term use of nail polish |
| Colour | Black, brown, yellow, green, white |
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Fungal infections
Nail discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections. About 50% of nail dystrophies are caused by a fungal infection (onychomycosis). The infection is caused by a common fungus present in the air, dirt, and dust.
Fungal nail infections can develop when fungi enter the nails through small cuts or breaks in the skin. They can also occur when the nails are frequently exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shared shower floors. People with diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing fungal nail infections.
The treatment for fungal nail infections typically involves the use of topical or oral antifungal medications. These medications work by killing the fungi and preventing their growth. In some cases, the infected part of the nail may need to be removed surgically. It is important to consult a doctor if you suspect a fungal nail infection, as early treatment can improve the chances of successful recovery.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is recommended to keep the nails clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot in public places, and wear shoes that fit well and allow the feet to breathe. Additionally, practising good hygiene, such as washing the hands regularly and not sharing personal care items, can help reduce the risk of infection.
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Skin disorders
Discolouration of the nails can be a symptom of a skin disorder, but it can also be caused by a variety of other factors, such as infections, drugs, chemicals, or even long-term use of nail polish.
Fungal Infections
About 50% of nail dystrophies are caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can cause the nails to become discoloured, usually with a greenish hue, although the colour can vary. Doctors can usually diagnose this by examining the nails.
Melanonychia
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails, which can appear as black or brown discolouration. While this can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, it can also indicate health issues. An accurate diagnosis is vital as there are many possible causes.
Beau Lines
Beau lines are horizontal grooves in the nail plate that can be seen from the side. They can occur after an infection, injury, systemic illness, or chemotherapy. These lines can be white or yellow and run across the width of the fingernail.
Other Causes
Nail discolouration can also be caused by a variety of illnesses or diseases, such as liver disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, heart failure, or heavy metal poisoning. White nails, in particular, can signal trauma or a lack of nutrients in the diet.
If you notice any changes to your nails, it is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist, as they specialise in diagnosing and treating nail disorders and can determine whether the changes are harmless or require further medical attention.
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Chemicals
Nail discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including chemicals. Long-term use of nail polish can result in yellow or brownish discolouration. However, it is important to note that nail discolouration can also be caused by infections with common fungi present in the air, dirt, and dust. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition or illness. For example, white nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. If you are concerned about nail discolouration, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
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Melanonychia
The nail plate is usually semitransparent due to a lack of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. However, under certain circumstances, melanin can cause nail discolouration, leading to melanonychia.
There are various causes of nail discolouration, including fungal infections, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours. Long-term use of nail polish can also result in yellow or brownish discolouration.
If you are concerned about nail discolouration, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. While some causes of nail discolouration may be benign, others may indicate underlying health issues.
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Pseudomonas bacteria
Nail dystrophies can also be caused by nail injuries, birth deformities of the nails, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours (both cancerous and noncancerous). In addition, long-term use of nail polish can result in yellow or brownish discolouration.
Nail discolouration can also be a sign of a variety of illnesses, skin disorders, or exposure to chemicals. For example, white nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Melanonychia, or dark pigmentation of the nails, can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail discolouration is often caused by fungal infections, but can also be caused by a variety of illnesses, skin disorders, or even chemicals.
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. It can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues.
Yes, long-term use of nail polish can result in yellow or brownish discolouration of the nails.
Beau lines can occur after an infection, injury, systemic illness, or chemotherapy. They are horizontal grooves in the nail plate that can be easily seen from the side.
