Isla Bennett
Discoloured nails can be a warning sign of diseases, infections, anaemia, and even poisoning. The discolouration can occur in one or more digits and can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail. There are many possible causes, so an accurate diagnosis is vital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discolouration | Black, brown, greenish-black, yellow, yellow-green, red, white/pale, blue |
| Streak | Dark, red and white |
| Shape | Thick, overcurved, pincer |
| Texture | Thickened |
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What You'll Learn
- Melanonychia: dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be black or brown
- Onychomycosis: a fungal infection that causes nail dystrophies
- Green nail syndrome: a greenish discolouration caused by Pseudomonas bacteria
- Yellow nail syndrome: caused by some lung diseases, nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green
- Darier disease: causes red and white streaks on the nails and V-shaped notches on the tips
Melanonychia: dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be black or brown
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. This discolouration may be black or brown and can occur in one or more nails. 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 semitransparent because of a lack of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. However, under some circumstances, melanin can cause nail discolouration, leading to melanonychia.
There are many possible causes of melanonychia, so an accurate diagnosis is vital. It could be a sign of melanoma, so if you notice any dark streaks on your nails, it's a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist right away as they're easier to treat when diagnosed early.
Other causes of nail discolouration include fungal infections, nail injuries, birth deformities of the nails, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours (cancerous and noncancerous). Terry nails may sometimes occur as part of normal ageing. Some lung diseases, often accompanied by lymphedema, may cause yellow nail syndrome, in which nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green in colour.
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Onychomycosis: a fungal infection that causes nail dystrophies
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, from injuries and staining to severe health conditions. The most common cause of discoloured nails is a fungal infection, known as onychomycosis. This condition is characterised by nail dystrophies, which are deformities or abnormalities of the nails. Onychomycosis is caused by a fungus present in the air, dirt, and dust. It is a common condition that can affect both the fingernails and toenails.
Onychomycosis typically causes the nails to become discoloured, thickened, and brittle. The nails may also separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. In some cases, onychomycosis can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the infection is severe.
The treatment for onychomycosis typically involves the use of antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally. In some cases, nail avulsion, or the removal of the affected nail, may be recommended. Preventative measures, such as keeping the nails short and dry, can also help to reduce the risk of onychomycosis.
While onychomycosis is the most common cause of nail dystrophies, other factors can also contribute. Nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, and tumours (both cancerous and noncancerous) can also cause nail dystrophies. Additionally, certain drugs, infections, and diseases can lead to nail discolouration. For example, infection with Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a greenish discolouration, known as Green Nail Syndrome.
It is important to note that nail discolouration does not always indicate a serious condition. However, if you are concerned about any changes in your nail appearance, it is recommended to consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
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Green nail syndrome: a greenish discolouration caused by Pseudomonas bacteria
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, from injuries and staining to severe health conditions. The most common cause of discoloured nails is a fungal infection. However, they can also be caused by skin disorders, chemicals, drugs, infections, and diseases.
Green nail syndrome is a greenish discolouration of the nails caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria. This condition is often diagnosed by a doctor examining the nails. It is important to note that while nail discolouration can be a sign of an underlying health issue, it does not always indicate a serious condition. Toenail discolouration, for example, may improve without treatment if the toe has had a chance to heal from an injury.
If you are concerned about nail discolouration, it is recommended to consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate care.
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Yellow nail syndrome: caused by some lung diseases, nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green
Discoloured nails can be indicative of a number of health issues. Yellow nail syndrome, for example, is caused by some lung diseases, and is characterised by nails that become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green. Terry nails, which are sometimes a natural part of ageing, can also cause nails to become yellow or yellow-green.
Greenish discolouration of the nails can be caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria, known as Green Nail Syndrome.
Dark streaks on the nails could be a sign of melanoma, and should be checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Nail discolouration can also be caused by nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, or tumours.
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Darier disease: causes red and white streaks on the nails and V-shaped notches on the tips
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours. In some cases, discoloured nails can indicate an underlying health issue. For example, Darier disease causes red and white streaks on the nails and V-shaped notches on the tips. This rare genetic disorder is characterised by skin lesions and nail abnormalities. The red and white streaks on the nails are a result of inflammation and hyperkeratosis, which is an overgrowth of the top layer of skin. The V-shaped notches on the tips of the nails are caused by the thinning and splitting of the nail plate. This condition typically affects the hands and feet, and the severity can vary from person to person.
In addition to Darier disease, there are other conditions that can cause nail discolouration. Melanonychia, for instance, refers to dark pigmentation of the nails, which can appear as black or brown streaks. While it can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, it can also indicate health issues. Similarly, yellow nail syndrome is characterised by thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green nails, often associated with lung diseases and lymphedema. Greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection, specifically by Pseudomonas bacteria, leading to what is known as Green Nail Syndrome.
It is important to note that nail discolouration can have multiple causes, and an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Some changes in nail colour may be harmless, but they can also indicate underlying conditions such as diseases, infections, anaemia, or even poisoning. Dark streaks on the nails, for example, could be a sign of melanoma and should be examined by a dermatologist as early detection facilitates treatment. Therefore, if you notice any unusual nail discolouration or other nail abnormalities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
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Frequently asked questions
Discoloured nails can be caused by a number of factors, including fungal infections, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours.
Dark streaks on a fingernail or toenail could be a sign of melanoma. It's important to get this checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Yellow nails can be a symptom of lung disease, often accompanied by lymphoedema (an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues).
While there are some harmless causes of nails turning white or pale, it could also be a warning sign of diseases, infections, anemia, or even poisoning.
Red and white streaks on the nails can be a symptom of Darier disease, which also causes V-shaped notches to form on the tips of the nails.
