Sophia Delgado
Discoloured nails can be a warning sign of diseases, infections, anaemia, and even poisoning. Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues. Terry nails may sometimes occur as part of normal ageing. Yellow nails can be a sign of lung disease, while greenish-black nails can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discolouration | Black, brown, greenish-black, yellow, yellow-green, white/pale, blue, red |
| Cause | Fungal infection, nail injuries, birth deformities, psoriasis, lichen planus, tumours, drugs, infections, diseases, anaemia, poisoning, melanoma, lung disease, poor circulation |
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What You'll Learn
- Melanonychia: dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but can also indicate health issues
- Onychomycosis: a fungal infection that causes about 50% of nail dystrophies
- Green nail syndrome: a greenish discolouration of the nails caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria
- Yellow nail syndrome: nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green, and is often caused by lung diseases
- Dark streaks: dark streaks on a fingernail or toenail could be a sign of melanoma
Melanonychia: dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but can also indicate health issues
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. This can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues. 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.
There are many possible causes of melanonychia, so an accurate diagnosis is vital. One possible cause is a fungal infection, which is responsible for about 50% of nail dystrophies. Other causes include nail injuries, birth deformities of the nails, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours (cancerous and noncancerous).
Dark streaks on a fingernail or toenail could be a sign of melanoma, so it's important to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Other possible causes of discoloured nails include lung diseases, which can cause yellow nail syndrome, and Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose.
In some cases, discoloured nails may be a warning sign of diseases, infections, anemia, or even poisoning. It's important to watch out for unexplained changes to blue, white/pale, greenish-black, yellow, or red, which can affect either the whole nail or just parts of it.
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Onychomycosis: a fungal infection that causes about 50% of nail dystrophies
Discoloured nails can be harmless, but they can also be a warning sign of diseases, infections, anaemia, or even poisoning.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes about 50% of nail dystrophies. It can cause discolouration of the nails, which can be black or brown. The discolouration can occur in one or more digits and can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail. It can cause the nails to become thick, slow-growing, and yellow. Onychomycosis is often diagnosed by a doctor examining the nails.
Other causes of discoloured nails include nail injuries, birth deformities of the nails, psoriasis, lichen planus, and occasionally tumours (cancerous and noncancerous). Drugs, infections, and diseases can also cause discolouration of the nails. For example, an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a greenish discolouration, known as Green Nail Syndrome.
Some lung diseases, often accompanied by lymphoedema (an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues), may cause yellow nail syndrome, in which nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green in colour. 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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Green nail syndrome: a greenish discolouration of the nails caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, diseases, drugs, and injuries. One particular condition, known as Green Nail Syndrome, is characterised by a greenish discolouration of the nails caused by an infection with Pseudomonas bacteria.
Green Nail Syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition that typically affects individuals who have their hands submerged in water for prolonged periods, such as dishwashers, swimmers, and cleaners. The warm, moist environment created by frequent water exposure provides an ideal setting for the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria, which leads to the characteristic greenish discolouration of the nails.
The discolouration associated with Green Nail Syndrome typically manifests as a greenish-black or dark green hue, affecting either the entire nail or just parts of it. In some cases, the nail may also become thickened, brittle, or distorted in shape. It is important to note that this condition is not limited to the fingernails and can also occur on the toenails, particularly in individuals who frequently wear closed-toe shoes, creating a similar warm and moist environment conducive to bacterial growth.
While Green Nail Syndrome is often associated with water exposure, it can also be linked to other factors that create a favourable environment for bacterial growth. For example, individuals with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease may experience increased moisture and reduced blood flow to the extremities, making them more susceptible to this condition. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing nail conditions, such as nail psoriasis or onychomycosis, may be at a higher risk of developing Green Nail Syndrome.
The treatment for Green Nail Syndrome typically involves addressing the underlying bacterial infection and improving nail health. Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to eradicate the Pseudomonas bacteria, and proper nail care practices, such as keeping nails trimmed and avoiding excessive water exposure, can help prevent recurrence. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if the infection has spread beyond the nail bed or is causing significant nail deformity.
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Yellow nail syndrome: nails become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green, and is often caused by lung diseases
Yellow nail syndrome is a condition that causes nails to become thick, overcurved, and yellow or yellow-green in colour. It is often a symptom of lung diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Fluid in the lungs and hands can also lead to yellow nail syndrome. In addition, Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose, can also result in yellow nail syndrome.
Yellow nail syndrome is characterised by a thickening and overcurving of the nails, which take on a yellow or yellow-green hue. This discolouration is often an indication of underlying lung issues. It is important to note that yellow nail syndrome may be indicative of a more serious health condition and should not be ignored. If you notice any changes in your nail colour or texture, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Dark streaks: dark streaks on a fingernail or toenail could be a sign of melanoma
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, some harmless and some more serious. Dark streaks on a fingernail or toenail could be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer that can develop if unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds) triggers genetic mutations, or if abnormal skin cells begin to invade and destroy healthy tissue.
The presence of dark streaks on the nails, also known as melanonychia, can be a warning sign of melanoma. Melanonychia refers to the dark pigmentation of the nails, which may appear as a single dark band or streak, or may involve the entire nail. It can affect one or more nails and is characterised by black or brown discolouration. While melanonychia can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, it can also indicate health issues.
As melanoma is easier to treat when diagnosed early, it is important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible if you notice any dark streaks on your nails. They will be able to examine your nails and determine whether the discolouration is a cause for concern.
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Frequently asked questions
Yellow nails are often a sign of lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Yellow nails can also be caused by fluid in the lungs and hands, or Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes and nose.
Black or brown nails are a sign of melanonychia, which is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. Melanonychia can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues.
Green nails are often a sign of a bacterial infection, such as Pseudomonas bacteria, which can cause a greenish discolouration known as Green Nail Syndrome.
