Liam Carter
White nails are the most common nail dyschromia. This can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, zinc or calcium deficiency, fungal infections, or allergic reactions. In some cases, white nails can be a sign of more serious health issues, such as kidney failure, lung disease, or cardiovascular disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury, zinc or calcium deficiency, fungal infection, allergic reaction, lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney failure, AIDS, chemotherapy, poor blood circulation, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma |
| Appearance | White spots, half white and half brown, bluish, yellow, thickened, crumbly, detached from nail bed |
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What You'll Learn
- White nails can be a sign of kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working properly
- White nails can be a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, known as 'Terry's nails'
- White nails can be caused by a zinc or calcium deficiency
- White nails can be caused by a fungal infection
- White nails can be caused by an injury, such as striking the fingertip
White nails can be a sign of kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working properly
White nails can also be caused by a fungal nail infection, known as onychomycosis, which is caused by many species of fungi, the most common being Trichophyton rubrum. This infection can start as a discoloured area at the corner of the nail and spread towards the cuticle, or vice versa. Yeast onychomycosis, caused by Candida, may be the most common cause of fungal fingernails.
White spots on the nails are generally harmless and are often caused by injury or trauma to the nails. They can also be caused by zinc or calcium deficiency, fungal infections, or allergic reactions. Nails may also take on a bluish tinge if the body lacks adequate oxygen, which can be a sign of heart disease or emphysema.
White nails can be a symptom of a nail disorder, such as spoon-shaped nails or nails with white lines, which may indicate underlying diseases ranging from psoriasis to squamous cell carcinoma.
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White nails can be a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, known as 'Terry's nails'
White nails can be a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, known as Terry's nails. Terry's nails are characterised by a white nail with a partial or full discolouration of the nail plate, causing the nail to lose its general pink undertone and appear white. This can be a sign of serious underlying health conditions, such as kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working properly. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with kidney failure have 'half-and-half' fingernails, which are white near the nail bed and brown near the tips. Terry's nails can also be a sign of AIDS or a history of chemotherapy.
White nails can also be caused by fungal infections, which may be the result of frequent manicures, zinc or calcium deficiency, or allergic reactions. In some cases, white nails may be a sign of nail separation from the nail bed due to injury or infection. This can cause the nail to turn white with a yellow or greenish tint and may be tender or painful.
It is important to note that random white spots that appear on the nails are generally harmless and can be caused by minor injuries or trauma to the nails. However, if the white discolouration is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, thick and overgrown nails that resemble the horns of a ram may be a sign of poor blood circulation, which can contribute to decreased blood supply to the nail bed and the development of Terry's nails. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to any changes in nail appearance and seek medical advice if concerned.
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White nails can be caused by a zinc or calcium deficiency
White nails are the most common nail dyschromia and are also known as leukonychia, which is the partial or full discolouration of the nail plate on one or more fingernails or toenails. The nail will lose its general pink undertone and appear white.
Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi, but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis starts as a discoloured area at the nail's corner and slowly spreads toward the cuticle. Proximal subungal onychomycosis, meanwhile, starts at the cuticle and spreads toward the nail tip.
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White nails can be caused by a fungal infection
Fungal nail infections can also cause the nails to thicken, crumble or detach from the nail bed. If most of the nail has turned white and it isn't because it has become detached from the nail bed, it's likely to be a fungal nail infection or a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, known as 'Terry's nails'.
Fingernails that are half white and half brown can be a sign of kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working properly. They also sometimes occur in people with AIDS and those who've had chemotherapy.
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White nails can be caused by an injury, such as striking the fingertip
White nails can also be a sign of a fungal nail infection, which may be caused by many species of fungi, but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis starts as a discoloured area at the nail's corner and slowly spreads toward the cuticle. Proximal subungal onychomycosis, on the other hand, starts at the cuticle and spreads toward the nail tip. Yeast onychomycosis is caused by Candida and may be the most common cause of fungal fingernails.
White nails can also be a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, which causes something known as 'Terry's nails'. This can be caused by an injury, such as striking the fingertip, which can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed. The detached nail may turn white with a yellow or greenish tint and may be tender or painful.
White nails can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. For example, curved or 'clubbed' nails can be a sign of lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails that resemble the horns of a ram may be a sign of poor blood circulation or conditions such as psoriasis.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be leukonychia, a partial or full discolouration of the nail plate. It could also be a fungal nail infection, or a sign of decreased blood supply to the nail bed, known as 'Terry's nails'.
Random white spots on the nails are generally harmless and caused by an injury, such as striking the fingertip or repeated trauma to the nails from frequent manicures. Other potential causes include zinc or calcium deficiency, fungal infections or allergic reactions.
This could be a sign of kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working properly. It can also sometimes occur in people with AIDS and those who've had chemotherapy.
This could be due to an injury or infection. The nail may also have a yellow or greenish tint and may be tender or painful.
This could be due to enlarged fingertips, which may be inherited or associated with lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease or liver disease.
