Noah Sinclair
Discoloured nails can be a sign of a number of conditions, from lung or heart problems to skin cancer, infection, injury, or even ageing. While nail discolouration is common, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes.
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What You'll Learn
- Bluish nails can indicate a lung or heart problem
- Rippled or pitted nails may be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis
- Dry, brittle nails that crack or split could be linked to thyroid disease
- Yellow nails with cracking or splitting are likely due to a fungal infection
- Terry's nails, where the nailbeds look washed out, can be a symptom of liver failure or diabetes
Bluish nails can indicate a lung or heart problem
Discoloured nails can be caused by a number of conditions, including skin cancer, infection, injury, medication, or fungal infection.
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Rippled or pitted nails may be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis
Discoloured nails can be caused by a number of factors. Bluish nails, for example, can indicate that the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could be a sign of a lung problem such as emphysema or a heart problem. Rippled or pitted nails, on the other hand, may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. It can also affect the nails, causing them to become pitted, discoloured, or separated from the nail bed. Inflammatory arthritis, meanwhile, is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can also lead to nail changes, such as pitting or ridging.
If you notice that your nails are rippled or pitted, it's important to see a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. While nail changes are rarely the first sign of a disease, they can be a warning sign of an underlying condition. In addition to psoriasis and arthritis, discoloured nails can also be caused by medications, infections, or injuries. For example, antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and some chemotherapy drugs can cause nail discolouration. Fungal infections, such as tinea or lichen planus, can also affect the nails, causing them to become discoloured, brittle, or separated from the nail bed.
Another possible cause of nail discolouration is a condition called Terry's nails, in which the nail beds look "washed out" except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Terry's nails are often a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes, but they can also develop as part of the normal ageing process. If you notice any changes to your nails, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Dry, brittle nails that crack or split could be linked to thyroid disease
Discoloured nails can be caused by a number of factors. Bluish nails can indicate that the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could be a sign of a lung or heart problem. Rippled or pitted nails can be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that crack or split could be linked to thyroid disease. However, if the nails are also yellow, this is more likely to be a fungal infection.
Nail discolouration is called melanonychia and can be caused by the pigment melanin. It can also be caused by skin cancer, infection or injury. Some medications, including antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and chemotherapy drugs, can also cause discolouration.
Terry's nails is a type of nail discolouration where the nailbeds look "washed out", except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. This can be a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes, or it can be a sign of ageing.
While nail changes can accompany many conditions, they are rarely the first sign. Many nail abnormalities are harmless. However, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes to your nails.
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Yellow nails with cracking or splitting are likely due to a fungal infection
Nail discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, illnesses, skin disorders, and even chemicals. The most common cause of nail discolouration is a fungal infection, which can be contracted from the air, dirt, or dust.
It is important to note that nail discolouration can also be a sign of other health issues. For example, white nails can indicate trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Bluish nails can signal a lack of oxygen in the body, which could be due to lung problems such as emphysema or certain heart conditions.
Additionally, nail discolouration can be caused by staining from cosmetics or nail polish. In some cases, the discolouration may not be harmful and may only require treatment if the person dislikes the appearance. However, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor if you are concerned about any changes in your nail colour or texture.
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Terry's nails, where the nailbeds look washed out, can be a symptom of liver failure or diabetes
Discoloured nails can be caused by a variety of factors, from lung problems to skin cancer. Terry's nails is a type of nail discolouration where the nailbeds look washed out, except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. This condition is often a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes, and can also be a sign of ageing. If you notice this discolouration, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Terry's nails are characterised by a pale or washed-out appearance of the nail bed, with a thin reddish-brown band near the tip of the nail. This discolouration can affect all or most of the nails and is typically symmetrical, appearing on both hands. The reddish-brown band is caused by the presence of blood vessels and melanin in the nail bed, while the pale appearance of the rest of the nail bed is due to a decrease in blood flow and oxygenation.
While Terry's nails can be a sign of ageing, it is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Liver failure and diabetes are the most commonly associated chronic conditions, but other possible causes include cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and malnutrition. In some cases, Terry's nails may also be a result of certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy.
If you notice any changes to your nails, including discolouration, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. A board-certified dermatologist can examine your nails and determine if any further evaluation or treatment is necessary. While nail changes can be a warning sign of a specific disease, it is important to remember that they are rarely the first sign, and many nail abnormalities are harmless.
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Frequently asked questions
Discoloured nails can be caused by a number of factors, including skin cancer, infection, injury, medication, or a fungal infection. It could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as liver failure, diabetes, or a heart or lung problem.
If you notice any changes to your nails, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist. They will be able to diagnose and treat any skin, hair, or nail conditions.
Yes, if the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be a sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease.
