Caleb Foster
Fingernails can reveal a lot about a person's health. Changes in the colour, texture, or shape of nails can indicate underlying health issues. For instance, white nails, known as leukonychia, could be a sign of trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning. Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can indicate iron deficiency, while clubbed nails, which curve downwards, can be a sign of low blood oxygen levels and lung cancer. Nail abnormalities are not always a cause for concern, but it's important to consult a dermatologist if you notice any significant changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White, Yellow, Greenish-black, Pink |
| Texture | Ridges, Bumps, Grooves, Flatness, Brittleness, Thickening, Thinning, Spoon-shaped |
| Shape | Convex, Curved, Clubbed, Detached |
| Lunula | Crescent-shaped, whitish base of the nail |
| Hyponychium | Thickened portion of the epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate |
| Cuticle | Semi-circular layer of dead skin cells |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail colour changes
While changes in the colour of your fingernails can be harmless, they can also indicate an underlying disease. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes in your nails.
White Nails
White nails, also known as leukonychia, can be caused by several factors, including trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning. If the nails are predominantly white with darker rims, it could indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. However, not everyone with white nails has hepatitis.
Yellow Nails
Yellow nails, known as yellow nail syndrome, can be caused by lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be a sign of a serious nail infection that requires medical attention. Additionally, wearing red nail polish without a base coat or smoking cigarettes can turn your nails yellow.
Dark Streaks
If you notice a new or changing dark streak on your fingernail or toenail, it is important to consult a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. This dark streak could be melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer.
Greenish-Black Nails
A greenish-black discolouration of the nail can indicate a bacterial infection, known as paronychia. When diagnosed early, this type of infection can often be treated with soaks and antibiotics. However, if an open sore forms, more extensive treatment is necessary.
Curved Nails
Curved nails, also known as clubbing, can be a harmless trait that runs in families. However, they can also indicate an underlying disease, especially if the fingertips swell and the nails start to feel spongy.
Spoon-Shaped Nails
Thin, spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can be a sign of iron deficiency, which can occur due to various reasons, including high altitude.
While this list covers some of the common fingernail colour changes and their potential causes, it is not exhaustive. Always consult a medical professional if you notice any unusual changes in your nails to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Curved nails
Ingrown nails, where the nail curves far inward at the sides, can be caused by tight shoes or improper cutting. They can increase the risk of infection and may require treatment, including the removal of part or all of the nail.
Additionally, nail curvature can be associated with underlying health issues such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or autoimmune disorders. Changes in nail colour, texture, thickness, or the presence of ridges, spots, or bumps may also be indicative of health problems. For example, white nails or leukonychia can be a sign of trauma, anaemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning.
While curved nails can be aesthetically pleasing and a sign of strength, it is important to monitor any persistent changes and consult a healthcare professional if other symptoms are present to rule out any potential underlying health issues.
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Spoon-shaped nails
If you notice spoon-shaped nails, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment. Treatment for spoon-shaped nails caused by iron deficiency usually involves dietary changes and iron supplements. Nails typically return to normal within 4-6 months of increasing iron intake.
While spoon-shaped nails can occur in both fingernails and toenails, they are more commonly found on fingernails. They may affect just one nail, a few, or all of them.
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Infection around the nail
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. It usually results from bacteria entering the skin through cuts near the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). However, it can also be caused by fungal infections, which tend to occur more slowly.
Paronychia usually happens when the skin around the nail is irritated or injured. When the skin gets damaged, germs can enter and cause an infection. These germs can be bacteria or fungi. People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting paronychia infections.
Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin may be red and warm to the touch, with pus building up under it. A white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. If left untreated, the nail can become abnormally shaped, discoloured, dry, and brittle. In rare cases, if paronychia is severe and goes untreated, the infection can spread beyond the nail.
To prevent paronychia, it is important to avoid damaging the nails or skin around them. Nails grow slowly, so any damage can last a long time and increase the risk of infection. Do not bite or pick your nails, and avoid cutting your nails too short. When trimming your cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nail fold. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers for trimming and an emery board for smoothing the edges. Keep your nails clean and wash your hands regularly with gentle, non-irritating soap. If you work with chemicals, wear protective gloves to reduce exposure to irritants, which can lead to infection.
Most bacterial nail infections can be treated with antibiotics. Soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, pus may need to be drained, and the affected nail may need to be removed. Chronic fungal paronychia may be treated with antifungal medicine.
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Nail lifting
Onychomycosis, or nail lifting, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. It is typically caused by some sort of injury to the nail, such as nail trauma or an allergic reaction. Nails that have been affected by onychomycosis will not reattach to the nail bed and must be replaced by new nail growth, which can take several months. While it is a common condition that can affect anyone, it occurs more frequently in women and pregnant people.
The symptoms of nail lifting include an abnormal border where the nail has separated, which may appear irregular in shape. The affected nail may also change colour to yellow, greenish, purple, white, or grey. In some cases, there may be an unpleasant odour, and the nail may appear fragile or bulky. However, it is important to note that onychomycosis usually isn't painful.
If you are experiencing nail lifting, it is recommended to see a podiatrist or dermatologist for an assessment and appropriate treatment. Treatment may involve trimming the nail and waiting for new, healthy nail growth, ensuring the nail bed remains dry, and keeping the nail short. In the case of a fungal infection, a medical professional can prescribe antibacterial or antifungal treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can indicate an iron deficiency.
If your nail is lifting up and you see white discoloration, this could be onycholysis.
Curved nails can be a harmless trait that runs in the family, but they can also indicate a disease in the body.
Grooves and ridges in the center of your thumb may be caused by picking or pushing back your cuticles, a habit known as onychotillomania.
A greenish-black color in your nails is often a sign of a bacterial nail infection, or paronychia.
