Noah Sinclair
Fingernail abnormalities can be harmless, but they can also indicate an underlying health condition. Beau's lines, for instance, are horizontal ridges or dents in the fingernails or toenails that can be caused by an illness, injury, or skin condition that interrupted nail growth. In addition, nail abnormalities such as bumps, rippling, or changes in colour can indicate problems with the liver, lungs, or heart. For instance, white nails, or leukonychia, can be caused by trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning. Yellow nails can indicate a fungal infection, lymphoedema, or compromised respiration. Other nail abnormalities include koilonychia, an abnormal shape of the fingernail associated with iron deficiency anemia, and pitting, which is associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata. If you notice any persistent nail abnormalities, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Beau's lines, Koilonychia, Leukonychia, Paronychia, Subungual melanoma, Hutchinson sign, Spoon nails, Washboard nails, Clubbing |
| Symptoms | Horizontal ridges or dents, raised ridges, white streaks or spots, small depressions, loose nails, dark streak, greenish-black colour, swelling and redness, pitted nails, spoon-shaped nails, grooves and ridges |
| Causes | Illness, injury, skin condition, yeast-like organism Candida, iron deficiency, drugs, disease, psoriasis, alopecia areata, chronic picking or rubbing, long-term exposure to moisture or nail polish, zinc deficiency, protein deficiency, emotional stress, chronic conditions, skin cancer, infection, injury, arsenic poisoning, silver intake, antibiotics, chemotherapy medicines |
| Treatment | Topical steroids, treating the underlying cause, applying creams or moisturisers, avoiding manicures, artificial nails or harsh nail products, blood sugar control, discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider |
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What You'll Learn
Beau's lines
Illnesses and Infections
Emotional Stress
Severe emotional stress, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or job loss, can also cause Beau's lines. Mental and emotional stress can impact nail health and growth, leading to the formation of these horizontal ridges.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A severe zinc deficiency or inadequate protein intake can result in Beau's lines. Proper nutrition is essential for nail growth, and a lack of essential nutrients can disrupt it, causing these temporary deformities.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can also be a factor. These conditions can impact the health of your nails, leading to Beau's lines.
Treatments
While there is no direct treatment for Beau's lines, addressing the underlying cause can prevent their recurrence. Working with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the root cause and receive appropriate treatment. This may include applying creams or moisturizers for skin conditions, addressing nutritional deficiencies, or managing chronic conditions that affect blood flow to the nails.
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Koilonychia
The most common cause of koilonychia is iron deficiency anaemia, which can be due to various factors such as malnutrition, celiac disease, gastrointestinal blood loss, or heavy menstruation. People who follow a vegetarian or traditional diet low in iron, as well as those who live at high altitudes, are at a higher risk of developing koilonychia due to iron deficiency. In some cases, koilonychia may also be hereditary or caused by an injury to the nail bed, such as thumb-sucking in infants or wearing tight shoes.
Other medical conditions associated with koilonychia include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hemochromatosis (iron overload), lichen planus, lupus, nail-patella syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, alopecia areata, and onychomycosis. It can also be caused by occupational exposure to petroleum products, endocrine disorders, vascular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, or autoimmune disorders.
Treating koilonychia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. If iron deficiency is the cause, dietary changes or iron supplements may be recommended. However, it can take a long time for the nails to grow properly again, ranging from six to 18 months. While koilonychia may be a symptom of a more serious health concern, it is important to note that not everyone with koilonychia has an underlying disease, and it can sometimes be idiopathic, especially in newborns.
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Leukonychia
Familial leukonychia is usually inherited recessively, although dominant patterns are possible. This is due to a mutation in the phospholipase C delta-1 gene, where all nails appear milky and porcelain white. Acquired leukonychia is secondary to systemic disease. True leukonychia is partial or whole nail plate damage caused by injury to the nail plate or matrix. Apparent leukonychia occurs when the pathology involves subungual tissues. Pseudo-leukonychia describes the whiteness of the superficial (dorsal or ventral) nail plate.
The most common cause of leukonychia is injury to the base of the nail (the matrix) where the nail is formed. This condition consists of a whitening of the entire nail and most likely occurs on all nails. Whitening of one entire nail is not recognised as a symptom of leukonychia totalis but as a likely result of mechanical trauma. Other causes include dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, poisoning, and certain drugs or diseases.
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Paronychia
Bumps on your fingernails could be a condition called paronychia. Paronychia is an infection of the proximal and lateral toenail and fingernail folds, including the tissue that borders the root and sides of the nail. It is one of the most common infections of the hand.
Acute paronychia can spread to cause a serious hand infection (cellulitis) and may involve underlying tendons (infectious tendonitis). The main complication of chronic paronychia is nail dystrophy. Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling and tenderness around the nail. Skin that is red and warm to the touch. Pus may build up under the skin and a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. It may look yellow or green, and it can be dry and brittle. The nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off.
Several factors can cause paronychia. It can occur spontaneously or following trauma or manipulation. It can also be caused by contact irritants, excessive moisture, and medication reaction. Certain medications can also cause paronychia, including retinoids, anti-cancer medications, HIV medications, and some antibiotics. Occupations that require wet hands, such as bartenders and dishwashers, are at a higher risk of developing paronychia.
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Nail biting
Bumps on your fingernails could be indicative of a larger health issue. White bumps or spots, known as leukonychia, can be the result of trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning. If the bumps are yellow or green in color, this could be a sign of a fungal infection. In addition to discoloration, the nail may thicken and crumble as the infection worsens.
If you are a nail biter, you may be more susceptible to certain nail abnormalities. Biting your nails can create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin, which can lead to bacterial infections such as paronychia. Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the nails, causing inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. It is usually the result of irritants, allergens, or fungi, but it can also be caused by nail biting.
If you are struggling to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try:
- Keep your nails trimmed short, so there is less nail to bite.
- Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails, which can be purchased over the counter.
- Paint or cover your nails, as you may be less likely to bite them if they look nice.
- Identify your triggers, such as boredom or stress, and develop a plan to avoid or manage these situations.
- Replace the habit of nail biting with a healthier habit, such as playing with a stress ball or fidget toy when you feel the urge to bite your nails.
- Take a gradual approach to breaking the habit, such as by first stopping biting your thumbnails, and then moving on to your pinky nails or pointer nails.
If you are repeatedly trying to quit nail biting and the problem persists, it may be helpful to consult a doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why you have bumps on your fingernails. One possibility is a condition called "leukonychia", which is characterised by white streaks or spots on the nails and can be caused by drugs, disease, trauma, or dietary deficiencies. Another potential cause is an infected hangnail, which can lead to swelling and redness around the fingernail. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about any changes to your nails, as they may be indicative of underlying health issues.
Other common nail abnormalities include ridges, spots, and discolouration. Ridges can be vertical or horizontal and are usually a sign of aging, although they can also indicate vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or malnutrition. Spots on the nails, also known as "pitting", are associated with conditions such as psoriasis and alopecia areata. Discolouration, such as yellow or white nails, can be indicative of fungal infections, liver problems, or even poisoning.
If you notice any pain, swelling, or redness around your nail bumps, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. Additionally, if the bumps are accompanied by other symptoms such as discolouration, peeling, or changes in nail shape, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any potential underlying health conditions.
