Isla Bennett
If you've noticed that one or more of your fingernails are turning brown, it could be due to a number of reasons. Brown nails can be caused by a direct blow to the fingers, habits like biting or pulling out nails, or using certain medications. It may also be related to more specific conditions, like a fungal infection, or melanoma on the nail. In some cases, brown nails can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as lung disease, anemia, or thyroid problems. A brown spot on the nail, especially if it's pitted, could be indicative of nail psoriasis. If you notice any discoloration or other changes in your nails, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, bacterial infection, medication, diet, chemicals, psoriasis, melanoma, thyroid disease, lung problems, iron-deficiency anemia, malnourishment, or liver problems |
| Treatment | See a dermatologist or doctor, antifungal medication |
| Prevention | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Melanoma
Subungual melanoma can be challenging to detect in its early stages and it is often mistaken for other benign nail conditions. However, early detection and prompt treatment yield the best outcomes. The condition can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the fingernail, a review of medical history, and potentially a biopsy of the nail matrix and nail bed. If cancerous cells are found, further tests will be ordered to determine the spread of the cancer.
The most severe form of subungual melanoma is stage 4, where the cancer cells have spread to other organs. Advanced melanoma may lead to nail damage, such as splitting, cracking, or bleeding, and can cause the skin surrounding the nail to discolour, known as Hutchinson's sign.
While nail melanomas are uncommon, they can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual changes in your nails, such as discolouration, pain, bleeding, or splitting.
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Fungal infections
Fingernail discoloration can be indicative of underlying medical problems. Brown fingernails with round pigmentation could be a sign of nail psoriasis, whereas pitted, brown spots on nails could be indicative of nail psoriasis or nail melanoma. In the case of nail melanoma, the skin surrounding the lower part of the nail may also turn brown or black.
Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become discoloured, typically yellow, thickened, and distorted. The nail may become brittle or crumbly, with pieces breaking off. In some cases, the infection can cause pain or discomfort, particularly when using or applying pressure to the affected finger.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Antifungal medications are available in tablet form or as a special paint applied directly to the nail. For more severe or stubborn infections, laser treatment is an option, although it is not typically covered by insurance. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as fungal nail infections can be difficult to eradicate.
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Diet or chemical exposure
Brown nails can be a sign of a fungal infection, which can cause yellowing and thickening of the nail. This can be treated with topical steroids. However, if left untreated, the infection can worsen, and the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
Brown nails can also be a sign of nail psoriasis, especially if the brown spots are pitted. This can be caused by a weakened immune system, athlete's foot, blood circulation problems, a nail injury, or nail surgery.
Another cause of brown nails could be a bacterial infection. If left untreated, a bacterial nail infection can worsen, and the nail can turn greenish-black.
In addition, brown nails can be a sign of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. If you notice pain, bleeding, or splitting of the nail, or if the skin surrounding the lower part of your nail turns brown or black, it is important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
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Chemotherapy
Nail changes during chemotherapy can be more than an aesthetic concern. Nails and cuticles serve as protective barriers, and changes to them can increase the risk of infection. Chemotherapy can also weaken the immune system, making it less able to fight off bacteria and other invaders.
Nail changes caused by chemotherapy can include discolouration, with nails turning various shades of black, brown, purple, blue, and green. This is called hyperpigmentation. Nails may also develop blemishes such as horizontal and vertical lines and small indentations in response to different cycles of chemotherapy. These marks will grow out along with the affected nails.
Other changes include nail thinning, leading to brittleness and breakage, and reduced nail strength. The nail beds may become painful and sensitive. The skin around the nails and cuticles may become dry or cracked.
To manage nail changes during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails clean and short, wear protective gloves when doing tasks such as cleaning or gardening, avoid biting or picking at cuticles or nails, and use cuticle cream to prevent dryness, splitting, and hangnails.
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Liver or kidney disease
Your fingernails can provide clues about your health, and changes in their colour, texture, or shape can indicate underlying health issues. While nail abnormalities are rarely the first sign of a health problem, it is important to monitor these changes and consult a doctor if you are concerned.
Liver Disease
Nail abnormalities can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis, or even severe liver scarring (cirrhosis). Nails that are mostly white with darker rims or reddish-brown tips, known as Terry's nails, can be a sign of liver disease or failure. This type of nail discolouration is often associated with underlying medical conditions and is not typically a result of the normal ageing process.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can also affect the appearance of fingernails and toenails. Changes in nail colour, such as a yellow overcoat or an unnatural white and red-brown half-and-half coloration, can be indicative of kidney issues. These changes may be more noticeable in fingernails than toenails. Additionally, people with kidney disease may experience brittle or weak nails due to low levels of keratin, a protein that helps harden nails. Kidney failure can also lead to hair loss due to vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies.
It is important to note that nail changes are not always indicative of liver or kidney disease and can result from other factors, such as fungal infections, ageing, or even regular nail polish use. However, if you notice persistent or significant nail abnormalities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. It could be a fungal infection, bacterial infection, or a reaction to medication. In rare cases, brown nails can indicate nail melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. It is recommended to get any brown pigmentation on your nail checked out by a dermatologist.
Aside from brown, nails can turn yellow, white, blue, green, purple or red. These colour changes can indicate anything from fungal infections to thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or hepatitis.
Aside from discolouration, a fungal nail infection can cause nails to crack, thicken, crumble, peel, and change texture.
Yes, certain medications can cause nail discolouration. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause brown and striped nails due to a condition called melanonychia, which is caused by excess melanin.
Yes, nail discolouration can be caused by issues with your diet or the chemicals your hands are exposed to. Malnourishment or a lack of certain nutrients can cause problems with your nails.
