Isla Bennett
Changes in the appearance of your nails can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. White nails, also known as leukonychia, are the most common type of nail discolouration. This can be caused by injury to the nail plate or matrix, manicures, knocks, or tight footwear. Nails can also turn yellow, thicken, and stop growing, which could be a sign of lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. If you notice any unusual changes in your nails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Onycholysis |
| Description | A common nail disorder in which the nail plate has separated from the nail bed. |
| Symptoms | Nails may appear white, gray, green, purple, or yellow. Nails may be pitted, indented, or crumbly. |
| Causes | Trauma, skin disease, nail infections, tumours, systemic events, or hyperthyroidism. |
| Treatment | Oral or topical antifungal medication, removing affected nails with clippers or scissors, or ceasing use of certain nail products. |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed short, avoid biting nails, be careful when cleaning under nails, avoid irritating chemicals or products, wear gloves during damaging activities, and wear comfortable, protective shoes. |
| Regrowth Time | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails. |
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What You'll Learn
- Onycholysis, or nail separation, is a common nail disorder
- Leukonychia, or white nail, is the partial or full discolouration of the nail plate
- Terry's Nails and Lindsay's Nails are nail abnormalities in chronic systemic diseases
- Nail biting, manicures, knocks, and bangs can cause nail discolouration
- White lines across the nail bed, called Muehrcke lines, indicate low albumin levels
Onycholysis, or nail separation, is a common nail disorder
The most common cause of onycholysis is trauma or injury to the nail or the nail matrix (the area where nails start to grow). This can happen through various activities, such as bumping or hitting the nails, wearing tight shoes, keeping nails in water for too long, or even regularly getting manicures. Additionally, certain chemicals in nail products like nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, and nail polish remover can irritate the nails and lead to onycholysis.
Fungal infections are another common cause of onycholysis. These infections occur when fungi get between the nail and the nail bed through cracks or cuts in the fingers or toes. Fungal infections can be challenging to treat and may require oral or topical antifungal medications. It's important to note that fungal onycholysis may be contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Other causes of onycholysis include skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus, as well as certain medical conditions like thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency, and, rarely, some forms of cancer. In some cases, onycholysis can be a side effect of medication or exposure to certain chemicals.
The treatment for onycholysis aims to address the underlying cause and promote new nail growth that remains attached to the nail bed. Keeping nails trimmed short can help prevent further separation and protect the nails from catching on objects. In some cases, the affected portion of the nail may need to be clipped or cut away as it grows out. It's important to practice proper nail hygiene and avoid potential irritants to prevent secondary infections.
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Leukonychia, or white nail, is the partial or full discolouration of the nail plate
Leukonychia can be further classified into three subtypes: Striate, Punctate, and Total leukonychia. Striate leukonychia, also known as Mees lines or transverse leukonychia, may follow damage to the nail matrix, and can be identified by the appearance of furrows and ridges on the nail. Punctate leukonychia occurs after nail biting, manicures, knocks, banging your nails, or wearing tight footwear. Total leukonychia can follow a more serious injury, often resulting in the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed and an alteration to the nail contour.
White nails can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, and its presence may indicate an underlying systemic disease. It is important to note that not all changes in nail colour are indicative of a health condition, but if you are concerned, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Additionally, it is important to distinguish leukonychia from onycholysis, a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed, resulting in a well-defined area of white opaque nail. Onycholysis can be caused by trauma, skin disease, nail infections, tumours, or systemic events. Treatment for onycholysis may involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, taking antifungal medications, or discontinuing the use of certain nail products.
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Terry's Nails and Lindsay's Nails are nail abnormalities in chronic systemic diseases
Onycholysis is a common nail disorder where the nail plate separates from the nail bed, resulting in a well-defined area of white opaque nail. It can be caused by injury to the nail, fungal infections, or other factors such as skin disease, nail infections, tumours, or systemic events. Treatment options include cutting away the separated nail and taking antifungal medications.
Now, onto Terry's Nails and Lindsay's Nails, which are nail abnormalities associated with chronic systemic diseases. Terry's nails are characterised by a white or "washed-out" nail bed with a small brown or reddish-brown strip near the tip. Lindsay's nails, on the other hand, exhibit the opposite pattern, with a white proximal part and a reddish-brown distal portion. Both conditions can be signs of underlying medical conditions, with Terry's nails frequently associated with liver disease, congestive heart failure, and adult-onset diabetes, while Lindsay's nails are more commonly seen in individuals with kidney disease.
Terry's nails were first described by British physician Richard Terry, who observed this nail-bed abnormality in patients with hepatic cirrhosis, often due to alcohol abuse. The occurrence of Terry's nails is strongly associated with hepatic cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and chronic renal diseases. Lindsay's nails, also known as half-and-half nails, are less well understood, but the distal reddish-brown band may be related to increased levels of β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This condition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease.
It is important to note that nail abnormalities can be indicative of underlying health issues. Therefore, if you notice any persistent changes in your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Additionally, maintaining good nail health can be beneficial. This includes avoiding nail-biting, regularly cleaning nails with a soft-bristled brush, moisturising nails and cuticles, and protecting nails when engaging in activities that may damage them, such as cleaning with chemical products.
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Nail biting, manicures, knocks, and bangs can cause nail discolouration
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can be caused by manicures, as well as knocks and bangs to the nail. This condition leads to the nail lifting up and no longer being attached to the nail bed. The affected nail will appear white and opaque, with a well-defined area of discolouration. It is usually painless but may be painful if acute or inflammatory.
Manicures that involve forceful trimming, buffing, and polishing can cause onycholysis. Regular manicures can also lead to nail discolouration due to the use of nail products such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, and nail polish remover. These products can irritate the nails and the skin around them, causing discolouration and nail separation.
Knocks and bangs to the nail plate can cause subungual hematoma, or a bruised nail. This occurs when there is bleeding below the hard part of the nail (nail plate), leading to swelling, nail discolouration, and pain. Hard impacts can cause breaks in the tiny blood vessels in the nail bed, resulting in leaking and discolouration.
Nail biting can also contribute to nail discolouration by creating trauma to the nail bed. Additionally, it can lead to curved nails, known as nail clubbing, which can further affect the appearance of the nails.
It is important to note that nail discolouration may also indicate underlying health issues. Diseases of the nail or illnesses elsewhere in the body can cause the nail matrix cells to produce darkly discoloured nail plates. Certain drugs can also affect the matrix cells, leading to dark discolourations. Therefore, if nail discolouration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
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White lines across the nail bed, called Muehrcke lines, indicate low albumin levels
Onycholysis is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It is often the result of an injury to the nail, but it can also be caused by fungi, skin disease, nail infections, tumours, or systemic events. Onycholysis usually isn't painful, but the cause of it might be. Treatment for onycholysis involves cutting away the separated nail as it grows out and, in the case of a fungal infection, taking antifungal medication.
Leukonychia is the partial or full discolouration of the nail plate on one or more fingernails or toenails. It can be caused by injury to the nail plate or matrix, manicuring, knocks, bites, and tight footwear.
White lines across the nail bed, called Muehrcke lines, are a type of leukonychia. They are a strong indicator of hypoalbuminemia, which can be caused by a variety of diseases, including liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, and dietary protein deficiency. Muehrcke lines are characterised by being in the vascular bed underneath the nail plate, which is why they do not move with nail growth and disappear when pressure is applied to the nail. If you notice Muehrcke lines, you should get your albumin levels checked, as they tend to go away when albumin levels return to normal.
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Frequently asked questions
The white part of your nail growing down could be leukonychia, which is the partial or full discolouration of the nail plate. It could also be onycholysis, which is when your nail separates from its nail bed, resulting in a well-defined area of white opaque nail.
Leukonychia can be caused by injury to the nail plate or matrix, manicures, knocks, bites, tight footwear, or furrows and ridges.
Onycholysis can be caused by injuries to the nail, fungal infections, chemotherapy, major stress, or wearing shoes that are too small.
There is no treatment for trauma-related leukonychia. Onycholysis can be treated by cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, taking antifungal medications, or stopping the use of certain nail products.
