Nail Problems that you should take a closer look at

Your fingernails can give you some signs that you may need to take a closer look at or even want to get or seek medical attention. This is for information only and if you are concerned you should seek advice from your physician.

Here are some signs that you should pay attention to:

Yellow discoloration
Yellow nails could result from stains (i.e. smoking) or could result from a condition that causes the nail growth to slow down. Yellowing in your fingernails could be the result from a respiratory condition like chronic bronchitis. It might also result from lymphedema – which is the swelling of the hands. In the case of yellow nails, the nail actually thickens and new nail growth slows down and that results in the yellow colorization. Although this condition may be a sign of a respiratory disease, you can also have yellow nails without a respiratory issue. See also: Yellow Nails

Nail clubbing
Nail clubbing is when the tips of your fingers enlarge and your fingernails actually curve over and around your fingertips. This condition results from low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a sign of lung problems or disease. It could also be the result of other health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or cardiovascular disease or a liver problem.

Onycholysis - separation of your nail from the nail bed
This is when your nails become loose and can even separate from the nail bed. This condition could be the result of an injury or infection to the nail; a drug reaction or reaction to a acrylic nails; a thyroid problem or even psoriasis.

Beau’s Lines (horizontal ridges or indentations)
These lines run across your nails and unlike normally harmless vertical ridges (which run the same direction as your nail grows). The horizontal lines or indentations occur because growth in the nail matrix or under the cuticle has been interrupted by a serious sickness or disease such as malnutrition, diabetes, circulatory problem or even an illness with a high fever.

Nail Fungus
Fingernail or toe nail fungus often may start as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. It can then spread deeper into your nail and cause it to change color (usually darker), look dull, get misshaped, get thicker or even develop “crumbly” edges and it may even have a slight odor. In addition to not looking very good it can also sometimes be pretty painful. see also: Toe Nail Fungus FlexiNail Fungus Relief

Nail pitting
Nail pits are small indents or depressions in the nail itself. They might be the result of a nail injury, but are also common to those with psoriasis (scaly skin patches). The pitting nails often accompany conditions that can damage your nails cuticle. This can include chronic dermatitis of your fingers (alopecia areata) which is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Pitting can actually cause your nails to crumble in some cases.

Opaque or white nails (Terry’s nails)
With this condition your fingernails look opaque but up at the end of the nail near the tip is a dark band. This may only be a sign of aging but it could also be a sign of a more serious illness like a liver, heart or nutrition issue.

Koilonychias - curled nails
Curled fingernails or spoon nails is called koilonychias. The nails are soft and look scooped out or like a spoon. The “scooped out” area or depression can usually actually hold a bit of liquid. This type of nail could be an indication of iron deficiency anemia.



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White Spots on the Nail or Fingernail.

White spots can be known as "true" leukonychia. In children this often caused by biting or picking at the nails. It is actually a damage or injury to the nail. If this is the cause, the white spots will usually grow out in approximately three months (when the nails grows out).

If the white spots are on all or most of the nails or are there for a long period of time (many months or years) one reason could be it is the sign of a zinc deficiency.

Small white or yellow spots that start on the nail could also be the start of fungal infection.

Toe Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Infection (onychomycosis) - Brief Overview:
Both fingernails and toenails can be affected, although toenail fungus is usually more common.

Symptoms: Infected nails can start off with just a small spot that can then take over the whole nail. An infected nail can become thick, yellow or dark and can even get "crumbly".

What Causes a Fungal Infection: The fungi (sometimes the same as causes athlete's foot) will "colonize" body parts like hair, nails and skin that are made of keratin. In some cases, a yeast infection may take hold.

Some Things that Increase Risk of Nail Infections: Infections can be more common in nails that may already be in a weakened state (an injury to the nail; elderly nails that may be unable to defend against the infection). Also having nails submersed in water for long periods of time or excessive moisture or sweating in the socks or even walking around barefoot in common public areas.

If you think you may have nail fungus or a nail infection you should see a physician and they can take a sample and determine if you do.

see also: Toe Fungus Relief

What is Leukonychia Punctata?

This fingernail condition may also be known as True Leukonychia. It is the more common form of Leukonychia. This occurs when small white spots appear on the nail or nails.

Biting of the nails or even picking then is often a major cause of this in younger children. In many of these cases, when there are white spots on just one or a couple of nails, it may simply be the result of an injury to nail matrix (or base of the nail). These white spots tend to disappear after around 6 to 12 weeks when the nail grows itself out.

If white spots are showing up on nearly all nails and for much longer periods of time - months or even years it could indicate a different cause. Often a common cause for this may be zinc deficiency.