Abnormalities — such as spots, discoloration, and nail separation — can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts (periungual warts), infections (onychomycosis), and some medications, such as those used for chemotherapy. Certain medical conditions can also change the appearance of your fingernails.
What is the most common cause of nail disorder?
Common causes of nail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Some conditions need professional treatment from a doctor or a dermatologist. People with diabetes or compromised immune systems have a higher risk of fungal nail infections.
What nail problems can indicate health problems?
Additional symptoms to watch out for
| Nail health | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| soft or weak | overexposure to moisture or chemicals |
| yellow | thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes |
| black lines | psoriasis, endocarditis, nail melanoma |
| ridges | iron deficiency anemia (vertical) or kidney disease (horizontal) |
What are the 5 common nail problems?
Tips to treat the 5 most common nail disorders: brittle nails, onycholysis, paronychia, psoriasis, onychomycosis. Dermatol Clin.
What are 8 common nail disorders?
Local Nail Abnormalities
- DYSTROPHIC NAILS (SELF-INDUCED) Dystrophic nails (Figure 2) can be caused by repeated manipulation of the nail plate (e.g., manicures/pedicures, biting, rubbing).
- LEUKONYCHIA.
- LONGITUDINAL MELANONYCHIA.
- ONYCHOMYCOSIS.
- PARONYCHIA.
- SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA.
- SUBUNGUAL HEMATOMA.
What are the 3 examples of nail disorders?
Types of Nail Disease
- Nail discoloration. The normal nail is pale pink in color.
- Bacterial paronychia. This is a condition caused by bacterial infection of the nail fold.
- Chronic paronychia.
- Traumatic changes to the nail.
- Elevation of the nail plate (onycholysis)
- Ingrown nails.
- Nail thickening.
- Nail ridges.
What causes thickened fingernails?
Several things can cause very thick or crumbling nails. They can be caused by injuries or pressure from shoes. Fungal infections are a common cause. Diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease are other possible causes.
Can stress cause nail changes?
Fingernails and toenails are closely related to hair, Dr. Poblete-Lopez says. Just as your hair might fall out after an illness or a prolonged period of stress, your nails can also exhibit symptoms. Most frequently, stress will cause side-to-side lines to appear on your nails.
What kind of doctor do I see for fingernail problems?
A doctor who specializes in treating nail and skin disorders is called a dermatologist. You may see your regular doctor about your nail health concerns, and he or she may refer you to a dermatologist. You can also find a dermatologist online at or by calling (888) 462-DERM.
What are signs of unhealthy nails?
These symptoms may include: Thickened nails. Foul odor in the nail. Dull color in the nail, lack of the “usual shine”. A separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis) Dry, crumbly or brittle texture to nails. Distortion in the shape of the nail. Distortion in color of the nail, either a darker or lighter than normal.
What causes abnormal fingernails?
Psoriasis may cause pitting, splitting of the nail plate from the nail bed, and chronic (long-term) destruction of the nail plate (nail dystrophy). Other conditions that can affect the appearance of the nails include systemic amyloidosis, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and lichen planus.
What are some problems with toenails?
Common causes of fingernail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Causes of toenail problems include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply and infection. Problems with toenails can be successfully treated by a podiatrist.
How to fix fingernail problems?
Treatment at a podiatrist’s office will likely involve debridement, or trimming down and removing debris and the death nail. This will help decrease the thickness of the nail and relieve discomfort that may be occurring with shoe wear. Debridement may also increase the effectiveness of topical treatments.
