Dark spots or streaks rather than full discoloration of the nails may be caused by bruising, psoriasis, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), chronic infections, and medications such as from cancer chemotherapy.
Why is my nail changing color?
Color Disease or other health problem
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Blue nails Not enough oxygen in your bloodstream
White nails Liver disease, diabetes
Pale nails Anemia
Half pink, half white nails Kidney disease
What causes nail discoloration?
Drugs, infections, and diseases can cause discoloration of the nails (chromonychia). For example, infection with Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a greenish discoloration (see Green Nail Syndrome). The doctor can often make the diagnosis of nail dystrophies caused by a fungus by examining the nails.
How do you get rid of dark nails?
If your nails are stained after using dark colored nail polish, wipe away the nail polish using a nail polish remover. Then use a nail scrub brush to scrub off the stains from your nails. You can also soak a cotton pad in acetone to scrub your nails.
Can fingernails show signs of illness?
Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.
What do nail changes indicate?
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.
How do you treat discolored nails?
– Wear shoes that fit properly to avoid injury.
– Keep your toenails trimmed short.
– Wear clean socks.
– Dry your feet well after swimming or showering.
– Avoid walking barefoot, especially in public places.
– Avoid putting on socks or shoes while your feet are damp.
Why do nails turn brown?
The brown discoloration is due to a condition called “melanonychia,” which occurs when the nail has excess melanin, a dark brown or black pigment that colors the hair, skin and iris of the eye.
What are the signs of unhealthy nails?
– discoloration (dark streaks, white streaks, or changes in nail color)
– changes in nail shape (curling or clubbing)
– changes in nail thickness (thickening or thinning)
– nails that become brittle.
– nails that are pitted.
– bleeding around nails.
– swelling or redness around nails.
– pain around nails.
What causes brown finger nails?
The brown discoloration is due to a condition called “melanonychia,” which occurs when the nail has excess melanin, a dark brown or black pigment that colors the hair, skin and iris of the eye.
What can a doctor tell by looking at your fingernails?
Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.
Why would a doctor look at your fingernails?
Everything from poor diet and stress to serious kidney problems can be revealed by a glance at your fingernails. There are about 30 different nail signs that can be associated with medical issues, though many may indicate more than one problem, according to Dr.
How do you get rid of brown nails?
To use white vinegar to get rid of the stain, in one cup of warm water add one teaspoon to one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Soak your nails for about eight minutes and then rinse your hands under lukewarm water. After patting your hands with a clean towel apply a dollop of moisturizing cream or lotion.
How will you recognize a healthy nail?
Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They’re uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration. Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age.
How do you describe normal nails?
Normal nails are translucent, shiny and firm in texture. Longitudinal bands of pigment can normally be seen in black patients. With aging nails may lose their luster, thicken and become yellow. Longitudinal ridging also develops with aging.
What does it mean when your nails are dark?
Dark spots or streaks rather than full discoloration of the nails may be caused by bruising, psoriasis, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), chronic infections, and medications such as from cancer chemotherapy.
What vitamin deficiency causes brown lines in fingernails?
Nail color changes. Nail plate discoloration can result from several nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown vitamin B12 deficiency to cause brown-gray nail discoloration. White nails can be the result of anemia and pink or red nails may suggest malnutrition with several nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.
Why are my fingernails turning brown?
The most common causes of yellow or brown fingernails are the frequent use of nail polish and cigarette smoking. Taking a break on the polish or quitting smoking may allow the dark nail to grow out as the new nail comes in.
What vitamin deficiency causes lines in nails?
If your body is low in protein, calcium, zinc, or vitamin A, a deficiency can sometimes be revealed by ridges in your fingernails.
Can B12 deficiency cause nails?
Both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks and brownish pigmentation ( 5 , 6 ).
What causes fingernails to become ridged?
Fingernails are made by living skin cells in your fingers. So a skin condition such as eczema may lead to fingernail ridges. Skin dryness can also cause these ridges. If your body is low in protein, calcium, zinc, or vitamin A, a deficiency can sometimes be revealed by ridges in your fingernails.