What does discoloration of the nails mean?

by Alexis Till

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.

What is the reason for Colour change in nails?

Color Disease or other health problem
————————— ————————————————————————–
Pale nails Anemia
Half pink, half white nails Kidney disease
Yellow nails Lung disease, nail infection
Dusky red half-moons Could be lupus, heart disease, alopecia areata, arthritis, dermatomyositis

What causes brown discoloration of fingernails?

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 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.

What does discoloration of nails indicate?

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.

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.

Why are my fingernails brownish?

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 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.

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 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.

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 causes brown finger nails?

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 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.

Why do I have brown lines on my nails?

Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.

How do you treat brown lines on nails?

Most causes of black lines on the nail do not require treatment. Melanoma is an exception. A doctor will usually first remove the area of melanoma as well as the skin under the fingernail. A doctor can perform a skin graft over the fingernail to improve the finger’s appearance post-surgery.

Is Melanonychia serious?

Melanonychia, or melanin-derived brown-to-black nail pigmentation, is a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. The most serious disease of the nail unit, melanoma, primarily presents with melanonychia.

Can Melanonychia be normal?

Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the fingernails or toenails. The discoloration can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it may sometimes indicate health issues.

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 attributes of fingernails might indicate health problems?

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.

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