Nail problems can pop up out of nowhere. It’s essential to spot the early signs of trouble because nail health is a sign of overall wellbeing. This article breaks down the symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent common nail abnormalities.
The First Signs of Nail Trouble
When finger or toenails change in color, shape, or thickness, it’s time to take a closer look. Some changes can happen naturally as we age or happen because of an injury, but others mean there’s an underlying health condition that might need treatment. When in doubt, get the nails examined by a healthcare professional.
Nail Fungus
A nail fungal infection usually begins on one finger or toe but may later spread to others. The nail thickens, becomes brittle, and turns yellow, gray, brown, or green.
It takes weeks to months to clear up nail fungus, so it’s crucial to start early. Keep the nail trimmed and the skin clean and dry. If it’s on a toe, that might mean switching socks more than once a day or wearing open-toed shoes. If it’s a fingernail, it means avoiding enhancements like acrylics or soft gel tips that can trap moisture and make things worse.
There are oral medications and topical treatments to clear up a fungal infection. In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the nail. The key is to faithfully apply or take the medication and be patient while the nail grows out healthy.
Psoriasis
Sometimes nail psoriasis is mistaken for a fungal infection (and sometimes people have both). But there are two key differences. First, psoriasis causes reddish yellow discoloration, not gray, green, or brown. There are also pinprick pits on the surface. The nails often end up crumbly, rough, and ridged crossways. Second, this condition only occurs in people with psoriasis, so more than one nail and the skin may also be affected.
To resolve nail psoriasis, a doctor will prescribe a cream or maybe corticosteroid injections. Some people have had success with pulsed dye laser treatments, too. In the meantime, keep the nails trimmed and hydrated with cuticle oil.
Yellow Nails
Sometimes older adults develop thick, yellow nails and it’s mistaken for a fungal infection. But this condition might be genetic, or could result from smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, or lung disease. The biggest worry is when the nails stop growing. This is an abnormality that a medical professional should review.
Beau’s Lines
If nail growth is temporarily interrupted by a severe illness or a process like chemotherapy, Beau’s lines will appear horizontally (not lengthwise) across the nails. These ridges show up on all the nails, not just one. The lines will disappear as the nails grow out and they don’t need treatment.
Spoon Nails
Medical science calls this condition “koilonychia,” but spoon nails is the perfect name for it. The nails sink in the middle, thinning and becoming concave, and the edges rise. This happens to some people with iron deficiency anemia. This is a nail abnormality that a doctor should assess.
White Spots
Nail biters might have white spots on their nails. The pressure they exert on the surface causes parts of the nail to separate from the bed and that’s what forms the white spots. The same thing might happen if someone injured a finger or toe without causing enough damage for a blood blister to form. It takes days to weeks for the spots to appear and weeks or months more for them to disappear as the nail grows.
However, white spots might also happen if someone lacks zinc or has more serious health problems like liver disease. If the spots look more like lines, they could be Beau’s lines from after a severe illness.
Nail Pits
People with psoriasis, alopecia areata (hair thinning), and dermatitis (like an allergy to soap or nail products) sometimes develop pitted nails. If the person has sensitive skin, only use hypoallergenic and gentle products to treat their nails.
In extreme cases, nails with pits might become crumbly and pull loose. If the fundamental problem is treated, the pits may disappear in a few weeks.
Clubbed Nails
Instead of caving inward like spoon nails, clubbed nails become more rounded. The nail eventually looks like the back of a spoon with the tips curved downward. But before it reaches that extreme, the nail will gradually flatten. It will feel spongy and the fingertips swell. This nail problem shows serious health issues like heart disease or lung cancer. It can only be treated by correcting the underlying problem.
Nails That Lift and Separate from the Nail Bed
A fungal infection, an injury, certain illnesses like psoriasis, or medications can cause the nail to lift and turn white. The medical term is “onycholysis.” This can be painful and may need medical attention to remove the nail.
Terry’s Nails
If the nails are mostly white except for a thin pink strip at the edge, it could be a sign of liver or kidney disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, heart failure, or nutrient deficiencies. There’s no problem with painting the nails, but a doctor should assess the cause to treat the underlying condition.
Infected Skin Around the Nails
Have you ever bitten off a hangnail and ended up with swollen, red, painful skin? This is an infection that needs to be treated to avoid more serious outcomes. Contact dermatitis from an allergy, a splinter, or overenthusiastic cuticle trimming can also cause it. Avoid bad results by using a cuticle softener instead of cutting the skin.
If there is pus, or especially if the person has a fever, get medical care immediately. Otherwise, for small wounds, cleanse the area, apply antibacterial treatment, and avoid nail enhancements until the problem is resolved.
Conclusion
Anytime you see nail abnormalities, it’s wise to ask a medical professional to check for underlying health problems. Some nail abnormalities need to be treated with medication while others will resolve on their own once the person gets medical care for their health. The nails will recover naturally with proper manicures and enough hydration and care.