Nail Diseases

Thick yellow nails: This can be the cause of long term use of the antibiotic tetracycline, which is an antibiotic. Another reason for nails in this condition can mean a reflection of diseases of the lungs, thyroid gland, or lymphatic system. The yellow discoloration could also be caused by smoking.

Blue nails :If your fingernails are blue all the time, it can mean you have problems with your circulation, usually caused by heart disease.

White spots: These are often common and mean nothing at all. But if you're a heavy drinker, or have had some liver problems, it can indicate cirrhosis of the liver.

Fungal Infections - Fungal infections make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. More common in toenails than fingernails, they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Additionally, debris (white, green, yellow, or black) may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, moist, weight-bearing environment. Candia or yeast infections are common in fingernails especially if the hands are always in water or if the patient is diabetic.

Bacterial Infections - Redness, swelling, and pain of the nail skin folds often indicate a bacterial infection. The most common cause is trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, or frequent exposure to water and chemicals.

White striped horizontal lines: These can be caused by kidney failure, heart attacks, sickle-cell disease, or Hodgkin's disease.

Curled nails, (clubbing): Clubbing signifies problems with the heart, liver, colon, or lungs. If this is occurring see your doctor immediately for some tests.

Ingrown Nail: Painful ingrown nails may be congenital, caused by an overcurvature of the nail, or an imbalance between the width of the nail plate and the nail bed. Symptoms: Redness, swelling and infection make the toe very painful. Treatments include surgery is often necessary to ease the pain and remove the offending nail. Only a portion of the nail may be removed. If the entire nail is affected or there is a severe nail deformity, the nail plate and matrix (the cells that grow the nail) may be completely removed.

Horizontal grooves: these are furrows within the fingernails and can indicate malnutrition or a build up of toxic substances, or a number of different problems with the health. These can be rather common.

Spooning: This looks like large indentations vertically across the nail, this may suggest a low iron count (anemia). If you have these 'bumps' you are likely to be low on iron. A simple blood test from your doctor will confirm this diagnosis.

Pitting: This can be an indicator of eczema or psoriasis. These are conditions you will have other symptoms with. See your doctor for treatments for these conditions.