abnormal (nails)

• Onychomycosis / Nail Fungus is caused by dermatophyte fungus and in some cases mold and yeast can also be responsible.

  
• Paronychia results from bacteria. Bacteria get into the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (LOCAL INFECTION)

  
• Argyria


  A condition caused by exposure to chemical compounds of the element silver
• Koilonychia- concave curves/spoon nail ; iron deficiency anemia

  
• Conditions that can cause blue nails (cyanosis)

  • Argyria
  • Raynaud's disease
  • Septicemia
  • Lung and breathing problems
• Black fingernails


  • Can indicate signs of Anemia
  • B-12 deficiency
  • Bacterial infection
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Liver disease
  • Cancer or melanomas
  • Silver deposits (heavy metals)
  • Trauma
• Pale/white nails


  • Can indicate kidney or liver disorders or anemia
  • White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein deficiency
• Terry's nail


  White nails with a rim of darker color at the tip of the nail, a sign of cirrhosis of the liver

  
• White areas under nails


  • Can indicate fungal infection
  • Half white nails, with dark spots, especially on the tip, may be indicative of kidney diseases
• Grey nails


  • Can indicate Arthritis problems
  • Edema
  • Malnutrition
  • Post-operative effects
  • Glaucoma
  • Lung problems
  • Emphysema
  • Cardio-pulmonary disease
• Green nails


  • Can indicate Allergies to cleaning agents
  • Bacterial infection such as Bacillus infection
  • Localized fungal infection
  • Serious emphysema
• Yellow nails


  • Can indicate problems with the lymphatic system.
  • grow slow and curved, may be seen in AIDS and respiratory syndrome.
• Red nails


  • Can indicate Possible Brain hemorrhage
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung disease
  • Stroke
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Pitted brown spots in fingernails


  • Can indicate skin and joint disorder called psoriasis
  • Deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C
• Violet nails


  • Can indicate Oxygen deprivation
  • Circulatory problems
  • Congenital problems
• Clubbed fingers


  Can indicate tissue hypoxia
• Beau's Lines


  Horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails, a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth

  
• longitudinal nail ridges ridging parallel ridges running lengthwise. may seen in elderly and young people with no known etiology

  
• Raynaud's disease - The fingers and toes blanch, then turn blue and may become numb or painful on exposure to cold
• White Spots on Nails

  • zinc deficiency

  • injuries to the nail bed

  • Arthritis

  • poisoning

  • Iron deficiency

  
• Half and half nails are seen in patients with chronic kidney disease; white upper proximal and pink on distal half.