What are signs of unhealthy fingernails?

What are signs of unhealthy fingernails?

Abnormalities of the fingernail

  • 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 doctor do you see for fingernail problems?

A dermatologist should examine any nail that’s lifting up. You may need treatment to clear an infection. A dermatologist can also give you some tips that may help the new nail grow out normally. If you have redness and swelling around a nail, you may have an infection.

What diseases affect your nails?

Causes of Nail Disorders

  • Infections (such as paronychia , warts , and green nail syndrome )
  • Injuries.
  • Internal diseases (such as certain lung diseases, which can cause yellow nail syndrome)
  • Nail fungus (onychomycosis )
  • Structural problems (such as an ingrown toenail )
  • Birth deformities (such as pachyonychia congenita)

What kills fungus on nails?

Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

Does lack of vitamin D cause nail problems?

S. M., 2011) – Deficiencies specifically in vitamins A, D, E, and K typically will cause nails to be softer, termed hapalonychia. Yellow discoloration of the nails, not to be confused with onychomycosis, can occur with vitamin E deficiencies.

Why do doctors push on your fingernails?

The capillary nail refill test is a quick test done on the nail beds. It is used to monitor dehydration and the amount of blood flow to tissue.

When to see a doctor for fingernail ridges?

Diagnosing the cause of fingernail ridges. Sudden changes in your nails should be examined by your doctor. If you damaged your nail in an injury, you may wait to see how the nail and your finger heal for a few weeks before deciding whether to see a doctor.

What kind of Doctor deals with fingernails?

A doctor who specializes in treating nail and skin disorders is called a dermatologist. You may see your regular doctor about your nail health concerns, and he or she may refer you to a dermatologist.

What causes pain in the skin around a fingernail?

Paronychia is an infection of the skin that surrounds a fingernail. The infected tissue can be tender and painful with swelling. Conditions that can contribute to nail infections include split or cracked nails, closely trimmed nails or trauma to the nail.

What to do if you have a hangnail on your finger?

Although a bit of a misnomer, hangnails occur when the skin along the edge of the nail tears or is otherwise damaged. Sometimes this causes bleeding and can cause persistent, low-grade pain. Simply wash a hangnail and apply an antibiotic cream to protect against infection. The skin will heal itself.

Do you need to see a doctor about your fingernails?

These are just some of the signs of abnormal fingernails. Having any of these signs isn’t proof of any medical condition. You’ll need to visit your doctor to determine if your condition is serious. In many cases, proper care of your nails is enough to correct their appearance.

When to see a doctor about nail ridges?

If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition. Habif TP. Nail diseases.

What do you need to know about nail problems?

Critical nutrients include iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, sodium, vitamins A, C and B-complex vitamins like biotin. (8) The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes that nail problems may often be a sign of a serious disease including cancer that should not go untreated.

Why do I have a depression in my fingernail?

The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism. Habif TP. Nail diseases.