Hammerling-Hodgers: Don't ignore your nails. They may signify health problems
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Gloria, 45, is a bartender who noticed she has a new onset of a dark green discoloration on some of her fingernails.
Mike, 65, is a heavy smoker who has noticed all of his fingernails have become yellow over the past year.
Joan, 70, started to complain that her nails were tearing and have become brittle.
Both men and women strive to have healthy looking nails not only for appearance, but nails can be an indicator about your general health.
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Green Nail Syndrome
Green Nail Syndrome is a bacterial infection caused by pseudomonas of the nails, which leads to a greenish discoloration that can vary from blue-green to dark green discolorations that are underneath the nail.
The infection is mostly confined to one or two fingernails or toenails. This nail condition is common in moist environments such as bartenders, dishwashers, hairdressers and medical personnel.
Treatment for a pseudomonas bacterial infection begins by keeping the nails dry.
Sometimes a diluted acetic acid (vinegar) soak or topical/systemic antibiotics like tobramycin eye drops or oral fluoroquinolones are regarded as first-line systemic treatment.
Yellow Nail Syndrome
There may be many causes of yellow nails.
Yellow Nail Syndrome occurs in patients with chronic bronchitis. Patients notice the nails become thicker and slower to grow. It could also be a sign of a fungal infection.
Not only does smoking turn nails yellow but wearing red nail polish without a base coat does too.
Yellow Nail Syndrome can be indicative of chronic bronchitis, lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Brittle Nail Syndrome
Many women complain about their splitting, brittle or thin nails. Usually, brittle nails occur as a normal result of aging, but sometimes can indicate internal disease or vitamin deficiencies.
Chronic exposure to nail polish, household cleaners or moisture may cause nails to peel or become brittle.
Spoon nails
Koilonychia (Spoon Nails) are soft nails that look like they were scooped out.
The depression usually is significant enough to hold a drop of water.
Frequently, spoon nails can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis, in which the body absorbs too much iron from food.
Beau's Lines
Beau's Lines are horizontal indentations that run across the nails.
There a number of causes of Beau’s lines that affect nails such as injury, severe illness, diabetes or anything that causes a high fever. After finding out and addressing the cause, nails often begin growing normally again.
Onycholysis
Separation of the nail from the nail bed is called onycholysis.
Various causes such as trauma from an aggressive manicure or injury from using a sharp object to clean under your fingernails or using nail hardeners or adhesives can result in onycholysis.
Terry's Nails
Most of the nail appears white except for a narrow pink band at the tip.
It could be a sign of a serious condition, such as liver disease, kidney failure, congestive heart failure or diabetes.
Clubbing of nails
Clubbing of the nails appears as a curve around enlarged fingertips.
It could be a sign of lung, cardiovascular or liver disease.
Other nail diseases
There are several other nail diseases such as psoriasis of the nail, onychomycosis, paronychia, or lichen planus that can affect the appearance of the nail.
Don’t try to self-diagnosis or treat without getting a professional evaluation and treatment plan.
Lots of time, frustration and money can be saved by getting the right diagnosis early.
Unfortunately, some patients try to experiment with home remedies or their friend’s medications, which can alter the appearance of the nail.
As you have learned, there is more to fingernails and toenails than polishing them. The nails are a window to your health.
It’s important not to ignore changes in your fingernails or toenails.
If you are concerned about what could be causing your nails to change in color or appearance, then make sure you don’t have polish or any other cover-up that could affect the proper evaluation and correct diagnosis.
Changes in your nails don’t always indicate a serious health issue, but you may want to mention them to your primary care provider at your annual health exam.
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a Member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is a PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer at the Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge offices.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Are your fingernails yellow or brittle? You may have serious health issues
