Nail Discoloration Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white,
yellow, or greenish, can result from different infections and conditions of the
skin. In about 50% of
cases, discolored nails are a result of infections with common fungi that can be
found in the air, dust, and soil. There are many species of fungi that can
affect nails. By far the most common, however, is called Trichophyton rubrum.
This type of fungus has a tendency
to infect the skin and is therefore known as a dermatophyte. Pseudomonas is a
type of bacteria that infects the nail bed and
result in a greenish color to the nails. Red or black nails may result from a
hematoma (a collection
of blood) under the nail as a result of trauma (including
ingrown toenails).
Chronic medical conditions also can affect the appearance
of the nails. Specific color changes in the nails can be suggestive of diabetes
or of liver,
kidney, heart, or lung
conditions. This is why doctors pay specific attention to
nails during a routine physical examination.
Other, rare causes of discolored nails include the
"yellow nail syndrome," an inherited condition that results in slow-growing, discolored nails and is
associated with lymphedema (swelling of
tissues due to the accumulation of fluid) and lung diseases. Nails may also
appear lightened to a whitish-yellow color if there has been separation of the
nail from the nail bed, termed onycholysis.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Nail Discoloration
-
Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of...learn more »
In This Article
Atopic Dermatitis Article
- Atopic dermatitis facts
- What is atopic dermatitis?
- What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema?
- How common is atopic dermatitis?
- What causes atopic dermatitis?
- Is atopic dermatitis contagious?
- What are atopic dermatitis symptoms and signs?
- Can atopic dermatitis affect the face?
- What are the stages of atopic dermatitis?
- How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
- What factors can aggravate atopic dermatitis?
- What are skin irritants in patients with atopic dermatitis?
- What are allergens?
- What are aeroallergens?
- What is the treatment for atopic dermatitis?
- What is the hope for long-term management of atopic
dermatitis?
-
In This Article
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Article
- Diabetes facts
- What is diabetes?
- What is the impact of diabetes?
- What causes diabetes?
- What are the different types of diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Other types of diabetes
- What are diabetes symptoms?
- How is diabetes diagnosed?
- Why is blood sugar checked at home?
- What are the acute complications of diabetes?
- What are the chronic complications of diabetes?
- What can be done to slow diabetes complications?
-
Fungal Nails
Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal...learn more »
In This Article
Fungal Nails Article
- What other conditions can be mistaken for fungal nails?
- What causes fungal nails, and what are some of the risk factors?
- Is nail fungus contagious?
- What are the symptoms and signs of fungal nails?
- How are fungal nails diagnosed?
- How is nail fungus treated?
- Are oral medications for nail fungus toxic?
- What about the cost of oral medications?
- How do you prevent fungal nails?
- What is the prognosis of fungal nails?
- Conclusion
-
Heart Disease
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for...learn more »
In This Article
Heart Disease Article
- Heart disease facts
- Introduction to heart disease
- What are the risk factors for heart disease?
- What are the symptoms of heart disease?
- How is heart disease diagnosed?
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Stress testing
- Echocardiography
- Perfusion studies
- Computerized tomography
- Heart catheterization or coronary angiography
- What is the treatment for heart disease?
- Prevention of heart disease
- Modifying risk factors for heart disease
- Medications for heart disease
- Angioplasty and stents for heart disease
- Surgery for heart disease
-
In This Article
Hypertensive Kidney Disease Article
- Introduction to high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney disease
- What is high blood pressure?
- How does high blood pressure hurt the kidneys?
- What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
- What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease? (CKD)?
- How can kidney damage from high blood pressure be prevented?
- How can high blood pressure be controlled?
- Can medicines help control blood pressure?
- Who is at risk for kidney failure related to high blood pressure?
- High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease At A Glance
- Hope Through Research
-
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are caused by the growth of the toenail into the surrounding nail fold. Symptoms include toe pain, swelling,...learn more »
In This Article
Ingrown Toenail Article
- What are ingrown toenails? What are the symptoms?
- What causes ingrown toenails?
- Are some people more prone to ingrown toenails?
- Which nails are most commonly affected?
- What causes infections in ingrown toenails?
- What are possible complications of ingrown toenails?
- How do I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
- When should I see a physician?
- What kind of doctor treats ingrown toenails?
- How are ingrown toenails treated?
- What types of nail surgery are used for ingrown toenails?
- How can I prevent ingrown toenails from recurring?
- Ingrown Toenail Do's
- Ingrown Toenail Don'ts
- Ingrown Toenail At A Glance
-
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) with bilirubin, the pigment found in bile. Jaundice...learn more »
In This Article
Jaundice Article
- What is jaundice?
- What causes jaundice?
- What problems and symptoms does jaundice cause?
- What diseases cause jaundice?
- What about jaundice in pregnancy?
- What is neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborn infants)?
- How is the cause of jaundice diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for jaundice?
- Can jaundice be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for jaundice?
-
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...learn more »
In This Article
Lichen Planus Article
- Lichen planus facts
- What is lichen planus?
- What causes lichen planus?
- How is the rash of lichen planus different from that of most
other common rashes?
- What are the symptoms and signs of lichen planus?
- What does lichen planus look like?
- How is lichen planus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for lichen planus?
- What is the long-term prognosis of lichen planus?
-
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »
In This Article
Psoriasis Article
- Psoriasis facts
- What is psoriasis?
- What causes psoriasis?
- What does psoriasis look like? What are psoriasis
symptoms and signs?
- Can psoriasis affect my joints?
- How is psoriasis diagnosed?
- Can psoriasis affect only my nails?
- How many people have psoriasis?
- Is psoriasis curable?
- Is psoriasis contagious?
- Can I transmit the gene for psoriasis to my children?
- What kind of doctor treats psoriasis?
- What is the treatment for psoriasis?
- What creams, lotions,
and home remedies are available for psoriasis?
- What oral medications are available for psoriasis?
- What injections or infusions are available for psoriasis?
- What about light therapy for psoriasis?
- Where can I get more information on psoriasis?
- Is there a national psoriasis support group?
- What is my long-term prognosis with psoriasis? What are complications of psoriasis?
-
Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco can have negative health effects such as cancers, poor oral health (gum disease and tooth decay), infertility,...learn more »
In This Article
Smokeless Tobacco Article
- What is smokeless tobacco?
- What are the health risks of smokeless tobacco?
- Cancer risk
- Other health risks
- Is smokeless tobacco safer than cigarette smoking?
- What is being done to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco?
- What treatments are available to help people quit using smokeless tobacco?
- Smokeless Tobacco At A Glance
-
In This Article
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Article
- Smoking and quitting smoking facts
- What problems are caused by smoking?
- What is addictive disease and why is smoking considered addictive?
- What are the signs of cigarette addiction?
- Why should someone quit smoking?
- What are the steps in quitting?
- Getting ready to quit smoking
- On the day you quit smoking
- Staying quit
- What methods can help a person quit smoking?
- Behavioral modification and self-help literature to quit smoking
- Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
- What prescription products are available for smoking cessation?
- How are nicotine-containing products used safely?
- What is in the future for smoking?
Other Causes of Nail Discoloration
Examples of Medications for Nail Discoloration
- ciclopirox, Penlac, Loprox
- fluconazole, Diflucan
- griseofulvin - oral suspension, Grifulvin V
- griseofulvin - oral tablet, Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Pe
- itraconazole, Sporanox
- terbinafine, Lamisil, Lamisil AT
- triacetin-topical cream, solution
- triacetin-topical spray
- triacetin-topical tincture
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