Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the fingernails or toenails. The discoloration can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it may sometimes indicate health issues. Melanonychia is a nail condition in which melanin is present in the nail plate.
The most common causes of yellow or brown fingernails are the frequent use of nail polish and cigarette smoking. Taking a break on the polish or quitting smoking may allow the dark nail to grow out as the new nail comes in.
This nail discoloration is called a melanonychia and is caused by the pigment melanin. There are several possible causes including skin cancer, infection or injury.
Healthy fingernails and toenails should be white as it grows off the nail bed and the nail plate a pinkish color. Pitted brown spots in fingernails may indicate skin and a joint disorder called psoriasis.
If your nail discoloration is caused by fungus, some home treatments might help. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, vinegar, tea tree oil, and hydrogen peroxide are all anti-fungal and antibacterial ingredients that have been claimed to be an effective foot soak to treat discolored toenails.
Research has shown vitamin B12 deficiency to cause brown-gray nail discoloration.
Vitamin-B12 deficiency can present with glossitis, pigmentary changes of nails, hairs, and skin or more serious features like megaloblastic anemia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Pale nails can mean anemia or congestive heart failure. It is also common among those suffering from malnutrition.
Nail Health & Diabetes
In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue and become brittle. This is often associated with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. In certain cases, this yellowing of nails can be a sign of a nail infection.
The first toenail change you'll notice in diabetic patients is likely to be discoloration. Most have some yellowing of the nails, though the shade and involvement can vary.
White nails, also known as Terry's nails, are a sign of kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. Yellow nails can be a fungal infection, a thyroid issue, or a rare condition called Yellow Nail Syndrome. Persons with Brown, grey, and even green colored nails should check with a medical professional.
Nail changes.
People who have advanced kidney disease can develop: A white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown color below, as shown here (half-and-half nails) Pale nails. White bands running across one or more nails (Muehrcke's nails)
When checking your nails for melanoma, dermatologists recommend looking for the following changes: A dark streak. This may look like a brown or black band in the nail — often on the thumb or big toe of your dominant hand or foot. However, this dark streak can show up on any nail.
Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.
Fungal infection of the nails
Dirt, poor hygiene, and living in a humid area all can cause fungal infection in your toenails. Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors: Yellow. Red-brown.
Subungual melanoma presents as brown-black discolorations of the nail bed. It can present as either a streak of pigment or irregular pigmentation. The discoloration can progress to thickening, splitting, or destruction of the nail with pain and inflammation.
Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.
In fact, changes in the nails is a marked symptom of various liver conditions like liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) virus infections. Apart from the nails, liver disorders also affect various parts of the skin.
Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina) Shortness of breath. Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back. Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed.
Nails may darken, crack or become brittle. White ridges or bands of discoloration may appear along the nails. Nail beds may darken. A small percentage of patients lose all or part of their fingernails and toenails.
Link between vitamin B12 deficiency and nails
The investigators deduced that nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails. So, one may see bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks.
Vitamin D ensures healthy nails and reduces the risk of nail peeling and chipping, which can often be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body which is an essential contributor to having healthy nails.
Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia.