Terry’s Nails

Terry’s nails is a medical condition that is characterized by a change in the appearance of the nail plate. This condition is named after Dr. Richard Terry, who first described it in 1954. Terry’s nails are mostly seen in elderly individuals, and it can be associated with various underlying health conditions. In this article, we will define Terry’s nails and its different types, along with their possible causes and associated health conditions.

Definition:

Terry’s nails refer to a condition in which the nail plate appears to be white or pale near the base, while the tip of the nail has a darker or reddish-brown color. This condition is also known as leukonychia, and it can affect one or more nails. Terry’s nails are usually painless, and the affected nails may become brittle or thickened over time.

Types:

There are three types of Terry’s nails based on the extent of the color change observed on the nail plate. These types are as follows:

1. Classic Terry’s nails: In Classic Terry’s nails, the nail plate appears to be almost completely white or pale, except for a narrow band of color at the tip of the nail. This type of Terry’s nails is commonly seen in elderly individuals and is often associated with liver disease, heart failure, and diabetes.
2. Half-and-half nails: In half-and-half nails, the nail plate is divided into two distinct halves, with the proximal half being white or pale, and the distal half having a reddish-brown color. This type of Terry’s nails is usually seen in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
3. Ground-glass nails: In ground-glass nails, the nail plate appears to be hazy or translucent, with a ground-glass-like appearance. This type of Terry’s nails is rare and is often associated with systemic diseases such as cirrhosis, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and HIV infection.

Causes

Causes of Terry’s nails and explain them in detail.

1. Liver disease: Terry’s nails are commonly seen in people with liver disease, such as cirrhosis. This is thought to be due to decreased blood flow to the nails and changes in the nail bed.
2. Chronic renal failure: Chronic renal failure can cause Terry’s nails due to changes in the blood flow and nail bed.
3. Congestive heart failure: Terry’s nails can also be seen in people with congestive heart failure. This is due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and low oxygen levels.
4. Diabetes mellitus: Terry’s nails can occur in people with diabetes mellitus, particularly in those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to changes in the nail bed.
5. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause Terry’s nails due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow.
6. Malnutrition: Malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency, can lead to Terry’s nails. This is due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and insufficient nutrients.
7. Chemotherapy: Terry’s nails can be a side effect of chemotherapy. This is thought to be due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and chemotherapy drugs.
8. Vitamin deficiency: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, and C can cause Terry’s nails. This is due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and insufficient nutrients.
9. Iron deficiency anemia: Terry’s nails can also be seen in people with iron deficiency anemia. This is thought to be due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and low oxygen levels.
10. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Terry’s nails can occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus. The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to changes in the nail bed caused by inflammation.
11. HIV/AIDS: Terry’s nails can be seen in people with HIV/AIDS. This is thought to be due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and low oxygen levels.
12. Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Terry’s nails can also be a sign of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to changes in the nail bed caused by cancer cells.
13. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Terry’s nails can occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and low oxygen levels.
14. Cardiovascular disease: Terry’s nails can be seen in people with cardiovascular disease. This is thought to be due to changes in the nail bed caused by decreased blood flow and low oxygen levels.
15. Celiac disease: Terry’s nails can occur in people with celiac disease. This is due to changes in the nail bed caused by malabsorption of nutrients.
16. Psoriasis: Terry’s nails can be a sign of psoriasis. The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to changes in the nail bed caused by inflammation.
17. Rheumatoid arthritis: Terry’s nails can occur in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to changes in the nail bed caused by inflammation.

Symptoms

This condition was first described by Terry in 1954, and it has been associated with various systemic diseases, including liver disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In this article, we will discuss the main list of 20 symptoms for Terry’s nails and explain each symptom in detail.

1. Pale or whitened nails: The most common symptom of Terry’s nails is the white or pale appearance of the nails. The nails may become completely white or partially white, with a distal reddish or brownish discoloration.
2. Reduced or absent lunula: The lunula is the half-moon-shaped white area at the base of the nail. In Terry’s nails, the lunula may be reduced or absent, giving the nails a uniform appearance.
3. Thicker nails: Terry’s nails may cause the nails to become thicker than usual, making it difficult to trim or file them.
4. Nail detachment: In some cases, Terry’s nails may cause the nail plate to detach from the nail bed, leading to a painful condition called onycholysis.
5. Curved nails: Terry’s nails may cause the nails to become curved, making it difficult to grip objects.
6. Brittle nails: The nails in Terry’s nails may become brittle and break easily, leading to discomfort and pain.
7. Spoon-shaped nails: Some people with Terry’s nails may develop spoon-shaped nails, a condition known as koilonychia.
8. Clubbed nails: Terry’s nails may cause the nails to become clubbed, a condition in which the nails become rounded and bulging.
9. Yellowish nails: In some cases, Terry’s nails may cause the nails to become yellowish in color, indicating a fungal infection or other underlying condition.
10. Cracked nails: The nails in Terry’s nails may become cracked and painful, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
11. Split nails: The nails may split along the length of the nail, leading to pain and discomfort.
12. Thickened nail folds: Terry’s nails may cause the skin around the nail to become thickened, leading to a painful condition known as paronychia.
13. Reddish-brown discoloration: The distal part of the nails may develop a reddish-brown discoloration, indicating an underlying systemic disease.
14. Pale nail beds: In some cases, Terry’s nails may cause the nail beds to become pale or white in color, indicating an underlying health condition.
15. Soft nails: The nails in Terry’s nails may become soft and pliable, making them more susceptible to damage and breakage.
16. Black streaks: Some people with Terry’s nails may develop black streaks on the nails, indicating a possible melanoma or other type of skin cancer.
17. Horizontal ridges: Terry’s nails may cause the nails to develop horizontal ridges, which can be painful and unsightly.
18. Pitted nails: The nails in Terry’s nails may become pitted, with small depressions or craters on the nail surface.
19. Thickened cuticles: Terry’s nails may cause the cuticles to become thickened, leading to discomfort and pain.
20. Nail bed pallor: The nail beds may become pale or white in color, indicating an underlying systemic disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and tests for Terry’s nails.

1. Physical examination: The first step in diagnosing Terry’s nails is a physical examination of the nails. The doctor will examine the nails for signs of discoloration, thickness, texture, and shape.
2. Medical history: The doctor will take a detailed medical history, including any medications taken, past illnesses, and current symptoms.
3. Blood tests: Blood tests are commonly done to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may cause Terry’s nails. The blood tests will check for liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and complete blood count.
4. Liver function tests: Liver function tests (LFTs) are a series of blood tests that assess the liver’s health. Elevated liver enzymes in the blood may indicate liver disease, which can be a possible cause of Terry’s nails.
5. Kidney function tests: Kidney function tests measure the level of creatinine and urea in the blood. Elevated levels of these substances may indicate kidney damage or disease, which can cause Terry’s nails.
6. Thyroid function tests: Thyroid function tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. An imbalance in these hormones can cause nail changes, including Terry’s nails.
7. Complete blood count: A complete blood count (CBC) measures the number of different types of blood cells in the body. Anemia, which can cause Terry’s nails, can be detected by a CBC.
8. Electrolyte imbalance tests: Electrolytes are minerals in the blood that help maintain proper bodily function. Imbalances in these minerals can cause nail changes, including Terry’s nails. Blood tests can measure electrolyte levels in the blood.
9. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may cause Terry’s nails. For example, lung cancer can cause Terry’s nails, and X-rays can help detect any abnormalities in the lungs.
10. Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for analysis. A skin biopsy can help diagnose skin conditions that may cause Terry’s nails, such as psoriasis or lichen planus.
11. Nail biopsy: A nail biopsy involves removing a small sample of the nail for analysis. A nail biopsy can help diagnose nail conditions that may cause Terry’s nails, such as fungal infections or melanoma.
12. Fungal culture: A fungal culture involves taking a sample of the affected nail and growing it in a laboratory to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Fungal infections are a common cause of Terry’s nails.
13. Microscopic examination: Microscopic examination of the nail can help diagnose nail conditions that may cause Terry’s nails, such as psoriasis or eczema.
14. Allergy tests: Allergy tests can help identify any allergies that may cause Terry’s nails. Allergies can cause nail changes, including Terry’s nails.
15. Autoimmune disorder tests: Autoimmune disorder tests can help identify any autoimmune disorders that may cause Terry’s nails, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
16. Vitamin deficiency tests: Vitamin deficiency tests can help identify any deficiencies that may cause Terry’s nails, such as a deficiency in vitamin B12

Treatment

While treating the underlying condition is essential, managing Terry’s nails involves a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions, including the use of medications. In this article, we will discuss the main 20 drug treatments for Terry’s nails.

1. Oral antifungal medications: Terry’s nails can be caused by a fungal infection, and oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole can be used to treat the underlying fungal infection.
2. Topical antifungal agents: In some cases, topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole can be used to treat the fungal infection that is causing Terry’s nails.
3. Vitamin E: Vitamin E has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of Terry’s nails. It is thought that vitamin E may help to improve the circulation to the nails, which can help to restore their normal appearance.
4. Topical steroids: Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nails.
5. Systemic corticosteroids: In severe cases of Terry’s nails, systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling throughout the body.
6. Retinoids: Retinoids such as isotretinoin can be used to treat Terry’s nails by promoting the growth of new, healthy nails.
7. Immunomodulatory agents: Immunomodulatory agents such as cyclosporine can be used to treat Terry’s nails by suppressing the immune system’s response, which can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
8. Antibiotics: In cases where Terry’s nails are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, or cephalexin may be prescribed.
9. Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as loratadine or diphenhydramine can be used to reduce itching and swelling associated with Terry’s nails.
10. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with Terry’s nails.
11. Diuretics: Diuretics such as furosemide can be used to reduce fluid retention in cases where Terry’s nails are associated with congestive heart failure.
12. Antidepressants: Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline can be used to manage the symptoms of depression that may be associated with Terry’s nails.
13. Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics such as olanzapine or risperidone can be used to manage the symptoms of psychosis that may be associated with Terry’s nails.
14. Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or pregabalin can be used to manage the symptoms of neuropathic pain that may be associated with Terry’s nails.
15. Antidiabetic agents: Antidiabetic agents such as metformin or insulin can be used to manage the symptoms of diabetes mellitus that may be associated with Terry’s nails.
16. Antihypertensive agents: Antihypertensive agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or beta-blockers can be used to manage the symptoms of hypertension that may be associated with Terry’s nails

References