White Nails

White nails can refer to a variety of conditions or disorders that affect the appearance of the nails. The following is a list of definitions for white nails and their corresponding explanations:

  1. Leukonychia is a condition in which white spots appear on the nails. There are two types of leukonychia: true leukonychia, in which the entire nail plate is affected, and punctate leukonychia, in which small, white spots appear on the nails. Leukonychia can be caused by a number of factors, including injury to the nail, malnutrition, and certain medications. In most cases, leukonychia is a harmless condition and will resolve on its own.
  2. Terry’s Nails Terry’s nails are a type of white nails that are characterized by a white band at the tip of the nail, with the rest of the nails appearing pink or normal. This condition is often associated with aging, but it can also be seen in individuals with liver disease, heart failure, and diabetes.
  3. Muehrcke’s Lines Muehrcke’s lines are white lines that run parallel to the lunula (the half-moon-shaped white area at the base of the nail). These lines are often indicative of a deficiency in protein, specifically albumin. Muehrcke’s lines can also be seen in individuals with liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition.
  4. Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed, causing the nail to appear white or yellow. This condition can be caused by injury, infection, or certain medications. In severe cases, onycholysis can cause the nail to become thickened and brittle.
  5. Onychomycosis, also known as toenail fungus, is a fungal infection that affects the nails. The infected nails will become thickened, discolored (usually yellow or white), and brittle. Onychomycosis can be treated with topical antifungal medications or oral antifungal medications.
  6. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a skin condition that can also affect the nails. In individuals with psoriasis, the nails may become thickened, discolored (white or yellow), and brittle. In severe cases, psoriasis can cause the nails to separate from the nail bed.
  7. Lichen Planus Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that can cause white or red spots to appear on the nails. In severe cases, lichen planus can cause the nails to become thickened and brittle.
  8. Subungual Hematoma A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood under the nail that causes the nail to appear white or blue. This condition can be caused by injury to the nail, such as from hitting the nail with a hammer or from slamming the finger in a door. In severe cases, a subungual hematoma can cause the nail to become discolored and deformed.

Causes

White nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Anemia: Anemia is a condition where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can result in pale or white nails due to the lack of oxygen being transported to the nail bed.
  2. Liver Disease: Liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause white nails. This is because the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body, and if it is not functioning properly, these toxins can accumulate in the nails and cause discoloration.
  3. Systemic Diseases: Certain systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, can cause white nails. For example, Raynaud’s disease, a condition where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict, can result in white nails.
  4. Vitamin Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid, can result in white nails. These vitamins are important for the production of red blood cells, and a lack of them can result in anemia and pale or white nails.
  5. Nail Fungal Infections: Nail fungal infections can cause white nails. This is because the fungus can grow under the nail and cause discoloration. In severe cases, the nail may become brittle and even detach from the nail bed.
  6. Trauma: Trauma to the nail bed, such as from injury or surgery, can cause white nails. This is because the nail may become separated from the nail bed and the underlying blood vessels may become damaged.
  7. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can cause white nails due to the toxic effect of the drugs on the nail bed. This can result in a loss of color in the nails and even result in the nails becoming brittle and breaking.
  8. Smoking: Smoking can cause white nails due to the toxic effect of the chemicals in cigarette smoke on the nails. This can result in a loss of color in the nails and even result in the nails becoming brittle and breaking.
  9. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause white nails. This is because the underlying skin cells can accumulate on the nails and cause discoloration.
  10. Aging: As people age, the nails may become less elastic and more brittle, which can result in white nails. This is because the blood vessels in the nails can become damaged and result in a loss of color.
  11. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can result in pale or white nails due to the lack of oxygen being transported to the nail bed.
  12. Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause white nails due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. This can result in a loss of color in the nails and even result in the nails becoming brittle and breaking.
  13. Drug Use: Certain drugs, such as anticoagulants, can cause white nails. This is because the drugs can interfere with the normal blood flow to the nails and result in a loss of color.
  14. Fungal Nail Infections: Fungal nail infections can cause white nails. This is because the fungus can grow under the nail and cause discoloration. In severe cases, the nail may become brittle and even detach from the nail bed.
  15. Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition that can cause white nails. This is because the underlying skin cells can accumulate on the nails and cause discoloration.

Symptoms

White nails can be a sign of a variety of medical conditions. The following is a list of symptoms that may be associated with white nails:

  1. Anemia: White nails can be a sign of anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can cause a pale appearance of the skin, including the nails.
  2. Liver disease: White nails can also be a sign of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the liver’s ability to produce and process certain substances.
  3. Kidney disease: White nails can be a sign of kidney disease, as the kidneys play a key role in filtering waste and excess substances from the body. White nails can be a sign of a buildup of these substances in the body.
  4. Malnutrition: White nails can be a sign of malnutrition, as a lack of essential nutrients in the diet can lead to changes in nail appearance.
  5. Fungal infections: White nails can be a sign of a fungal infection, such as onychomycosis. This type of infection can cause the nails to become white and opaque, and may also cause the nails to become brittle and break easily.
  6. Psoriasis: White nails can be a sign of psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the underlying skin.
  7. Raynaud’s disease: White nails can be a sign of Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes become narrow and restrict blood flow. This can cause the nails to become white and opaque.
  8. Systemic lupus erythematosus: White nails can be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the underlying skin and connective tissues.
  9. Hypothyroidism: White nails can be a sign of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the body’s metabolism and energy levels.
  10. Rheumatoid arthritis: White nails can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the underlying connective tissues and bones.
  11. Cardiovascular disease: White nails can be a sign of cardiovascular disease, as changes in blood flow can affect the appearance of the nails. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in blood pressure, circulation, and oxygen levels.
  12. Diabetes: White nails can be a sign of diabetes, as changes in blood sugar levels can affect the appearance of the nails. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the body’s ability to produce and process insulin.
  13. Respiratory disease: White nails can be a sign of respiratory disease, as changes in lung function can affect the appearance of the nails. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in oxygen levels and circulation.
  14. Cancer: White nails can be a sign of cancer, as changes in the body’s metabolic and immune systems can affect the appearance of the nails. The nails may become white and opaque as a result of changes in the body’s ability to produce and process certain substances.

Diagnosis

The following is a list of diagnostic tests for white nails:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test can help diagnose anemia, which can cause white nails. Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues, resulting in pale skin and nails.

  1. Thyroid Function Test

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause white nails. A thyroid function test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood to diagnose this condition. The test includes measuring the levels of TSH, T3, and T4.

  1. Liver Function Test

Liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, can cause white nails. A liver function test measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood to determine if the liver is functioning correctly. The test includes measuring the levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin.

  1. Nail Biopsy

A nail biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a small piece of the nail is removed and examined under a microscope to determine the cause of white nails. The biopsy can help diagnose conditions such as autoimmune disorders, infections, and skin conditions.

  1. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency Tests

White nails can be a sign of a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D. Vitamin and mineral deficiency tests measure the levels of these nutrients in the blood to diagnose the deficiency.

  1. Chest X-Ray

A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to produce images of the chest and lungs. This test can help diagnose lung conditions, such as lung cancer or pneumonia, that can cause white nails.

  1. CT Scan
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A CT scan is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body. This test can help diagnose conditions such as lung cancer, liver disease, and autoimmune disorders that can cause white nails.

  1. Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart. This test can help diagnose heart conditions, such as heart disease or heart failure, that can cause white nails.

  1. Pulmonary Function Test

A pulmonary function test measures how well the lungs are functioning by measuring the amount and speed of air that can be exhaled. This test can help diagnose lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that can cause white nails.

  1. Dermatologist Consultation

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin conditions. A dermatologist consultation can help diagnose skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, that can cause white nails. During the consultation, the dermatologist will examine the skin and nails and may take a skin sample for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

The treatment for white nails will depend on the underlying cause. Here is a list of common treatments for white nails:

  1. Vitamin and mineral supplements: If the white nails are caused by malnutrition, taking supplements of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and biotin can help.
  2. Antifungal medication: If the white nails are caused by a fungal infection, antifungal medication such as terbinafine or itraconazole can be prescribed.
  3. Liver disease treatment: If the white nails are a result of liver disease, treating the underlying condition with medication or lifestyle changes can help improve the appearance of the nails.
  4. Avoiding certain medications: If the white nails are a side effect of certain medications, switching to alternative medications or avoiding the offending medication can help.
  5. Topical treatments: Some topical treatments, such as urea or salicylic acid, can help improve the appearance of white nails by softening and breaking down the hard, white areas.
  6. Nail removal: In severe cases of fungal infections, removing the infected nail can be necessary to allow for topical antifungal treatments to reach the underlying infection.
  7. Psoriasis treatment: If the white nails are caused by psoriasis, treating the underlying condition with topical creams or light therapy can help improve the appearance of the nails.
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It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing white nails as they can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your white nails and provide the appropriate treatment.

Vitamin and mineral supplements:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause white nails. If the white nails are caused by malnutrition, taking supplements of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and biotin can help. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin supplement or specific supplements based on your individual needs.

Antifungal medication:

Fungal infections are a common cause of white nails. Antifungal medication such as terbinafine or itraconazole can be prescribed to treat fungal infections. These medications work by killing the fungus that is causing the infection.

Liver disease treatment:

Liver disease can cause white nails. If the white nails are a result of liver disease, treating the underlying condition with medication or lifestyle changes can help improve the appearance of the nails. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the liver disease or suggest lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption or improving diet, to help improve liver function.

Avoiding certain medications:

Certain medications can cause white nails as a side effect. If the white nails are a side effect of medication, switching to alternative medications or avoiding the offending medication can help. Your doctor can help determine if medication is the cause of your white nails and provide alternative options.

Topical treatments:

Topical treatments, such as urea or salicylic acid, can help improve the appearance of white nails by softening and breaking down the hard, white areas. These treatments can be applied directly to the nails and are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Nail removal:

In severe cases of fungal infections, removing the infected nail can be necessary to allow for topical antifungal treatments to reach the underlying infection. This is typically done by a doctor and involves removing the infected nail and allowing a new nail to grow in its place.

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