What does discoloration of nails indicate?

If a fingernail or toenail has a new or changing dark streak, it’s time to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. That dark streak could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Not every dark streak is a melanoma, but it’s always good to have a dermatologist examine one.

What causes darkening of nails in children?

The pigmentation is produced by activation or proliferation of quiescent melanocytes. Unlike in adults, the principal cause of longitudinal melanonychia in children is nail matrix nevi, and it may be present at birth or may develop at 2–4 years of age (Fig.

Why are my baby’s nails yellow?

Infections – If a nail is hardened, thickened and changes in color (yellow), it may be caused by a fungus. If the toe is red, painful, swollen and has drainage, the infection may be caused by bacteria. Warts – Warts can change the shape of the nail or cause pain or discomfort.

What causes dark discoloration of fingernails?

Melanonychia can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases that affect your nails. It can also be caused by inflammation due to friction from shoes and biting your nails. Poor nutrition. Malnutrition can cause melanonychia, especially a lack of protein, vitamin D, or vitamin B12.

Can fingernails show signs of illness?

Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.

What do nails look like with anemia?

Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat.

What vitamin deficiencies cause yellow nails?

Vitamin E deficiency may lead to yellow-colored nails. So can many other vitamin deficiencies or conditions. If you have yellow nails, see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare nail disorder.

What is yellow nail syndrome?

Yellow nail syndrome is an extremely rare disorder characterized by malformations affecting the fingernails and toenails, abnormalities affecting the lungs and the airways (respiratory tract), and swelling or puffiness in different parts of the body because of the accumulation of protein-rich fluid (lymph) in the soft …

What do fingernails look like with low iron?

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. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

Can low iron cause nail discoloration?

Your fingernails can show symptoms of iron deficiency. If you have soft, scooped-out fingernails with a depression in the middle, you could have iron-deficiency anemia. Your nails can also signal other health conditions, if you notice nail pitting or transverse lines called Mees’ lines.

What cancers cause yellow nails?

What Are the Causes of Yellow Nail Syndrome? This condition is most commonly seen in people with the following: Conditions that cause lymph circulation and drainage problems like lymphedema. Certain cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma.

What does iron deficiency nails look like?

Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause.

What do yellow nails indicate?

One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.