changes in nail thickness (thickening or thinning)

nails that become brittle

nails that are pitted

bleeding around nails

swelling or redness around nails
pain around nails
a nail separating from the skin

These nail changes can be caused by a variety of different conditions,

including ones we describe below.

BEAU’S LINES
Beau’s lines

Depressions that run across your fingernail are called Beau’s lines. These can
be a sign of malnourishment. Other conditions that cause Beau’s lines are:

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fever
peripheral vascular disease
pneumonia
uncontrolled diabetes
zinc deficiency
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 CLUBBING
Clubbing

Clubbing is when your nails thicken and curve around your fingertips, a process
that generally takes years. This can be the result of low oxygen in the blood
and is associated with:

cardiovascular diseases
inflammatory bowel disease
liver diseases

pulmonary diseases
AIDS

SPOONING
Koilonychia (spooning)

Koilonychia is when your fingernails have raised ridges and scoop outward, like
spoons. It’s also called “spooning.” Sometimes the nail is curved enough to
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iron deficiency anemia
heart disease
 hemochromatosis, a liver disorder that causes too much iron to be
absorbed from food
lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation

hypothyroidism
Raynaud’s disease, a condition that limits your blood circulation

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LEUKONYCHIA
Leukonychia (white spots)

Nonuniform white spots or lines on the nail are called leukonychia. They’re
usually the result of a minor trauma and are harmless in healthy individuals.
Sometimes leukonychia is associated with poor health or nutritional
deficiencies. Factors can include infectious, metabolic, or systemic diseases as
well as certain drugs.

MEES’
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 Mees’ lines are transverse white lines. This can be a sign of arsenic poisoning.
If you have this symptom, your doctor will take hair or tissue samples to check
for arsenic in your body.
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ONYCHOLYSIS
Onycholysis

When the nail plate separates from the nail bed, it causes a white discoloration.
This is called onycholysis. This can be due to infection, trauma, or products
used on the nails.

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thyroid disease

PITTING
 Pitting

Pitting refers to small depressions, or little pits, in the nail. It’s common in
people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, red,
and irritated. Some systemic diseases can also cause pitting.

TERRY’S NAILS
Terry’s nails

When the tip of each nail has a dark band, it’s called Terry’s nails. This is often
due to aging, but it can also be caused by:

congestive heart failure

diabetes
liver disease

YELLOW NAIL SYNDROME

Yellow nail syndrome
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