Nail Conditions

Beau’s Lines are depressions that run horizontally across the nails. They indicate that something has interrupted the healthy growth of the nail. Beau’s Lines causes often include injury, illness, or a skin condition. Although the dents themselves aren’t harmful, they may point to another health concern which needs to be addressed.

Conditions which may cause Beau’s Nail Lines to develop include:

• Serious illnesses - infections such as Mumps, Measles or Pneumonia
• Medical emergencies - heart attack or stroke
• Chronic health conditions – Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Peripheral Artery Disease or Raynaud’s Syndrome
• Skin conditions – Eczema or Psoriasis
• Nutritional deficiencies – Zinc or protein deficiency
• Severe emotional stress or anxiety

Once the underlying Beau’s Lines causes have been identified and treated, the nails should begin to grow normally again eliminating the Beau’s Nails Lines.

Brittle nails, also known as Onychoschizia, are characterised by breaking or tearing easily. Although it is normal for everyone’s nails to break or tear occasionally, having chronic brittle nails disease can become challenging and make participating in activities such as sports challenging.

Brittle nails can be caused by underlying medical concerns or other external factors and brittle nails causes may include:

• Lack of moisture in the nails from repeated hand washing or regular water immersion, such as washing up
• Iron deficiency
• Hypothyroidism
• Raynaud’s Syndrome
• Natural ageing

Brittle nails treatment usually begins with treating the underlying medical concerns, allowing the nails to become stronger. In cases where brittle nails disease is caused by natural ageing, your Dermatologist may suggest ways to manage and care for your nails to prevent breakage.

Nail clubbing is characterised by the nails thickening and curving around the finger tip. This process may take many years and is often a sign of a lack of oxygen in the blood. Although having clubbed nails isn’t harmful in itself, it is important to speak to a doctor to resolve the underlying cause.

Nail clubbing may be associated with:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Pulmonary disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Liver disease
• AIDS

If your dermatologist identifies nail clubbing, they will request a range of tests to identify the cause. They will then be able to refer you to the relevant specialist to treat any underlying issues.

Fungal nail infections are one of the most common nail disorders. They most commonly affect the toenails but can also affect the fingernails. Fungal nail disease usually causes the nails to become discoloured, thickened and brittle. They are often caused by the nails being warm and damp and not being effectively cleaned and dried. Hot, sweaty feet from working out is a common cause. Fungal nail infection treatment is available over the counter, but for more severe cases, antifungal tablets can be prescribed. Keeping your nails clean and dry and keeping shoes clean and drying them thoroughly is the best way to prevent fungal nail infection from developing.

Ingrown nails typically affect the toenails (often on the big toe) and are characterised by the nail growing into the skin of the toe. Having an ingrown nail can be painful and prone to infection. Ingrown nails can initially be managed at home by soaking the affected area in warm, salty water to soften the skin and reduce the risk of infection. An infected ingrown nail may require treatment with antibiotics. If the nail continues to cause problems, your Dermatologist may refer you to a Podiatrist to have part of the nail cut away, or the nail removed completely.

Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, causing a white discolouration. It can be due to infection, injury or a reaction to products used on the nails. Psoriasis or Thyroid diseases can also lead to Onycholysis developing.

Paronychia is a nail inflammation which can be caused by injury, irritation or infection. It is caused by bacteria entering broken skin around the cuticle or where the nail and surrounding skin meet. It causes redness, swelling and discomfort. Paronychia treatment usually involves antibiotics to address the infection. In some cases, it is chronic, caused by ongoing irritation from occupational or environmental exposure.

Nail pitting is numerous small depressions across the nails, giving the nails an uneven texture. This is often caused by Psoriasis and can be managed with Psoriasis treatment by a Consultant Dermatologist.

Medically known as Koilonychia, nail spooning is characterised by the nails having ridges and scooping outwards or upwards, with a spoon-like appearance. As well as being uncomfortable, Koilonychia nails are often a sign of an underlying health condition.

Koilonychia causes may include:

• Iron deficiency
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Hypothyroidism
• Raynaud’s Syndrome

Once any underlying condition caused by Koilonychia nails has been treated, the nails should resume normal growth.

Terry’s Nails is a nail abnormality which causes a dark band to develop towards the tip of each nail. It is often associated with ageing but may also be caused by an underlying health concern including:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes

If you are concerned about Terry’s Nails, it is important to speak to a Consultant Dermatologist who will be able to establish whether it requires further investigation.

Known as Leukonychia, the development of irregular white spots or marks on the nails usually indicates a minor injury which has interrupted the regular growth of the nail. However, in some cases they may show a nutritional deficiency or underlying disease. If you have white spots regularly developing on your nails and you aren’t aware of any injuries, it is important to speak with a Consultant Dermatologist who can effectively examine your nails and establish a cause.

As the name suggests, Yellow Nail Syndrome affects the colour of the nails, with them becoming yellowed. The nails will also thicken and grow more slowly. The nail cuticle (towards the base of the nail) may also break down and the nail may separate from the nail bed.

Yellow Nail Syndrome has many potential causes and it is important to discuss this with a doctor:

• Lymphoedema (build-up of fluid and swelling) of the hands
• Pleural effusions – fluid build-up within the chest cavity
• Respiratory diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis