- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Arteriovenous Malformations
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Back Pain
- Brain Aneurysm
- Brain Tumors
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Childhood Brain Tumors
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Ischemic Stroke
- Memory
- Meningitis
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Movement Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuroblastoma
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome
- Speech and Language Problems in Children
- Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack
- Tremor
- Walking Problems
- West Nile Virus
- A1C
- Blood Glucose
- Diabetes
- Diabetes and Pregnancy
- Diabetes Complications
- Diabetes in Children and Teens
- Diabetes Medicines
- Diabetes Type 1
- Diabetes Type 2
- Diabetic Diet
- Diabetic Eye Problems
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- Diabetic Kidney Problems
- Diabetic Nerve Problems
- How to Prevent Diabetes
- Hyperglycemia
- Metabolic Syndrome
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- Breast Reconstruction
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- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Cesarean Delivery
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- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
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- Health Problems in Pregnancy
- High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
- HIV and Pregnancy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- HPV
- Hysterectomy
- Infections and Pregnancy
- Mammography
- Mastectomy
- Menopause
- Menstruation
- Miscarriage
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Ovarian Disorders
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Pelvic Pain
- Period Pain
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Drug Use
- Pregnancy and Opioids
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Testing
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
- Sexual Problems in Women
- Stillbirth
- Teenage Pregnancy
- Trichomoniasis
- Tubal Ligation
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Diseases
- Uterine Fibroids
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- Vaginal Diseases
- Vaginitis
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- Yeast Infections
- Alcohol
- Calcium
- Child Nutrition
- Cholesterol
- Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
- Cholesterol Medicines
- DASH Eating Plan
- Eating Disorders
- Food Allergy
- HDL: The “Good” Cholesterol
- High Cholesterol in Children and Teens
- How to Lower Cholesterol
- How to Lower Cholesterol with Diet
- Infant and Newborn Nutrition
- LDL: The “Bad” Cholesterol
- Malabsorption Syndromes
- Nutrition for Older Adults
- Pregnancy and Nutrition
- Toddler Nutrition
- Triglycerides
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
- Ataxia Telangiectasia
- Brain Malformations
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- Foot Injuries and Disorders
- Fractures
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- Anatomy
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- Itching
- Jaundice
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Pain
- Rare Diseases
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Sciatica
- Speech and Communication Disorders
- Stuttering
Nail Diseases
Summary
Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. The health of your nails can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can be signs of lung, heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.
Nail problems that sometimes require treatment include:
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Ingrown nails
- Tumors
- Warts
Keeping your nails clean, dry, and trimmed can help you avoid some problems. Do not remove the cuticle, which can cause infection.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Patient Handouts
- Aging changes in hair and nails Medical Encyclopedia
- Fungal nail infection Medical Encyclopedia
- Ingrown toenail Medical Encyclopedia
- Ingrown toenail removal – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Nail abnormalities Medical Encyclopedia
- Nail injuries Medical Encyclopedia
- Paronychia Medical Encyclopedia
- Splinter hemorrhages Medical Encyclopedia
Genetics
- Anonychia congenita: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Nail-patella syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Nonsyndromic congenital nail disorder 10: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
Related Issues
- Artificial Nails: Dermatologists’ Tips for Reducing Nail Damage American Academy of Dermatology
- Dos and Don’ts for a Fabulous Pedicure American Podiatric Medical Association
- How to Stop Biting Your Nails American Academy of Dermatology
- Manicure and Pedicure Safety American Academy of Dermatology
Images
- Beau’s Lines VisualDX
- Onycholysis VisualDX
- Onychomycosis VisualDX
- Onychoschizia VisualDX
- Paronychia VisualDX
Specifics
- Brittle Splitting Nails (Onychoschizia) American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
- Funky Fingertips? What Nails Say about Your Health National Institutes of Health
- Green Nail Syndrome American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
- Ingrown Toenails American Academy of Family Physicians
- Nail Bed Injury American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- Nail Fungus Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Nail Ridges: Cause for Concern? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Onycholysis American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
- Paronychia American Academy of Family Physicians
- Subungual Hematoma American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
- Thick Toenails American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis) American Podiatric Medical Association
- White Toenails American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Nail Diseases National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Onychomycosis National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Paronychia National Institutes of Health
Find an Expert
- Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Start Here
- Fingernails: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Nails Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Nail Problems (Toenails) American Podiatric Medical Association
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Nail Hygiene Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Tips for Healthy Nails American Academy of Dermatology
Children
- Paronychia (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
- Your Nails Nemours Foundation
Journal Articles
Games
- Quiz: Nails Nemours Foundation