Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Nail abnormalities

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Nail infection, candidal
Nail infection, candidal
Koilonychia
Koilonychia
Onycholysis
Onycholysis
White nail syndrome
White nail syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome
Half and half nails
Half and half nails
Yellow nails
Yellow nails
Brittle nails
Brittle nails

Alternative Names    Return to top

Beau's lines; Fingernail abnormalities; Spoon nails; Onycholysis; Leukonychia; Koilonychia; Brittle nails

Definition    Return to top

Nail abnormalities are problems with the color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails.

Considerations    Return to top

Just like the skin, the fingernails tell a lot about your health.

Causes    Return to top

Injury:

Infection:

Diseases:

Poisons:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have:

If you have splinter hemorrhages, see the doctor immediately.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will look at your nails and ask questions about your symptoms. Questions may include:

Diagnostic tests will depend on what other symptoms, if any, exist. These may include x-rays, blood tests, or examination of parts of the nail in the laboratory.

Prevention    Return to top

Using the vitamin biotin and clear nail polish that contains protein can help strengthen your nails.

Update Date: 4/17/2009

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.