What Does a White Fingernail Indicate?
A white fingernail can indicate a number of different medical issues. If all of the nails are white or partially whitened, it usually means that a systemic problem is occurring. A single white fingernail may indicate an issue with that specific finger. White nails may be all white or partially white, depending on the cause. In a clinical sign known as Terry's nails, for example, the nails are white with an arc of brown coloration at the tip of the nail.
One reason for a white fingernail is poor vascularization in the finger. This can be the result of trauma to the finger or nailbed, as for example when a hand is slammed in a door, or it can be caused by diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other circulatory problems. People with systemic circulatory problems may observe discoloration in all their fingernails.
Another reason for a white fingernail is liver or kidney disease. People with advanced cirrhosis often have white fingernails, for example. Anemia can also lead to whitening and paleness in the fingernails, as can malnutrition.
If the fingernails are white, soft, and crumbly, it is a sign of fungal infection. In the early stages of fungal infection, one or mail nails may go white before softening. The nails will be lost if the infection is allowed to persist, exposing the delicate nail bed.
In addition to whitening, fingernails can also thicken, distort, develop raised ridges, and exhibit other signs. All of these clinical signs in the fingernails can be useful diagnostic tools for doctors. People who notice changes in the color, thickness, texture, or shape of their fingernails should call a doctor to discuss the situation.
A doctor may determine that a white fingernail, ridged fingernail, or otherwise abnormal fingernail is a cause for concern, and recommend some diagnostic tests which can be used to learn more about the situation. Sometimes changes in the fingernails are the first sign of a more serious underlying problem, and it is important to follow a doctor's recommendations about diagnostic testing even if someone feels healthy and fit.
People who regularly color their nails should try to get into the habit of periodically checking on nail health by removing nail polish and other products to allow the natural color of the fingernail to show. It is also important to be aware of changes in texture and thickness which may reveal problems in the nail which are hidden by nail polish.
Written by S.E. Smith
