Examples of Nail changes

Examples of nail changes that could indicate a serious medical condition

• White nails:  Liver diseases such as hepatitis
• Yellowish, thickened, slow-growing nails:  Lungs diseases such as emphysema
• Yellowish nails with a slight blush at the base: Diabetes
• Half-white, half-pink nails:   Kidney disease
• Red nail beds: Heart disease
• Pale or white nail beds: Anaemia
• ‘Clubbing’, a painless increase in tissue around the ends of the fingers, or inversion of the nail: Lung diseases
• Irregular red lines at the base of the nail fold: Lupus or connective tissue disease
• Dark lines beneath the nail: Melanoma.

Tips for strong, healthy fingernails

To maintain healthy fingernails, avoid infections, and improve nail appearance, try the following tips:

• Keep your nails clean and dry.
• Avoid nail-biting or picking.
• Apply moisturiser to your nails and cuticles every day. Creams with urea, phospholipids or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
• File your nails in one direction and round the tip slightly, rather than filing to a point.
• Don't remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.
• Don't dig out ingrown toenails. See your practice nurse or doctor if they become bothersome.
• Avoid nail varnish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
• Take your own instruments if you get frequent manicures.
• If you have Artificial nails, they can trap moisture under them that can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. You should check regularly for green discolouration that may indicate infection.
• Eat a balanced healthy diet