The appearance of your nails can change due to injury, infection, or other health conditions. Certain changes may require medical attention. The appearance of your nails can change due to injury, infection, or other health conditions. Certain changes may require medical attention.
Abnormalities — such as spots, discoloration, and nail separation — can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts (periungual warts), infections (onychomycosis), and some medications, such as those used for chemotherapy. Certain medical conditions can also change the appearance of your fingernails. However, these changes can be difficult to interpret. Your fingernails’ appearance alone isn’t enough to diagnose a specific illness. A doctor will use this information, along with your other symptoms and a physical exam, to make a diagnosis. You should always consult your doctor if you have any questions about changes in your nails.
Common Nail Disorders
Nail disorders refer to various conditions that can affect the appearance, structure, or health of the nails. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, systemic diseases, trauma, nutritional deficiencies, or even certain medications. Here are some common nail disorders: