Your toenails can tell you a lot about certain physiological changes occurring in your body. People often associate abnormal toenail changes with fungal nail infections, such as onychomycosis. It is important to remember that not all toenail changes represent nail fungus.
Toenail abnormalities can include changes in:
- Color
- Shape
- Growth
- Pliability
- Texture
Issues with your toenails can reflect problems with one or multiple changes from the list above. If you are experiencing toenail issues, we do not want you to immediately assume that they are fungal-related because your efforts towards treating your nails will ultimately be hindered if the diagnosis is incorrect. So, here is a quick review of some common types of toenail changes that may be affecting your feet.
Leukonychia
Leukonychia is usually the result of trauma to your nails. It is often characterized as White Spots, which form in different places on the nail and then slowly move outward towards the edges of the nail, forming a white dotted line appearance.
The trauma triggering this condition is usually the result of repeated manicures or chronic nail polish removal.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is characterized as the separation of your toenail plate from the underlying nail bed. The separation of the nail plate starts at the tip of your nail and migrates proximally towards your cuticle. This causes the nail to lift and develops an open space below the nail where dirt can enter and possibly cause infection to the nail.
This condition can be caused by multiple factors including trauma, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, and allergic reactions to toenail cosmetics.
Terry’s Nails
Terry’s Nails is characterized by the majority of the nail plate turning white in color, the tip of the nail plate is typically reddish-brown and the lunula is usually absent.
Terry’s Nails is associated with liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Mees’ Lines
Mees’ Lines are also known as Transverse White Bands due to their white band appearance which usually transverses the entire nail. Mees’ Lines usually start near the cuticle and grow outward towards the tip of the nail.
Mees’ Lines are commonly seen as a result of arsenic poisoning, Hodgkin’s Disease, chemotherapy, and leprosy
Beau’s Lines
Beau’s Lines, also known as Transverse Linear Depressions due to the Linear Depressions within the nail plate, which usually transverses the entire nail. The depressions resemble a transverse ridge across the nail and first appear near the cuticle, which grows outward towards the tip of the nail.
Beau’s Lines are usually the result of trauma, Raynaud’s disease or an illness, which causes poor nail keratin synthesis.
Pitting of the Nails
Pitting is usually characterized as small, dent-like depressions, scattered throughout the nail. These depressions are the result of defective layering of the superficial nail plate, which starts near the cuticle.
Pitting is mainly associated with Psoriasis, but is also seen in people with a condition that causes areas of hair loss, called Alopecia areata.
Koilonychia
Koilonychia is often referred to as spooning of the nail due to the abnormal shape of the toenail, which is thin and curved upward along the sides of the nail plate. Spoon nails are commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia, pulmonary disease, and B12 deficiency.
Spoon nails usually develop in a sequential process which begins with thinning, brittle nails then the nail plate becomes straight, followed by an upward curving along the edges of the nail plate.
Brittle Nail Syndrome
Brittle Nail Syndrome is the result of two specific nail conditions called Onychoschisis and Onychorrhexis. Onychoschisis (Nail Splitting) causes horizontal splitting within the nail plate and Onychorrhexis causes longitudinal splitting of the nail plate.
These conditions are usually the result of trauma to the nails, over usage of nail products, psoriasis, Vitamin C, and Folic acid deficiency.
Discoloration of the Entire Nail
Discoloration of the entire nail can result from multiple factors. Some common nail discolorations include:
- Yellowing of the Nails (Yellow Nail Syndrome) is typically associated with respiratory disease, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and liver problems.
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Brown/Dark Red nail beds are typically associated with arsenic poisoning or a fungal infection.
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Redness within the nail beds is typically associated with heart conditions.
Are You Looking for a Skin and Nails Expert in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for skin and nail care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
