Nail Disorders: What Are They & What Do They Mean?

As a nail tech, I've seen ALL kinds of different nail disorders, so as an informational tool for you (and me, it's been awhile since nail school) the following is a list of the most commons types of nail disorders and photos giving examples of how each may look like.

The most common question I get asked is "what causes theses ridges in my nails"? I'm always curious as to how long their nails have been in such state and usually it almost always was not a very long time.

This may or may not come as a surprise to you but the condition of your nails is a tell-tale sign of how healthy you are. Ever wonder why you had to take off your nail polish before any major surgical procedure? That's because the docs can monitor (among others ways) the condition of your body's circulation.

This is true for certain types of health issues you may be experiencing - your nails shall not lie.

Now, back to the "ridges" issue...

Ridges can signify a possible infection such as the flu. Horizontal ridges such as Beau's Lines are transverse depressions that occurs when growth at the nail root (matrix) is interrupted by any severe acute illness e.g. heart attack, measles, pneumonia, or fever. These lines emerge from under the nail folds weeks after acquiring such an illness:





Another horizontal ridge disorder is referred to as Mee's Lines. Again, transverse white lines that run across the nail, following the shape of the nail moon. Uncommon. Usually occurring after an acute or severe illness.






Vertical ridges may simply indicate a kidney disorder (kidney failure); associated with aging; iron deficiency (Anemia). May also indicate a tendency to develop arthritis.





Pitting

Pitting are small pits or depressions. Most common nail problem seen in 25- 50 % of people with psoriasis.






Spoon

Soft nails that look scooped out. Depression is usually large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often indicates iron deficiency such as anemia.

Onycholysis (nail fungus)

This is VERY common! Don't get this confused with nail mold, a nail fungus looks white and milky, not green. Onycholysis is the lifting of the nail from the nail bed. Most common causes are: trauma, psoriasis, drug reactions, bacterial/fungal infection, contact dermatitis from using nail hardeners, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia or syphilis.

Onychauxis (thickened nails)

Thickened nails can be a result of a variety of illnesses or diseases such as: diabetes, psoriasis, nail fungus, heart conditions or peripheral vascular disease...just to name a few.

Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white, yellow, or greenish, can result from different infections and conditions of the skin. In about 50% of cases, discolored nails are a result of infections with common fungi that can be found in the air, dust, and soil.

These are just a handful of nail disorders and their common causes... hope this clarifies any grey areas you may have had regarding any "skeptical" nail issue you may be experiencing or have experienced. Or if you're like me, this was simlpy an educational tool...and now you can say you "learned something new today".