Nail abnormalities

Alternative Names

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you have pale nails, clubbed nails, blue nails, distorted nails, white lines and horizontal ridges, or a white color under the nails, consult your health care provider to determine the proper way to treat the underlying cause of the problem.

If you have splinter hemorrhages, see the doctor immediately!

The health care provider will look at your nails and ask questions about your symptoms. Questions may include:

• Type
  • What is the abnormality?
  • Are the nails an abnormal color?
    • What color are they?
    • Are there red lines running the length of the nail (splinter hemorrhage)?
  • Are they an abnormal shape?
  • Has the texture changed?
  • Has the thickness changed?
  • Are the nails pitted?
  • Are the nails detached?
  • Are there ridged nails?
    • Which direction does the ridging go?
  • Does the whole end of the finger look enlarged?
  • Is there a lack of luster?
  • Are the nails brittle?
• Location
  • Is it the hands?
  • Is it the feet?
  • Is it only on one side?
  • Are both sides the same?
  • Is it only one specific nail?
• Aggravating factors
  • Have you had an injury to the nail?
  • Do you bite your nails?
  • Do you pick your nails or rub the fingers or toes chronically?
  • Are the nails frequently moist?
  • Do you use nail polish?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests will depend on what other symptoms, if any, exist. These may include x-rays, blood tests, or examination of parts of the nail in the laboratory.

Prevention

Do not bite, pick, or tear at your nails. In severe cases, some people may need psychological help or encourage to stop these behaviors.

Keep hangnails clipped.

Wear shoes that don't squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across along the top.

To prevent brittle nails, keep the nails short and avoid nail polish. Use an emollient (skin softening) cream after washing or bathing.

The vitamin biotin and clear nail polish that contains protein can help strengthen your nails.