What illness can you tell from your nails?
Table of Contents
What illness can you tell from your nails?
Additional symptoms to watch out for
| Nail health | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| soft or weak | overexposure to moisture or chemicals |
| yellow | thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes |
| black lines | psoriasis, endocarditis, nail melanoma |
| ridges | iron deficiency anemia (vertical) or kidney disease (horizontal) |
Why does a doctor check your fingernails?
The capillary nail refill test is a quick test done on the nail beds. It is used to monitor dehydration and the amount of blood flow to tissue.
What is a nail test?
What is nail drug testing and how is it performed? Similar to body hair drug testing, nail testing can only show a history of drug use. Fingernail samples generally provide use history up to 6 months and toenail samples can provide a use history up to a year.
What do renal failure nails look like?
Kidney disease Ridged nails: Also called koilonychia, rough nails with ridges can exist in the presence of kidney disease. These nails are also frequently spoon-shaped and concave, and they can point to iron-deficiency anemia.
Can you cheat a fingernail test?
In this way, nail tests are extremely difficult to cheat. Sample collection is only possible where fingernails and toenails are long enough, and where they have a normal appearance and are not contaminated with dirt, oil, nail polish or false nails.
How can you tell if your nails are dehydrated?
Definition : The capillary nail refill test is a quick test done on the nail beds. It is used to monitor dehydration and the amount of blood flow to tissue. Pressure is applied to the nail bed until it turns white. This indicates that the blood has been forced from the tissue under the nail.
What kind of Doctor treats fingernail problems?
Seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis is important. Dermatologists are the specialists who diagnose and treat these diseases. Treatment can help you feel more comfortable and prevent the disease from worsening. Wearing red nail polish without a base coat or smoking can turn your nails yellow.
What your fingernails say about your health?
They can tell a lot about your health condition if you just pay more attention to the changes that might occur. For instance, the ordinary nail thickening or discoloration can indicate a certain health issue connected with your kidneys, liver, heart, blood, lungs, etc.
What kind of Doctor to see for toenail fungus?
A general practitioner may be able to handle nail fungal infection cases. However, it is recommended to seek a dermatologist to pinpoint the problem. A dermatologist can give proper diagnosis on skin and nail conditions, and therefore will be able to identify the fungal infection and what type it is.
What doctor treats nail disorders?
Dermatologists treat skin, hair, and nails. I am a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of nail disorders including nail infections, inflammatory diseases of the nail, cosmetic issues related to the nail, and cancers of the nail. I also perform surgery on the nail unit including biopsies and excisions.