What does nail discoloration look like?
Andrew Henderson
Published Mar 06, 2026
What does nail discoloration look like?
Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white, yellow, or green, 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.
What causes sudden nail discoloration?
Causes of Nail Discoloration Dirt, poor hygiene, and living in a humid area are all causes of a fungal infection in your toenails. Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors: Yellow.
What do fingernails look like with liver disease?
This condition, known as Terry’s nails, is especially common in people with severe liver disease. Additionally, nails that are half white and half reddish brown are called Lindsay’s nails, which is a condition that’s often associated with kidney disease.
When should I be concerned about discolored nails?
If a fingernail or toenail has a new or changing dark streak, it’s time to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. That dark streak could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Not every dark streak is a melanoma, but it’s always good to have a dermatologist examine one.
What do renal failure nails look like?
These are rough looking nails with ridges that are frequently spoon-shaped and concave. In the early stages of this condition, the nails may be brittle, chipping easily.
How do you get rid of discolored nails?
The only way to get rid of nail polish-related discoloration is to take a break from painting your nails. Even a break of just two or three weeks can resolve the issue.
What do nails look like with anemia?
Anemia is a condition where your body lacks enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. While fatigue is the leading sign of anemia, this condition can also show itself through brittle or spoon-shaped nails — called koilonychia.
Can fingernails show signs of heart disease?
Fingernails: Possible problems Nail clubbing is sometimes the result of low oxygen in the blood and could be a sign of various types of lung disease. Nail clubbing is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and AIDS.
Can liver disease affect your nails?
Fingernails: Possible problems Terry’s nails can sometimes be attributed to aging. In other cases, Terry’s nails can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure or diabetes.
Can diabetes affect your nails?
People with diabetes are vulnerable to infections in and around the nails, including Gram-negative bacteria or fungi. Neuropathy and glycaemia increase the risk, as does damage to the nail or adjacent skin, for example by distorted or sharp-edged nails. It is vital to have good nail care in both hands and feet.
What does yellow stained nails mean?
With yellow nail syndrome, nails thicken and new growth slows. This results in a yellowish discoloration of the nails. Nails affected by yellow nail syndrome might lack a cuticle and detach from the nail bed in places. Yellow nail syndrome is often a sign of respiratory disease, such as chronic bronchitis.
Why do nails get yellow after nail polish?
The most likely reason is a color reaction. Darker-colored polishes in particular can stain nails due to a chemical reaction between the colorant and the nail plate. This chemical can react with the keratin protein in your nails and make it brittle and yellow.
What are signs of unhealthy nails?
These symptoms may include: Thickened nails. Foul odor in the nail. Dull color in the nail, lack of the “usual shine”. A separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis) Dry, crumbly or brittle texture to nails. Distortion in the shape of the nail. Distortion in color of the nail, either a darker or lighter than normal.
Why you should give your toenails a break from Polish?
Because not only does prolonged wear cause discolouration of the toenail (hello, yellow-tinged nails) but it also puts you at risk of fungal infections. “Most polishes contain certain chemicals that are actually quite damaging to the nail.
What are the causes of toenail discoloration?
Nail Fungus. The nail usually turns a dark color from dirt or debris that has become trapped underneath the nail.
How to clear up dark toenails?
Fill a basin with one part vinegar and two parts warm water. Soak the infected toe nails in the basin for 20-30 minutes, two to three times a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, this soak may help promote healthy toenails and prevent the growth of bacterias that may make the black toenails worse.