Nail abnormalities

Alternative names:

Beau's lines; fingernail abnormalities; koilonychia; leukonychia; onycholysis; spoon nails

Home care:

For nail abnormalities due to nail biting, picking, and tearing, stop these behaviors. Get psychological help (in extreme cases) or encouragement to stop as needed. Keep hangnails clipped.

For nail abnormalities due to ingrown toenails, wear shoes that don't squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across along the top.

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

For splinter hemorrhages: see the doctor immediately!

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

Call your health care provider if:

• nail abnormalities are unexplained, associated with other symptoms, or persist.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail 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.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to nail abnormalities, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.