TREATING YOUR NAILS
WITH CARE
DISCOLOURATION OF NAILS
What is it?
A noticeable change in the colour of the nails, often due to local infections. Discolouration can appear as yellowing, blackening, or streaking of the nails, indicating potential systemic or local issues.
Who experiences it?
Anyone can experience nail discolouration, especially individuals with regular water exposure.
Causes
- Trauma or Injury: Damage to the nail or nail bed.
- Infections: Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections affecting nail health.
- Systemic Conditions: Conditions like psoriasis, diabetes, or liver disease.
- Skin Disorders: Eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatological issues.
- Chemical Exposure: Overuse of harsh chemicals or nail products.
Symptoms
- Changes in nail colour (yellow, brown, white, or black).
- Thickening or brittleness of the nail.
- Presence of ridges, streaks, or pitting (small depressions on the nail surface).
- Pain or discomfort, particularly with infection.
Treatment
- Surgical Nail Procedures: Removal of damaged or infected nails, or nail bed repair for trauma-related discolouration.
- Fungal Nail Treatments: Topical or oral antifungal therapies, or laser treatments for persistent fungal infections.
- Systemic Treatment: Addressing underlying health issues like diabetes or psoriasis to prevent further nail discolouration.
