Kidney Disease Nails and How to Prevent It
You may notice changes to the color of your fingernails, which are the result of liver or kidney disease. A normal fingernail is usually pink in color with a white lunula (the half-moon shaped part of the base of the fingernail above the cuticle). A variety of different health conditions and medical problems can cause changes to your fingernails. You may notice changes such as Terry’s nails, a white nail with a brown band that is associated with severe liver disease. You may also notice half-white and half-brown fingernails, or Lindsay’s nails, which are often associated with kidney disease.
Symptoms
A decline in kidney function is indicated by the following symptoms. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Some of these signs include: (a) persistent puffiness around the eyes (also called “Puffiness of the eyelids”), (b) excessive bubbles in your urine (also called “albumin in the urine”), and (c) white streaks or lines on your nails.
Nail color: Usually, the nails are pink or white with a white lunula (half-moon shape at the base of the fingernail above the cuticle). There are various medical conditions or health issues that can cause changes in nail color. For example, some people have Terry’s nails, which is a white band across the nail. Others may have Lindsay’s nails, which is a mixture of white and brown.
Changes in nails are often a sign of kidney disease. A person with kidney failure will develop a rough rash over their nails. These bumps are small and dome-shaped and can be extremely itchy. Over time, they may join together to form rough raised patches. Eventually, they will dry out and crust over.
The skin on the hands and feet may also be dry and itchy. This is a sign of high levels of phosphorus in the blood, which can cause a person to scratch themselves excessively. If this problem is left untreated, it may result in kidney failure. Anemia can also occur.
Nail color changes are also indicative of systemic conditions. For example, the distal part of the nail bed may be brown, while the proximal portion may be white. The distal portion of the nail bed may even obliterate the lunula, which is an important part of the nail. However, most patients will not complain about the appearance of their nails, but recognizing these symptoms will help physicians narrow down the differential diagnosis and focus their workup.
Yellow nails may also be a sign of liver disease. These are typically caused by a fungal infection, but they can also be caused by liver disease or thyroid problems. Yellow nails may be a sign of severe thyroid disease or lung disease. Blue or bluish nails are another sign of oxygen deficiency and are associated with emphysema or psoriasis.
Causes
In some cases, people with chronic kidney disease can develop half-and-half nails. While this condition is most common among kidney disease patients, it can also happen to healthy individuals. While the cause of this condition is not fully understood, some experts believe that it may be due to changes in the nail bed. Affected individuals can have proximal white bands and distal brown bands, which are caused by an accumulation of melanin.
As part of the filtering function of the kidneys, the body’s nitrogen waste products can accumulate on the surfaces of nails. If these waste products are not removed from the body, they can damage toenails and fingernails. Other conditions that affect nail texture or shape include malnutrition and stress. In these cases, the affected person’s diet should be adjusted to provide the necessary nutrients and minerals to the body. In addition, certain medications can affect the shape and texture of the nails. As a result, it is crucial to consult your physician to discuss the effects of any new medications on your nails.
Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, kidney disease can affect the color and shape of the nails. Patients with kidney disease may have white or pale fingernails (leukonychia). These nails may also have black lines, looseness, and half-and-half nails. While these changes may be harmless, they may indicate underlying problems.
Other symptoms associated with kidney disease include rashes. These rashes are usually small dome-shaped bumps, which are incredibly itchy. They can also affect the texture of the skin, causing it to crack or tighten. The itching is extremely irritating and may even interrupt the patient’s daily life. In severe cases, patients may experience blisters.
Fortunately, some types of kidney disease can be treated. A proper diet for kidney disease contains adequate protein and other nutrients to keep the nails in good health. Patients should consult a physician if they notice any unusual changes in their nails. For example, some people may notice that they are losing their appetite and experiencing less energy.
Treatment
Nail color, shape, and pattern are important clues that can help in determining if a patient has kidney disease or liver disease. In fact, 60 percent of people with chronic kidney disease have nail manifestations, including lunulas and double transverse white bands. Some of these symptoms are more pronounced than others, and routine nail inspection can help in determining a patient’s condition.
A person with kidney disease has altered nails, which are an indication that their disease is progressing. As the kidneys do not filter the blood properly, waste products such as nitrogen build up in the body. This nitrogen is harmful to fingernails and toenails. Additionally, a patient with kidney disease may have reduced appetite or malnutrition. In addition, the condition affects the proteins in hair and nails, including the keratin.
Early detection is key to preventing the progression of CKD and associated complications, including anemia. Treatment can help patients control their condition sooner and stay healthier. Chronic kidney disease can cause the body to produce fewer red blood cells than it needs, which can lead to anemia. Fortunately, there are treatments available to reverse this condition.
A patient with kidney disease can have half-and-half fingernails. This is a specific sign of chronic renal failure and is found in approximately 40 percent of people with kidney disease. These nails have a brown or white distal section. Some patients have toenails with this type of condition, but it is more common in fingernails.
Prevention
The first step to preventing kidney disease is to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin deficiencies are another cause of poor nail growth. Moreover, some medications used to treat kidney disease affect the shape and texture of the nails. For this reason, it is important to consult a doctor if the shape and texture of your nails changes after taking new drugs.
If your nails are white and have multiple streaks, you might have Muehrcke’s nails. These nails are typically parallel to the knuckles. This type of condition affects people who are active in outdoor activities like mountain climbing. If you notice more than a few white spots on your nails, it is best to see a doctor. If you have an opaque or yellow nail, it is also important to get it checked out by a doctor.
Patients with chronic kidney disease may also develop half-and-half nails. Half-and-half nails are a common sign of kidney disease and can be a sign of other diseases as well. Regular nail examination can help determine whether you have kidney disease or another type of chronic illness. The condition can also result in discoloration of other parts of the body.
