Staining of the nail plate

Staining of the Nail Plate
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Discoloration of the nail plate
Causes	Chemicals, infections, nail polish
Diagnostic method	Clinical examination
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause

Staining of the nail plate refers to a condition where the nail plate—the hard and translucent portion of the nail—becomes discolored. This discoloration can vary in color, but common hues include yellow, brown, or green. The condition can affect one or more nails and can be a cosmetic concern or an indicator of underlying health issues.

Causes

Staining of the nail plate can be caused by a variety of factors:

• Chemicals: Exposure to dyes, nicotine, or certain chemicals found in household cleaning products can lead to nail discoloration.
• Nail polish: Frequent use of nail polish, especially darker colors, can stain the nails over time. The use of a base coat can help prevent this type of staining.
• Infections: Fungal infections such as onychomycosis can cause the nails to turn yellowish or brownish. Bacterial infections, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can lead to a greenish discoloration.
• Health conditions: Certain systemic diseases, including liver disease, kidney disease, and anemia, can cause nail discoloration as a secondary symptom.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nail staining typically involves a clinical examination by a healthcare provider, possibly a dermatologist. The provider may take a patient's medical history and perform a physical examination of the nails. In some cases, additional tests such as a fungal culture or biopsy may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the discoloration.

Treatment

Treatment for stained nails depends on the underlying cause:

• For stains caused by external factors like chemicals or nail polish, ceasing exposure to the offending agent is usually recommended.
• Infections may require antifungal or antibacterial medications.
• If the staining is due to a systemic health issue, managing the primary disease will often improve the nail's appearance.

Prevention

Preventive measures for nail staining include:

• Wearing gloves when using dyes or chemicals.
• Applying a base coat before using nail polish.
• Maintaining good nail hygiene and keeping the nails dry and clean.

See also

• Nail disease
• Nail anatomy
• Dermatology

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