How to Tell If Your Fingernails Are Healthy

How Healthy Fingernails Look and Feel

Healthy fingernails are shiny, smooth, and consistent in color. The nail should not be broken or cracked. The color underneath the nail (nail bed) should be pink, and a lighter-colored half-moon near the cuticle is possible.

When Nails Are Not as Healthy

Fingernail appearance can change when someone is experiencing illness or has an injury. The changes may happen slowly over time or can occur abruptly.

Signs and Symptoms of Poor Nail Health

• Breaking or peeling of the nails
• Brittle nails
• Discoloration
• Pitting
• Ridges
• Soft nails
• Thickened nails
• Changes to the skin surrounding the nail, such as redness and swelling

Causes of Nail Changes

• Onychomycosis: a fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which can cause the nail to become thick, yellowed, and separate from the nail bed.
• Brittle Nails: caused by aging, certain medications, or exposure to nail polish remover, which can cause nails to dry and become brittle.
• Paronychia: an infection of the nail fold skin, which can cause redness, swelling, and pain.
• Green Nail Syndrome: a nail condition caused by a fungal infection from the Pseudomonas fungus, which can cause the nail to turn a greenish color.
• Onycholysis: a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed, which can be caused by injury, irritation, infections, or psoriasis.

How to Improve Nail Care and Quality

• Cut fingernails straight across.
• Do not push back cuticles.
• Nails should not be filed and should be cut.
• Do not place sharp objects under the nail.

Treatments for Nail Conditions

• Brittle Nails: using moisturizer, wearing gloves when in contact with chemicals or water, not filing the nail’s surface
• Green Nail Syndrome: taking antibiotics and, in some cases, having the nail removed by a healthcare provider
• Onycholysis: determining the underlying cause and avoiding it
• Onychomycosis: gentle nail care and antifungal prescriptions
• Paronychia: gentle nail care, topical corticosteroids, avoiding irritants, and moisturizing the nails and skin

Summary

Maintaining healthy nails requires proper care, nutrition, and avoidance of irritants and injury. If a new nail condition does occur, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation and diagnosis. Follow any treatment recommendations to regain fingernail health.