Mees’ lines are white lines or bands that appear on the fingernails or toenails. They can be a symptom of a serious underlying health condition, such as arsenic poisoning or kidney failure.
Are Muehrcke’s lines serious?
Muehrcke’s nails or Muehrcke’s lines (apparent leukonychia striata) are changes in the fingernail that may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What is the main cause of leukonychia?
The most common cause of these white nail spots, called leukonychia, is an injury to the nail matrix. These injuries can occur if you pinch or strike your nail or finger.
What leukonychia means?
Longitudinal Leukonychia
It is a typical sign of Darier’s disease where it is associated with longitudinal erythronychia (candy cane nails) (Fig. 9) [101]. The white lines correspond to epithelial hyperplasia of the matrix and the red lines represent thin nails due to matrix disease.
Are Mees lines serious? – Related Questions
Is leukonychia a fungus?
The term “leukonychia” refers to the white discoloration of the nail plate and has a varied etiology; it can be congenital or acquired, non-infectious or infectious including those caused by fungi. Mycotic leukonychia is defined as white spots invading the top surface of the nail plates due to fungal infection [3].
Does iron deficiency cause leukonychia?
This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease. Pitting is the presence of small depressions on the nail surface. Sometimes the nail is also crumbling.
How do we treat leukonychia?
If the Leukonychia is caused by a fungal infection then the use of an antifungal medication, topically or orally can be used to treat it. Leukonychia can also be buffed away with use of topical antifungal or nail solution.
Is there a cure for leukonychia?
There is no treatment for just white spots on their own. Those that have been caused by trauma will naturally grow out over time. If they are being caused by something other than trauma, the doctor will need to identify the cause and treat it separately.
How do you treat leukonychia naturally?
Home remedies for white spots on nails
- Allow the spot to grow out.
- Moisturize your nails.
- Eat a healthy diet with zinc, protein, calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
- Keep your nails clean and properly cut to reduce the risk of infection.
- Protect your nails from injury.
- Cover the white spots with nail polish until it grows out.
Why does liver disease cause leukonychia?
It may be congenital or acquired. Leuconychia may occur spontaneously or after minor trauma. In association with generalised disease it is usually caused by the hypoalbuminaemia of chronic liver disease. The nail beds become opaque, often leaving only a rim of pink nail bed at the top of the nail.
What do liver disease nails look like?
Terry’s nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry’s nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes. Sometimes, it is a sign of aging.
What diseases can your nails tell you?
Changes in Nail Shape
Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.
What do diabetic fingernails look like?
In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn’t harmful. It doesn’t need to be treated.
Why can’t diabetics cut toenails?
Myth: People with diabetes can’t cut their own toenails
Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes. Don’t cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short.
What are the first signs of diabetes in feet?
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Why do diabetics have thick toenails?
Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness.
What are 3 things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
Does Vicks cure toenail fungus?
Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub work on toe fungus?
Dr. Ioli, who is chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggested that daily applications of Vicks VapoRub might be at least as effective as most of the topical treatments for toenail fungus that are available by prescription or over the counter.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
