White Fingernails

[FootyBeatles]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with what this may be or if they’ve ever experienced it themselves. A few weeks ago I noticed one of my nails was going slightly white in one of the corners but didn’t think much of it. Yesterday, I noticed that the nail had become much more white (see photo) and had happened to every other nail on my fingers and thumbs too. I looked into it and saw some information about Terry’s nails but I’m not sure if it’s that as you can still see the crescent at the bottom of the nail. I have had recent pain in upper right abdomen but all bloods, ultrasound and fibroscan were fine apart from a mild fatty liver. No other symptoms really apart from fatigued but I’ve been very stressed lately so could be from that. Not sure if it’s worth ringing the doctors and letting them know. Many thanks.

[AyrshireK]

Terry's Nails are no longer used as a diagnostic indicator in liver disease as they can be caused by other things. As you've noted your lunula is present therefore this probably isn't Terry's Nails at all which is where the whole nail bed takes on a ground glass appearance.

Sometimes you can start reading too much into a situation when you've got a recent diagnosis.

Other things can cause changes to nails like mineral deficiencies etc. which might be worth getting tested for.

Katie

[FootyBeatles in reply to AyrshireK]

I had some recent tests and was found to be low on b12. What other deficiencies do you think I should be tested for?

[AyrshireK in reply to FootyBeatles]

Were you prescribed anything for b12 deficiency? Because that might actually be the the reason for the changes you are seeing.

While overall adequate nutrition is important for maintaining healthy fingernails among other things, vitamin B-12 deficiency may be evident in changes to your fingernails. If you notice any changes in your fingernails such as brittleness, discoloration or streaks, speak with your doctor.

I am not a doctor and couldn't tell you what additional tests doctor might need to order. It sounds like b12 might be your issue.

Katie

[Viklou]

Sadly difficult to see if your nails are white from this photo. In honesty your whole nail would be white with only a pinkish band at the tip of your nail plus there would be no moons at the nail bed. Best thing to do would be to speak to your doctor and perhaps arrange blood tests

[FootyBeatles in reply to Viklou]

You can see that they get white towards to the top of the nail, red in the middle and the crescent at the bottom. I’ll try get another clearer picture. What blood tests do you think I should get done?

[AyrshireK in reply to FootyBeatles]

It's actually against forum rules to post photos for comment. So no need to post another.

[Hidden in reply to FootyBeatles]

Send the photo to your doctor, they will take a look and maybe put your mind at ease. call and get the surgery email and email it and ask for a doctor to take a look. That’s the best thing to do. I have this a little only on both my thumbs have had for as long as I can remember... Doesn’t concern me at all but yours is a lot higher.

[Hidden]

Your nails look fine