Terrys nails

[FarahS]

hi there,

I’m just wondering if anyone with PBC has experience with Terrys nails? I have it on 5 of my finger nails (2 on one hand and 3 on another). My liver bloods are normal just now except for GGT (112) and my last fibroscan was 5.7 with CAP score of 233. Both AMA and ANA positive but my hepatoligist says titre quite low but nevertheless positive still.

I’m not experiencing any pain or other side effects to be honest but I’m concerned terrys nails usually points to severe liver scarring. Could this mean that my PBC is advancing and it’s not being picked up by bloods? I’m seen a lot of posts that say sometimes this can happen with bloods being normal?

Thank you in advance for your time.

F

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

In reading Terry's nails are said to be from liver disease as you said, Remember though that your liver numbers are good ---meaning there is little inflammation being caused by damage to the bile duct cells - also you said that your fibroscan was 5.7. This is in a normal range. Just be sure your doctor is aware of the nail problem. I did read that a B12 deficiency can cause this as well. Have you had your vitamin levels checked recently? This test is often called a Comprehensive Vitamin Deficiency Blood Panel -- B12 , C, D, E, folate, K Let me know what you find out.

[FarahS in reply to DonnaBoll]

Thanks Donna that was really helpful. I’ll def check with my GP.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to FarahS]

Let me know what you find out, please. Hope it's a simple fix to vitami deficiency.

[FarahS in reply to DonnaBoll]

I will do!

[Deemum]

hi just found this thread when I was searching Terrys nails.. I think I have Terrys nails too. I need to call doctor tomorrow morning. One of my fingernails has popped off completely! The other nails have a dark line. Can I ask how yours are now and was it confirmed Terrys nails

[FarahS]

hi deemum,

So I went to see my GP and he assessed my nails. He didn’t seem too fussed about them and sent me to get my vitamin levels checked and apparently they were fine (or at least not high enough for NHS to warrant next steps) but my nails still appear like Terrys nails (appears white in middle with a brown band across top). I also gave a thick brown vertical band like line up/down my thumb nail. But to be honest as I’m assymptomatic (got my itch to go away mostly) I’m really counting my lucky stars. So have just left them alone…..