Melanoma
Image Credit: Dermnet New Zealand
Many people are aware that cancer can appear as abnormal spots on their skin. But melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could also occur on fingernails or toenails. So if you notice a dark streak down a nail, refer to a dermatologist. A dark line isn’t always caused by cancer but it’s worth an examination because melanoma may be easy to treat if caught early.
Terry’s nails
Image Credit: Hojasmuertas
“Named after the doctor who discovered the symptom, Terry’s nails is a nail condition where over two-thirds of the nail bed becomes white except for a red or pink strip at the nail tip. Terry’s nail is a tell-tale sign of liver disease,” says Dr. Shah. “Other symptoms of the disease include fatigue, yellow skin and loss of appetite.” Terry’s nails could also occur as part of the natural aging process, or signs of other serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Yellow nails
Image Credit: Shutterstock
There are many causes of yellow nails but the most common one is a fungal infection. This can lead to the nail bed retracting as the nails thicken and crumble. It may take some time to treat the infection but it’s often not painful. However, in rare instances, yellow nails could be symptomatic of diabetes, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and lung disease.
