Have you ever looked at your fingernails or toenails and thought, "Wow, why are they so white?" Not just white, but they look like a milk glass, with a thin pink or brown line at the tip? If so, you may have the condition we're going to talk about today, called 'Terry's nails.' This is not just a change in nail color, but can sometimes be a signal that tells us about some health problems inside our body. So don't worry, let's talk about this in detail .
What are Terry's Nails?
Simply put, Terry's nails are when most of your fingernail or toenail is white, looking like frosted glass, but there is a thin brown or pink stripe at the tip, or top, of the nail.
Normally, a healthy nail has a white crescent-shaped area (lunula) at the base of the nail, close to the skin, right? In someone with Terry's nails, that crescent is not even visible. The entire nail is almost white. Most of the time, this condition is seen on all the nails on the hand. But sometimes it can occur on just one nail or on the toenails.
It got its name from a doctor named Richard Terry in the 1950s. He was the first to notice that 8 out of 10 patients with severe liver damage (cirrhosis) had white nails. This is medically known as white nails, a condition called leukonychia.
What is the difference between 'Terry's nails' and 'Lindsay's nails'?
Although both are nail discolorations, there is a slight difference. It is important to be aware of this difference because both can be symptoms of an underlying condition. Let's see what this difference is.
| Characteristic | Terry's Nails | Lindsay's Nails |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Most of the nail is white, with a thin pink/brown stripe at the tip. | Exactly half of the nail is white, and the other half is red or brown. |
| Often associated disease | Often associated with liver disease . | Often associated with kidney disease . |
What causes this situation?
This is the most important thing. Sometimes this can happen as we get older . It's not something to be too worried about.
However, most of the time, Terry's nails are a clue to some underlying medical condition within our body.
Experts believe that this is due to a decrease in the number of blood vessels under the nails and changes in the connective tissue. There are several main medical conditions that can be associated with this condition:
- Cirrhosis: Damage to the liver, resulting in impaired function.
- Congestive heart failure: The heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body.
- Diabetes: Inability to control blood sugar levels.
- Kidney failure: Stoppage of kidney function.
- Viral hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as hepatitis.
Is there a treatment for this?
The important thing to understand here is that there is no specific treatment for Terry's nails. Because it is not a disease, but a symptom. That is, the treatment is not the nails themselves, but the underlying disease that caused the symptom.
Imagine that the doctor has diagnosed diabetes as the cause of this change in your nails. Then the diabetes is treated. Once your blood sugar levels are under control, your nails may gradually return to normal. Also, if the cause is a liver problem, the doctor will give you the necessary medication or diet control.
Therefore, if you notice a symptom like this, your doctor will be the one to find the cause and provide you with the most appropriate treatment plan.
Should I see a doctor?
Yes, definitely.
If you suspect or see that you have Terry's nails, it's definitely a good idea to see a doctor and get checked out.
Because, as mentioned earlier, this can be a normal part of aging. However, it can also be an early sign of a serious illness. Only your doctor can tell the difference between the two. He or she will examine you and, if necessary, do blood tests to find out exactly what is causing this. So, don't ignore this.
A few more frequently asked questions
The white color disappears when you press the nail. Is that good?
Yes, if you press your nail, the white color may disappear temporarily. But that won't cure the condition. The white color will reappear as soon as you release the pressure.
Is this caused by stress?
No. Terry's nails are not caused by stress. However, excessive stress can lead to other nail problems. For example, nail infections, nail ridges, or brittle nails.
Take-Home Message
- Terry's nails are characterized by the fact that most of the nail is pale, with a thin pink/brown stripe visible only at the tip.
- This can sometimes be a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as liver, heart, or kidney disease, or diabetes.
- This condition is treated by treating the underlying disease. The nails do not require separate treatment.
- If you notice any changes in your nails like this, never ignore it. See your doctor immediately for advice. That's the best and safest thing you can do.
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