How to Tell If Your Fingernails Are Healthy

Fingernail health can be reflective of a person's overall health. Nails should be hard, uniform in color, and without any chips or breaks. Fingernail changes may be from a vitamin deficiency, injury, or an infection.

How Healthy Fingernails Look and Feel

Healthy fingernails are shiny, smooth, and consistent in color. The nail should not be broken or cracked. The color underneath the nail (nail bed) should be pink, and a lighter-colored half-moon near the cuticle is possible.1

The nails should feel firm throughout. The cuticles should be intact and free from irritation and redness.

When Nails Are Not as Healthy

Fingernail appearance can change when someone is experiencing illness or has an injury. The changes may happen slowly over time or can occur abruptly.

Signs and symptoms of poor nail health include:2

• Breaking or peeling of the nails
• Brittle nails
• Discoloration
• Pitting
• Ridges
• Soft nails
• Thickened nails

Changes to the skin surrounding the nail can also indicate changes in nail health. The skin may appear red and swollen.2

Causes of Nail Changes

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is the most common type of nail condition. It typically affects toenails but can be seen in fingernails. It is a fungal infection in the nail bed from a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It causes the nail to become thick, yellowed, and the nail can separate from the nail bed.4

Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are a problem often seen in people as they age and due to certain medications. Retinoids or exposure to nail polish remover can cause nails to dry and become brittle. Brittle nails are likely to split and break.51

Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the nail fold skin. This is the skin on the side of the nails, where the nail meets the skin. The area can become reddened, swollen, and painful. It is more common in people who suck or bite their fingers, but it can happen to anyone who has a small cut in the area.15

Green Nail Syndrome

Green nail syndrome is a nail condition caused by a fungal infection from the Pseudomonas fungus. It tends to occur in people who have a separation from the nail to the nail bed (onycholysis). Green nail syndrome gets its name from how the nail turns a greenish color.5

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed. It can be caused by injury, irritation, infections, and psoriasis (autoimmune condition that can cause raised scaly patches on the skin and discolored, thick, or pitted nails).1

How to Improve Nail Care and Quality

Proper nail care is important to improve the nail quality. Healthy nail care includes:1

• Cut fingernails straight across.
• Do not push back cuticles.
• Nails should not be filed and should be cut.
• Do not place sharp objects under the nail.

Treatments for Nail Conditions

Nail treatment will vary based on the condition. Below are the treatments recommended for the nail conditions discussed above:1

• Brittle nails: Using moisturizer, wearing gloves when in contact with chemicals or water, not filing the nail's surface
  
• Green nail syndrome: Taking antibiotics and, in some cases, having the nail removed by a healthcare provider
• Onycholysis: Determining the underlying cause and avoiding it
• Onychomycosis: Gentle nail care and antifungal prescriptions
• Paronychia: Gentle nail care, topical corticosteroids, avoiding irritants, and moisturizing the nails and skin

Summary

Maintaining healthy nails requires proper care, nutrition, and avoidance of irritants and injury. If a new nail condition does occur, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation and diagnosis. Follow any treatment recommendations to regain fingernail health.