What Changes Are In Fingernails With Kidney Disease

What changes are in fingernails with kidney disease? The health of fingernails and kidney disease have a direct correlation. Well, what are your nails telling you?

What contributes to fingernail changes?

Fingernails undergo change due to nitrogen waste products building up in the body because the kidneys are not filtering it out properly. In addition, medications and malnutrition contribute to changes in your nails and also relate to the appearance of ridges in your nails. The most common side effects of kidney disease that cause nail changes is malnutrition. Malnutrition is very common, even for those who do not have kidney disease, and will cause weak, brittle nails with ridges.

Becoming more aware of chronic kidney disease, as how it manifests in your fingernails.

Kidney disease and symptoms in your nails

As mentioned above, the way your fingernails look and feel have a strong connection to kidney disease. Changes to your fingernails, and toenails for that matter may include the following:

Pitted or brittle nails

This occurs when your nails tend to crack or chip easily. Having brittle nails is a sign of aging, but can also mean you are suffering from a kidney disorder.

White spots or streaks on the nails

Linear depression or Beau’s lines are characterized by transverse ridges visible across the nails. This occurs when your kidney disorder starts to interfere with the way your nails naturally grow.

Half-and-half nails

Half-and-half nails are characterized by white-colored nails at the bottom, nearest to the cuticle, and brown-colored nails on top near tip of the nail. The white portion of nails is said to be caused by swollen nail bed.

With all the facts mentioned in this article, it is safe to assume that you can detect problems with kidney function and other issues with your health by regularly taking notice of your nail health. If you are still unsure whether you are suffering from any kidney disorder, buy you notice visible changes in your nail color, texture or the way they grow, you can leave a message below or send email to kidneycares@hotmail.com. Our expert will help you analyze your condition.