What do you know about toenail changes?

Nails can change colors due to many things. Match the color to what the cause could be:

1. Blue Nails

2. Green Nails

3. Pale White Nails

4. Yellow Nails

A. Bacterial and Fungal Infections

B. Smoking cigarettes, chronic lung disease, nail separation from the nail bed

C. Exposure to cold or high altitude, peripheral arterial disease

D. Anemia, zinc deficiency

Nails can also change shape. Match the shape to what the cause could be:

1. Spoon-shaped nails (concavity of the fingernail)

2. Tube-shaped nails (curve inward)              

A. Iron deficiency anemia

B. Tight shoes

Texture changes occur in nails as well. Match the texture to what the cause could be:

1. Deep Pitting

2. Ridging

3. Thickening

A. Fungal infection, poor circulation

B. Injury, illness, aging

C. Psoriasis or eczema

No matter what change you notice in your toenails, they should be addressed with a physician. They will be able to identify why your nails are changing and what should be done about it.

Check out the answers to the quiz in the comments below.

Image by andy_5322. My Foot - 2. (2006). Flickr.