Nail Conditions

Several things can cause the nail plate to turn black, or at least darkly colored. One of the most common causes of darkly colored nail plates is physical damage that leads to bruising of the nail bed.

Splinter Hemorrhages: Causes and Effects

Hard bangs or knocks to the nail plate can lead to breaks in the tiny blood vessels in the nail bed, which can cause them to leak. These are called splinter hemorrhages and most often appear like tiny black lines running along with the direction of nail growth.

Impact of Drugs and Diseases on Nail Discoloration

Nail Discoloration Due to Chronic Diseases and Other Factors

Chronic diseases such as kidney or liver problems can cause nails to blacken.  Tumors in the nail matrix or surrounding areas can also cause dark discolorations in the nail plate, which is something that nail technicians should watch for. However, it is fairly common and normal for people with very dark skin to develop black strips that run the length of the nail plate.  This can happen because excessive amounts of melanin in the skin can find its way into the nail plate.

Nail Discoloration and When to Seek Medical Advice

When this occurs on nails of those with African or Asian ancestries, this may be normal. However, when this occurs on nail plates of those with light colored skin such as Caucasians, in rare instances this can be a sign of potential trouble. Such nail plates should be examined by a medical professional to determine the causes, which could be one of many disorders. 

Finally, this change in coloration could indicate a nail infection, so in any case this type of change should be cause for concern. I recommend refraining from treating this nail until it can be examined by a medical professional to determine if an infection is present.

Unveiling the Mystery of Nail Plate Yellowing

We often receive questions about nail care issues that both perplex and frustrate professionals and clients alike. One recurring topic that sparks a lot of curiosity and concern revolves around nail plate yellowing. Many believe that this discoloration is primarily caused by the pigments in nail polish. However, recent inquiries and expert insights suggest that other elements, such as nitrocellulose and various colorants, might play a significant role.

This article delves into the intricacies of what really causes nail plate yellowing, backed by expert analysis and industry knowledge, to shed light on this common but misunderstood issue.

Understanding Nail Discoloration: Colorants and Their Impact

Pigments are not likely to stain the nail plate. They are too large to penetrate. Dyes and Lakes are other types of colorants that are often used, and many can and DO stain the nail plate. There are three different reds and one yellow colorant that have been reported as the most likely to stain the nail plate. The reds colorants are listed on product ingredient label as Red no. 6, Red no. 7, or Red no. 34.  In the European Union, all three of these red colorants would be sold under their color index number “15850”. The yellow that is reported to cause a lot of staining is Yellow #5 Lake, which in the European Union is labelled as “19140”.

The Role of Nitrocellulose in Nail Yellowing: Quality Matters

It is true that some grades of nitrocellulose can stain as well.  But the more expensive, higher quality grades are much less likely to discolor. Smaller companies that don’t sell much nail polish often use these inferior grades, since the best grades are too expensive when purchased in low quantities and the larger companies buy up all the high-quality nitrocellulose. When it does stain, nitrocellulose tends to be a more brownish-yellow stain, while discoloration caused by colorants tend to be the light yellowish tones or other odd shades, such as green.

Examining Base Coats: Nitrocellulose and Nail Plate Vulnerability

If this base coat contained nitrocellulose and no colorants, the nitrocellulose is a possible suspect. However, a high-quality base coat should not stain the nail plate, unless its surface is damaged. Damaged nail plates are much more likely to pick up stains, even from some foods stains or clothing. Damaged nail plates will absorb stains more easily than healthy nail plates. To say the nitrocellulose is responsible for nail yellowing is an over simplification. Marketers tend to oversimplify things for three reasons,

• They don’t understand the issues, so instead of giving the facts they just keep it simple to hide their lack of understanding.
• Many nail techs often don’t understand these issues, so the message must be kept simple.
• Marketers focus on only what helps them sell their products and often exaggerate the information.

It is definitely an over simplification to say that nitrocellulose is what stains the nail plate. More likely the causes are “dyes” and “lakes”.

Navigating Nail Transformations

Nail health is a reflection of our overall well-being, but sometimes, even without apparent reason, our nails can undergo unexpected changes. Among these is the development of what some may notice as staple-like appearances, where nails, typically curved, begin to grow out squared.

We explore the unique condition known as “staple nails,” and its possible causes, and suggest ways to manage and potentially improve this nail phenomenon.

The Phenomenon of Staple Nails

This condition is characterised by a nail plate with squared front that looks very much like an office staple. This change can start subtly with one nail and others can be affected too or not. It’s a noticeable shift that can leave many puzzled about their nail health.

Underlying Causes for Staple Nails

There are several factors that might contribute to the development of staple nails, and understanding these can be key to managing the condition.

Psoriasis and Nail Changes

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can also affect the nails or the nail bed, leading to various changes, including the squaring of the nail plate. This occurs as the nail bed swells, putting the nail plate under extreme pressure and causing it to deform.

Compromised Blood Supply

Another possible cause for staple nails is a damaged blood supply to the nail matrix. When the blood supply is compromised, it may result in weaker nail plate cells. These weakened cells can cause the nail plate to buckle, creating squared corners instead of the usual rounded edges.

Aging and Nail Cell Formation

As we age, the formation of nail plate cells can alter, leading to weaker cells that are more prone to buckling under pressure. This change contributes significantly to the appearance of staple nails, highlighting the impact of aging on nail health.

Practical Advice for Staple Nails

To manage this condition effectively, keeping the nails flexible and well-moisturised is crucial. Regular use of a high-quality nail and skin oil can help maintain nail flexibility and prevent the nail plate from fracturing, especially at the free edges. For those seeking an alternative to oils, a rinse solution containing moisturising components like allantoin and urea can be used several times a day to help retain moisture and prevent dryness, which can exacerbate the problem.

It’s also important to choose the right type of artificial nail products if you use them. Opt for flexible, soak-off products to minimize the risk of further damaging the nail plate during removal.

Final Thoughts: Managing Nail Health Amidst Changes

Staple nails may be an unusual and unexpected nail condition, but with proper care and attention to nail health, it is possible to manage this issue. Keeping the nails short, flexible, and moisturised, and avoiding harsh treatments can help mitigate the effects of staple nails.

As always, if nail problems persist, consulting a healthcare or dermatological expert is recommended to rule out any underlying conditions that may need specific treatment.