Medications

Term: Medications (drug-induced nail changes)

Definition (plain English):
Certain medications, beyond chemotherapy, can affect nail growth, colour, or thickness as a side effect.

Examples:

• Antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines can cause nail pigmentation).
• Antimalarials (can produce colour bands).
• Retinoids (can cause nail fragility).

How it relates to nails:
Drugs may interfere with nail cell growth, pigment production, or keratin formation, leading to ridges, discolouration, or brittle nails.

Confusable with:
Changes from systemic illness, fungal infections, or trauma.

Disclaimer:
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned.