Tobacco staining of nails - Nail and Distal Digit
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Related topic: Nicotine dependence
Codes
ICD10CM:L60.8 – Other nail disorders
SNOMEDCT:
299667005 – Stained nail
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Other causes of nail plate staining:- Yellow nail syndrome – In yellow nail syndrome, typically all nails have yellow discoloration, there is increased transverse curvature, and the nail does not grow or it grows much slower than normal. There is also associated lymphedema and pulmonary abnormalities.
- Onychomycosis
- Psoriasis
- Long-term tetracycline therapy
- Scopulariopsis infection
- Amyloidosis
- Diabetes
- Jaundice
- Exogenous pigment
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:07/24/2019
Last Updated:11/07/2019
Last Updated:11/07/2019
Patient Information for Tobacco staining of nails - Nail and Distal Digit
Overview
Your fingernails and toenails can tell much about your health condition. Long-term heavy smoking and use of other tobacco products can cause yellow-brown staining of fingers and fingernails.Who’s At Risk
Long-term heavy smokers are most at risk for developing staining of the nails. Tobacco-stained nails, together with clubbing of fingers, are often predictors of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disorders, and other cancers.Signs & Symptoms
Tar will stain nails and fingers a yellow-brown or orange color, particularly the first three fingers that hold the cigarette.Self-Care Guidelines
Get help quitting smoking. There are many resources and support groups to help you succeed.When to Seek Medical Care
Discoloration of fingernails or toenails can be a sign of serious illness. Contact your doctor to rule out malignancy, heart, lung, and skin disease.Contact your health care professional to begin or continue the process of quitting smoking and tobacco use.
Treatments
Your health care provider will assist you in locating resources to help you quit smoking, such as counseling, behavior modification, lifestyle changes, support groups, nicotine therapy, and related medications.Once you stop smoking, the discolored nails may grow out and eventually recover a healthy color.
Tobacco staining of nails - Nail and Distal Digit