Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Terry's nails
Introduction
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox
Overview
Overview
Terry’s nails is a physical finding in which fingernails and/or toenails appear white with a characteristic “ground glass” appearance, with no lunula.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Associated Conditions
It frequently occurs in the setting of the following conditions.
- Aging
- Cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hepatic failure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Malnutrition
Eighty percent of patients with severe liver disease have Terry’s nails.
Causes
Causes
Common Causes
The condition is thought to be due to a decrease in vascularity and an increase in connective tissue within the nail bed.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]