Can your nails indicate a liver problem?

There is probably a connection with your nails and your liver.

By: Debjani Arora | | Published: December 15, 2017 7:50 pm

I am sure before you read this headline you might not have given this much thought. Imagine this: Nails and liver, probably you thought there would not be much connection between the two. But the amazing thing about the human body is that everything is related to each other and yes, your nails can be indicative of your liver health. Here are some more ways in which your nails indicate a health crisis.

There are studies that tell us how the changes in the nails are indicative of a dysfunctional liver or a condition of the organ that could be life-threatening. In fact, a study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in the 2010 pointed out that nail changes are important criteria in asserting liver conditions. In fact, changes in the nails is a marked symptom of various liver conditions like liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) virus infections. Apart from the nails, liver disorders also affect various parts of the skin.

The study comprised of 100 patients suffering from HCV, HBV and liver cell failure and 100 normal healthy controls. Both groups underwent full history taking and thorough general examination, complete blood picture, hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C antibody, liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography and PCR were performed in patients with liver disease. Full nail examination was performed on both groups.

It was noticed that nail changes were more prevalent in the patient group (68%) than in the control group (35%). The nail infection, onychomycosis (a fungal infection of nails) was the most common finding in 18% of patients and that in controls was 10% followed. Apart from onychomycosis, the other nail problems that were prevalent in people suffering from liver diseases were longitudinal striations, brittle nails, clubbing of fingers, dystrophic nails, leukonychia and longitudinal melanonychia (types of fungal infections).

The study thus concluded that nail changes are observed not only in patients with liver cirrhosis but also with HCV and HBV infection. This stands to be additional clinical criteria for general practitioners and dermatologists to help them with a diagnosis of these common systemic infections of the liver.

So, if you see any kind of change in your nails, go and check with your GP on the same. Chances are that your body is giving you a clue that your liver needs some TLC now.

Reference:

1: Salem A, Gamil H, Hamed M, Galal S. Nail changes in patients with liver disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010 Jun;24(6):649-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03476.x. Epub 2009 Nov 2. PubMed PMID: 19888943.

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Published: December 15, 2017 7:50 pm

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