The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a surge of new information, including some unusual potential signs of the virus. One such phenomenon is “COVID nails,” a term used to describe changes in the appearance, growth, or health of fingernails and toenails after a COVID-19 infection.
This article delves into the world of COVID-19 nails, exploring what they are, what they look like, and their significance in the context of COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery.
What Exactly Are “COVID-19 Nails”?
COVID nails are not a formal medical diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe several different nail changes that can occur after a COVID-19 infection. These changes are thought to be a result of the body’s response to the virus, impacting nail growth and health.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who has COVID-19 will experience COVID nails. Additionally, some of these nail changes can be caused by other factors unrelated to COVID-19.
What Do COVID-19 Nails Look Like?
There are several different presentations of COVID nails, each with distinct characteristics:
- Beau’s lines: These are the most common type of COVID nail and appear as deep horizontal indentations or grooves across the width of the nail plate. Beau’s lines develop because the nail matrix, the part of the finger responsible for nail growth, is temporarily disrupted during the COVID-19 infection. This disruption causes a pause in nail growth, which shows up as a line as the nail continues to grow out. Beau’s lines typically appear 2-3 weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection and can take several months to grow out completely as the nail regenerates.
- Red half-moon sign: This is a relatively new finding associated with COVID-19. It appears as a reddish, curved line at the base of the nail, just above the lunula (the white crescent-shaped area). The red half-moon sign is thought to be caused by dilated blood vessels in the nail bed due to inflammation. Unlike Beau’s lines, the red half-moon sign typically appears closer to the time of the COVID-19 infection, within a few days or weeks after symptom onset.
- Discolouration: Some people with COVID-19 nails experience discolouration of their nails. This can manifest as white spots, red streaks, or even a faint orange tinge. Discolouration can occur alongside other nail changes or independently. The exact cause of discolouration in COVID-19 nails is not fully understood.
- Onycholysis: This is a condition where the nail plate separates from the underlying nail bed. While onycholysis can be a sign of COVID-19 nails, it’s important to note that it’s also associated with other conditions like fungal infections, psoriasis, and injuries.
Can COVID Nails Help Diagnose COVID-19?
Unfortunately, COVID nails are not a reliable diagnostic tool for COVID-19. The reason for this is twofold:
- Non-specificity: Many of the nail changes associated with COVID19 nails can also be caused by other illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, or even trauma to the nail. Beau’s lines, for example, can develop due to various factors like a high fever or zinc deficiency.
- Delayed appearance: COVID-19 nails typically appear weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection, by which time someone may have already recovered or been diagnosed through other means.
The red half-moon sign, however, shows promise as a potential early indicator of COVID-19 infection. Since it appears closer to the time of symptom onset, it might be a helpful tool for healthcare professionals alongside other diagnostic tests.
Should I Be Worried About COVID Nails?
COVID 19 nails themselves are generally not a cause for major concern. They don’t pose a health risk and typically resolve on their own as the nail grows out. The bigger concern is what might be causing the nail changes.
If you notice any unusual changes in your nails, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can help determine the cause of the nail changes and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.
Here are some situations where seeking professional help is particularly important:
- Severe nail changes: If the nail changes are causing significant pain, and discomfort, or affecting your daily activities, a doctor can advise on treatment options.
- Underlying conditions: Certain nail changes can be indicative of underlying medical conditions like psoriasis or fungal infections. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Persistent nail changes: If the nail changes persist for an extended period (beyond a few nail growth cycles), a doctor can investigate further to rule out any underlying issues.
FAQs
Q. What are COVID nails?
COVID-19 nail’s are changes in your fingernails or toenails that can happen after a COVID-19 infection. They’re not a guaranteed sign of having had COVID, but they can be a clue, especially if you notice them weeks or months after other symptoms.
Q. What do COVID nails look like?
There are a few different signs to watch for:
- Beau’s lines: These are horizontal indentations or grooves across your nails. They appear because the nail growth slowed down or stopped for a while.
- Red half-moon: A reddish, curved line appears just above the white crescent moon shape (lunula) at the base of your nail.
- Discolouration: Your nails might develop white lines (Mees’ lines), red streaks, or even orange spots.
Q. How long do COVID-19 nails last?
The good news is COVID nails are usually temporary. Since they reflect interrupted nail growth, they’ll grow out as your nails naturally do. This typically takes a few months.
Q. Should I see a doctor about COVID nails?
While COVID-19 nails are generally harmless, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you’re concerned. They can rule out other possible causes for your nail changes, like fungal infections or psoriasis.
Are COVID-19 nails contagious?
No, COVID nails themselves are not contagious. They’re a result of your body’s reaction to the COVID-19 infection, not the virus itself.
Q. Can COVID-19 nails appear before other COVID symptoms?
Unfortunately, no. COVID 19 nail’s develop weeks or even months after the initial COVID infection. So, they can’t be used as a way to diagnose an active case.
Q. Are there ways to prevent COVID 19 nail’s?
The best way to prevent COVID nail’s is to prevent COVID-19 itself. This means getting vaccinated and boosted when recommended, practising good hand hygiene, and social distancing when necessary.
Q. I noticed some nail changes, but I never tested positive for COVID. Could I still have had it?
It’s possible. COVID isn’t the most common symptom, and some people may have mild or asymptomatic cases they never get tested for. However, nail changes can also be caused by other things. If you’re worried, consult a healthcare professional.
Q. Are there any treatments for COVID nail’s?
Since COVID nails resolve on their own, there’s no specific treatment needed. You can focus on maintaining healthy nails with a balanced diet and proper nail care practices.
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