Common "Nail Clubbing" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Nail Clubbing

Nail clubbing is the structural and textural change in the finger and toenails. The nails turn to a spoon shape, and it becomes soft sponge-like and turns red. This is an indication of a lung disorder, heart disorder, or digestive condition. Idiopathic clubbing may also occur. Treatment of the underlying condition is the treatment modality for clubbing.

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I suspect of having early nail clubbing. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, Does this look like an early nail clubbing? I came across something on the internet and started looking at my nails. I did a Schamroth test and I have a very small window. I am a bit concerned.  Read Full »


Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Nail clubbing is present if oxygen saturation is low or if there is an increase in reduced hemoglobin for a long time. All clinical tests like Schamroth have its own drawback. So do not rely on Schamroth. Clubbing can occur without any disease. You need to get one art...  Read Full »

Why is there clubbing in a chronic smoker?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 27 year old female with a weight of 130 lbs. Have a history of smoking slightly less than one pack a day for 10 years. Quit a month ago. I am concerned about finger clubbing. I have noticed a new curvature in my nail over the last few months that was not present before. It is mo...  Read Full »


Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. This is mild clubbing and it is normal in young females. It is due to estrogen hormone in females. Please keep yourself miles apart from tobacco and alcohol. To be on the safe side, have a chest X-ray done and send me here to look for any pulmonary cause, as you have 10...  Read Full »

Can smoking cause clubbed nails?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 23 year old male, who weighs 195 lbs and I am 5.10 feet tall. All of my fingers are clubbed. My nails have become wide and thick giving them an abnormal round appearance. The skin above my cuticles is slightly raised and red. My nails do not extend straight out, but they curve d...  Read Full »


Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity) of your nails and fingers, and it is in fact clubbing. The cause is smoking-induced lung damage and bronchiectasis. Regarding the reversibility, we cannot be sure at this moment, as it wi...  Read Full »

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