What causes itchy, yellow nails that break easily?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Nails are itchy, yellow looking, break easily and it has probably been more than six months and getting worse. Please help.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Hi,

Welcome to iclinq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It would be great if you could attach pictures of your nails for proper diagnosis and treatment. You see there can be different reasons for that, it might be onychomycosis (fungal infection of nails) or may be weathering of nails. So, please kindly attach pictures for that because treatment gets different.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I ignore the problem because I thought it was due to nail polish but I have tried over-the-counter creams and it is not helping. Nails continue to break and get more yellow.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It is fungal infection (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Are both finger and foot nails involved? You have to start with oral antifungals in the form of pulse therapy (one week every month for three months) and put drops of topical antifungal lotion on both sides of nails in folds. Maintain hygiene of the nails, avoid nail polish, etc., on nails.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Probable diagnosis

Onychomycosis.

Treatment plan

Capsule Itraconazole 100 mg two in the morning and two in the evening for one week, then break for three weeks, repeat course next month for one week. Then break for three weeks, then repeat the course for one week. Apply Clotrimazole lotion on both sides of nails in folds.

Preventive measures

Maintain hygiene of area, wash with soap and water, avoid using Dettol and other irritants.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

The treatment sounds good.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern

Okay, get well soon.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Was this conversation helpful?

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M

April 16, 2019

November 22, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rabia Anjum

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

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