Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: @ATremor on 05/04/2011 05:30:02

Title: How does heavy metal poisoning affect fingernails?
Post by: @ATremor on 05/04/2011 05:30:02
@ATremor asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why do you sometimes get the characteristic bands on your fingernails from heavy metal poisoning?

What do you think?
Title: How does heavy metal poisoning affect fingernails?
Post by: RD on 05/04/2011 12:52:36
Bands/lines on fingernails can occur for many reasons: disgusting nail images here (http://www.dermnet.org.nz/hair-nails-sweat/nails.html).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beau%27s_line

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muehrcke%27s_lines

Heavy metal poisoning can damage kidneys (http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Heavy-Metal-Poisoning.htm), which can cause changes in fingernails ...

Quote
Mees' lines appear after an episode of poisoning with arsenic, thallium or other heavy metals, and can also appear if the subject is suffering from renal failure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mee%27s_lines