Nails are the tough flat structures that provide form and shape to the tips of fingers and toes. They improve grip of fine objects.
Discoloured nails are a sign of allergic disorders, infections or due to chemical staining. Some skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus too affect the nails. Fungal infections are also common causes of nail damage. They make the nails lustreless, dull, rough and ridged. Damage to the cuticle or the fine film of skin at the proximal margin of the nail also causes fungal infection of the nails.