Question: What is this fingernail finding called? Patients with this finding likely have what underlying medical condition?
Answer: Patients with cirrhosis may have a finding known as Terry nails. In patients with Terry nails, the proximal two-thirds of the nail plate appears white, whereas the distal one-third is red. This finding is believed to be secondary to a low serum albumin. Terry nails may also be seen in patients with renal failure, diabetes, and heart failure.