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What Causes The White Part In Nails To Disappear?

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Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016
Question: The white part on my nails (4 of them) have recently grown and are moving down. I have been on pain meds a while for chronic pain and wondering if it could be my liver.
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Nail changes

Detailed Answer:
thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You have recently noted a change in your nail beds that the luna or white part of the nail is disappearing. There is evidence that the loss of the luna is associated with liver disease especially cirrhosis of the liver. If you are drinking any alcohol while on your pain medication you could be putting yourself at risk for liver damage. I would recommend stopping all alcohol. The amount of tylenol or acetaminophen in percocet and other pain medications should not exceed 3 grams per day. Any more than that is also putting you at risk.

In summary
1. No alcohol
2. Reduce acetaminophen to 3 gms XXXXXXX per day

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes The White Part In Nails To Disappear?

Brief Answer: Nail changes Detailed Answer: thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You have recently noted a change in your nail beds that the luna or white part of the nail is disappearing. There is evidence that the loss of the luna is associated with liver disease especially cirrhosis of the liver. If you are drinking any alcohol while on your pain medication you could be putting yourself at risk for liver damage. I would recommend stopping all alcohol. The amount of tylenol or acetaminophen in percocet and other pain medications should not exceed 3 grams per day. Any more than that is also putting you at risk. In summary 1. No alcohol 2. Reduce acetaminophen to 3 gms XXXXXXX per day I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions