MyKidneyDiseaseCenter

White nails (leukonychia) can occur at various stages of kidney disease and is particularly common in people who have received kidney transplants. The appearance of white nails isn't necessarily tied to a specific stage of kidney disease.

One specific type of white nail change called Muehrcke's lines appears as horizontal pairs of white lines across the nail, parallel to the half-moon shape at the base of the nail (lunula). It's important to note that nail changes may take time to develop. Some people with kidney disease may not notice changes right away, and it could be several years before visible nail changes occur. If you notice changes in your nails, it's best to discuss them with your healthcare provider as they could be related to various aspects of kidney disease including anemia, calcium regulation issues, or nutritional factors.