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My skin around the nails turned brown. Why?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I bite the skin around my nails, and now I noticed that the skin is turning brownish. I have tried washing it, but no result. Should I be concerned?

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the skin remains painful and swells up with reddish discoloration, then you should be concerned and seek antibiotics if needed. Otherwise, just relax.

For further information, consult an internal medicine physician online.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Why is this happening to my skin?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As you are biting your nails, loss of mucosal integrity leads to the transfer of bacteria from your oral cavity to your fingers.

For further information, consult an internal medicine physician online.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At January 31, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 6, 2026

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