Name two common nail disorders that can present with discoloration.

• A. Onychomycosis and pterygium
• B. Eczema and dermatitis
• C. Leukonychia (white spots) and chromonychia (brown/black staining)
• D. Splitting and peeling

Answer: (C)

Discoloration on nails is a common clue to different nail conditions. The two that best fit a question about discoloration are leukonychia and chromonychia. Leukonychia shows up as white spots or milky patches on the nail plate, usually from minor trauma or handling, and it’s typically harmless. Chromonychia refers to any color change in the nail, most often brown or black staining, which can come from pigment changes in the nail or from external factors like pigment exposure, smoking, medications, or trauma. So you see a white discoloration with leukonychia and a brown/black discoloration with chromonychia, making this pair the most characteristic for discoloration. Other options describe different nail issues (like texture changes or deformities) and aren’t as directly tied to discoloration patterns.