Which statement best describes common hair and nail changes in peripheral arterial disease?

Which statement best describes common hair and nail changes in peripheral arterial disease?

• A. Rapid healing with glossy nails
• B. Hair growth on toes and normal nails
• C. Hair loss on toes and thick brittle nails
• D. Warm, pink skin with strong pulses

Answer: (C)

Reduced arterial blood flow causes tissue ischemia in the extremities, so chronic ischemia from peripheral arterial disease leads to noticeable changes in hair and nails. Hair growth on the toes diminishes when perfusion is impaired, and the nail bed reflects slowed growth and nutrient delivery, becoming thick and brittle. This combination—hair loss on the toes with thick, brittle nails—is a classic sign of chronic arterial insufficiency. In contrast, rapid healing with glossy nails, hair growth with normal nails, or warm, pink skin with strong pulses point to good blood flow rather than ischemia.

Reduced arterial blood flow causes tissue ischemia in the extremities, so chronic ischemia from peripheral arterial disease leads to noticeable changes in hair and nails. Hair growth on the toes diminishes when perfusion is impaired, and the nail bed reflects slowed growth and nutrient delivery, becoming thick and brittle. This combination—hair loss on the toes with thick, brittle nails—is a classic sign of chronic arterial insufficiency. In contrast, rapid healing with glossy nails, hair growth with normal nails, or warm, pink skin with strong pulses point to good blood flow rather than ischemia.