What is a common physical effect of excessive cigarette use on fingers and nails?

The common physical effect of excessive cigarette use on fingers and nails is yellow or brown discoloration. This happens because the tar and nicotine from cigarette smoke can stain the skin and nails. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities, which contributes to these discolorations. The repeated exposure to smoke can also lead to the accumulation of residue on the fingers and nails, which results in this noticeable staining.

Chronic dryness of the skin can occur due to various factors, including dehydration and environmental exposure, but it is less specific to cigarette use compared to discoloration. Increased sensitivity to touch is generally not associated with smoking; instead, smokers might experience decreased sensitivity due to peripheral vascular effects. Development of lesions can happen, but they are more commonly associated with other skin conditions or diseases rather than a direct result of cigarette smoking alone. Thus, the yellow or brown discoloration stands out as the most characteristic and common effect of smoking on fingers and nails.