Noah Sinclair
The colour of your nails can be an indicator of your overall health. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, and changes in their colour, shape, or texture can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or systemic diseases. For example, pale or white nails can indicate anaemia or liver disease, while yellow nails may indicate a fungal infection or psoriasis. Bluish nails can be a sign of poor circulation or respiratory issues, and a greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pale or white nails | Anaemia or liver disease |
| Yellow nails | Fungal infection or psoriasis |
| Bluish nails | Poor circulation or respiratory issues |
| Greenish-black discolouration | Bacterial infection |
| Vertical brown or black streak | Kidney disease or melanoma (skin cancer) |
| Healthy nail colour | Pink with a white half-moon shape at the base (called the lunula) |
| Healthy nail colour (darker skin tones) | Light mauve (purple) |
| Healthy nail colour (lighter skin) | Pale pink |
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What You'll Learn
Pale or white nails can indicate anaemia or liver disease
Nail colour can provide important clues about your overall health and well-being. Healthy nails are typically flesh-coloured with white tips and a subtle shine to the cuticles. Any deviation from this, especially in terms of colour, shape, or size, could indicate an underlying health condition. For example, bluish nails can signal poor circulation or respiratory issues, while yellow nails may suggest a fungal infection or psoriasis. A greenish-black discolouration could be a sign of a bacterial infection, and vertical brown or black streaks could indicate kidney disease or even melanoma (skin cancer). Terry's nails, characterised by partly or entirely white nails with a pink band at the top of the nail bed, may also signify a serious health anomaly. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your nail colour and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
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Yellow nails may indicate a fungal infection
Fungal nail infections are a common condition, with an estimated 10% of people affected in Western countries. They are caused by fungi that grow in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes. The medical term for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis, and it can cause the nail to become thickened, brittle, and discoloured.
There are several risk factors for developing a fungal nail infection, including:
- Older age
- Poor nail hygiene
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes
- Having a weakened immune system
- Working in a humid environment
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include topical or oral antifungal medications, and in some cases, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary.
In addition to indicating a fungal infection, yellow nails can also be a sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, forming thick, silvery scales on the skin. It can also affect the nails, causing them to become pitted, thickened, or discoloured. If you notice any changes in your nails that could be indicative of psoriasis, it is important to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Bluish nails can be a sign of poor circulation
Nail colour can be a good indicator of your overall health. For example, pale or white nails can indicate anaemia or liver disease, while yellow nails may be a sign of a fungal infection or psoriasis. A greenish-black discolouration could be a sign of a bacterial infection. In a healthy individual, nails are typically flesh-coloured with white tips and a subtle shine to the cuticles. However, it's important to note that most nail changes are nothing to worry about and could be due to poor nail hygiene, ageing, or other factors. If you are concerned about any changes in your nail colour, it's always best to consult a doctor.
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Greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection
Changes in nail colour can indicate underlying health issues. For example, greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Nails with a bluish appearance or purplish undertone suggest that the body isn't getting enough oxygen and may indicate a condition called 'azure lunula', medically referring to cyanosis. Pale or white nails can indicate anaemia or liver disease, while yellow nails may be a sign of a fungal infection or psoriasis. Vertical brown or black streaks extending from the cuticle to the tip of the nail can indicate kidney disease or even melanoma (skin cancer).
In a healthy individual, nails are typically flesh-coloured with white tips and a subtle shine. The cuticles should look healthy, and there should be a white half-moon shape at the base of the nail called the lunula. If the appearance of the nails differs from normal, especially in terms of shape, size or colour, it might indicate an underlying health condition. Most nail changes are nothing to worry about, but some abnormalities could be a red flag.
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Vertical brown or black streaks could be a sign of kidney disease or skin cancer
Changes in nail colour can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Vertical brown or black streaks extending from the cuticle to the tip of the nail could be a sign of kidney disease or skin cancer. This is a small symptom of a potentially more serious underlying health condition, so it's important not to ignore it. If you notice any changes in your nail colour, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis.
In healthy individuals, nails are typically flesh-coloured with white tips and a subtle shine. The cuticles should look healthy. Any changes in the appearance of the nails, especially in terms of shape, size or colour, could be a red flag for an underlying health condition. For example, pale or white nails can indicate anaemia or liver disease, while yellow nails may be a sign of a fungal infection or psoriasis. Bluish nails with a purplish undertone can suggest poor circulation or respiratory issues, and a greenish-black discolouration could indicate a bacterial infection.
Terry's nails, where the nails are partly or entirely white with a pink band at the top of the nail bed, may signify a serious health anomaly. Similarly, azure lunula, or cyanosis, is a condition where the nails have a bluish appearance, indicating poor oxygen supply to the body.
While most nail changes are nothing to worry about, some abnormalities could be indicative of medical problems. Poor nail hygiene, older age, lung disease, and psoriasis are among the possible causes of nail changes.
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Frequently asked questions
White nails may indicate anaemia or liver disease.
Yellow nails can indicate a fungal infection or psoriasis.
Bluish nails may indicate poor circulation or respiratory issues.
Brown or black streaks on the nails can indicate kidney disease or melanoma (skin cancer).
