Caleb Foster
The human body can reveal a lot about itself, and nails are no exception. While some nail colour changes are harmless, others can indicate underlying health issues. For example, white nails may suggest liver or kidney problems, while red nails could point to heart disease or kidney issues. Blue nails may be a sign of poor oxygen circulation, and black stripes could indicate skin cancer. Changes in nail texture and shape can also be indicative of health problems. Doctors can use these subtle variations in colour, strength, and form to predict and diagnose medical conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthy nail colour | Flesh-coloured, light pink, purple, or white |
| White nails | Trauma, anaemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, poisoning, liver problems, hepatitis |
| Yellow nails | Fungal infection, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, psoriasis |
| Red nails | Heart disease, kidney issues, psoriasis, lupus |
| Blue nails | Poor oxygen circulation, heart or lung issues |
| Black nails | Subungal melanoma, skin cancer |
| Green nails | N/A |
| Grey nails | N/A |
| Brown/copper nails | N/A |
| Blue-green nails | N/A |
| Pale nails | N/A |
| Purple nails | N/A |
| Nail shape | Gentle curve, smooth surface |
| Nail texture | Smooth, strong, clear |
| Nail strength | Varies from person to person |
| Nail growth | 0.1 mm/day or 1 cm in 100 days |
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What You'll Learn
White nails
One of the most common causes of white nails is nail trauma, which can include nail biting, manicures, knocks, bangs, and the use of tight footwear. Additionally, white nails can be a sign of zinc or calcium deficiency, fungal infections, or allergic reactions. In some cases, white nails may indicate more serious conditions, such as anemia, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or even poisoning. If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, it could be a sign of liver problems, such as hepatitis, although not everyone with white nails has hepatitis.
Another type of white nails is known as Terry's nails, which refers to whitening of the majority of the nail with a thin distal darkening. This condition may indicate protein deficiency, chronic kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure, or anemia. In Terry's nails, the lunula, or the whitish half-moon at the base of the nail, cannot be distinguished from the rest of the nail, suggesting changes in the body's veins beneath the nail.
While nail changes can be indicative of certain health conditions, they are rarely the first sign of illness. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about the appearance of your nails or if the condition persists or worsens.
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Red nails
It is important to note that while nail colour can provide insight into potential health issues, it is not always indicative of a serious problem. Changes in nail colour can sometimes be harmless or related to benign occurrences, such as trauma or the use of certain nail polishes. Nevertheless, if you notice any sudden or unexplained changes in your nail colour, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying health conditions.
Additionally, other nail abnormalities, such as nail clubbing, spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia), or pitting, can also be indicative of health issues. These changes in shape or texture can be more reliable indicators of certain diseases than nail colour alone.
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Blue nails
- Heart conditions, such as congenital heart disease, Eisenmenger's syndrome, or congestive heart failure
- Lung conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Vascular blockage
- Circulation problems
- Issues with hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen
- Polycythemia vera, a type of blood cancer that affects blood circulation and oxygen delivery
- Methemoglobinemia, a disorder that causes increased levels of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot release oxygen
- Kidney tumours
- Raynaud's syndrome, a condition that causes blood vessels to constrict in the extremities, often triggered by cold temperatures
- High altitudes
- Respiratory tract infections
- Silver poisoning
- Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease)
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- HIV infection
- Side effects of certain medications
It is important to seek medical attention for blue nails, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, profuse sweating, or dizziness, as these can indicate a medical emergency.
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Black nails
Changes in nail colour can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. While a colour change does not always mean that you have a disease, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes.
The presence of a black or brown band on the nail is called melanonychia. It can appear as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail. It can be benign, such as in the case of nevi (moles) or lentigo (flat, pigmented areas of skin), or it can be malignant, indicating nail cancer. Melanonychia can develop due to several causes, including trauma, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies, too much iron, and other health conditions.
If you notice black discolouration on your nails, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and receive an accurate diagnosis.
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Yellow nails
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended to see a doctor or a dermatologist. There are also at-home remedies that may help restore the natural appearance of your nails if they are temporarily stained yellow, such as using hydrogen peroxide or a baking soda soak.
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Frequently asked questions
White nails, also known as leukonychia, can indicate several health issues, including trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or
Yellow nails are common and can be caused by nail polish stains, smoking, or an infection. A fungal infection can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or detach from the nail bed. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate more severe conditions, such as thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
Nails with a bluish tint can indicate that the body is not getting enough oxygen, which could be a sign of lung problems, such as emphysema, or heart disease.
