Liam Carter
Changes in nail colour can indicate underlying health issues. While orange nails are not mentioned in the sources, yellow nails are referenced. Nails that are thick, slow-growing, and yellow often indicate lung diseases, while a fungal infection can also cause yellow nails. Other causes of yellow nails include dark nail polish stains and smoking. Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, and changes in their colour, shape, or texture can signal health problems such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or systemic diseases.
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What You'll Learn
Diet and nutrition
While orange nails are not among the common nail discolourations, yellow nails are. Yellow nails can be caused by dark nail polish stains, smoking, or an infection. A fungal infection can make nails thicken, crumble, or detach from the nail bed. More serious issues may include rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails often point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Fluid in the lungs and hands can also lead to yellow nail syndrome, as can Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose.
Nail discolouration can be a window into your health. Healthy nails are smooth and have no spots or discolouration. However, changes in colour, texture, or shape can signal health problems. These changes can be caused by exposure to chemicals, such as detergents or nail polish remover, or they can be due to lifestyle or a nail injury. In some cases, they may be a sign of health issues, such as nutritional imbalances or thyroid problems.
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, random white spots on nails can be caused by zinc deficiency, a fungal infection, or an allergic reaction. Nails that have a bluish tinge may indicate that the body lacks adequate oxygen, which could be due to heart disease or emphysema. Pale or white nails may indicate anaemia or liver disease. Greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection, and black nails can indicate chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, or liver disease.
Nail changes are rarely the first sign of illness, and other symptoms almost always appear first. For instance, emphysema causes breathing problems much earlier than it does clubbed nails. An illness may cause nail changes in some people and not in others. While nail discolouration can sometimes indicate a serious health issue, it is important to remember that most of the time, these changes are harmless. If you are concerned about any changes in your nail health, it is always best to consult a doctor.
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Health conditions
While orange nails are not among the common nail discolourations, yellow nails are. Yellow nails can be caused by dark nail polish stains, smoking, or an infection. A fungal infection can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or detach from the nail bed. More serious issues associated with yellow nails include rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails can also point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Fluid in the lungs and hands can also lead to yellow nail syndrome, as can Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose. Yellow nails can even be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. Occasionally, yellow nails run in families, suggesting a genetic connection.
Nail discolouration can also manifest as a bluish tinge, which may indicate that the person is suffering from argyria (silver poisoning), Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease), Raynaud's disease (where the fingers and toes shrink, then turn blue and may become numb or painful when exposed to cold), septicemia (blood poisoning), lung or breathing troubles (including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, or asthma), or a high percentage of abnormal forms of haemoglobin in the blood. Bluish nails may also indicate poor circulation or respiratory issues.
Nails with a greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Other signs of unhealthy fingernails include discolouration (yellow, green, blue, black), pitting, ridges, brittleness, thickening, or a spoon-shaped appearance. These changes can indicate nutritional deficiencies, infections, or underlying health issues that need attention.
Curved or "clubbed" nails happen when the fingertips enlarge and the growing nails curve around them. This process often develops gradually over several years and may be inherited or associated with lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails that resemble the horns of a ram may be hereditary or caused by conditions like psoriasis or poor circulation.
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Medication
In some cases, orange nails can be a warning sign of underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting the liver or other vital organs. For example, liver disease can cause orange nails. In such cases, nail discolouration may be a sign that something isn't quite right internally, prompting further investigation by a healthcare professional.
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies can lead to orange nails. A vitamin A and B deficiency can cause fragile nails with horizontal and vertical ridges. A lack of vitamin A and calcium can also result in dry and brittle nails. A zinc deficiency is another potential cause of orange nails, although it is rare for bypass patients to become deficient in zinc.
It is worth noting that while vitamin D deficiency does not typically result in distinct colour changes in the nails, it can manifest through other nail-related symptoms, such as brittleness, increased fragility, and a dry appearance. Therefore, if you suspect a nutritional deficiency, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional and consider taking a multivitamin supplement that includes vitamin D, B12, zinc, and iron.
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Lifestyle
While orange nails are not mentioned specifically in the sources, yellow nails are. And since orange is similar to yellow, it's possible that the causes of yellow nails could also be causes of orange nails.
Yellow nails can be caused by dark nail polish stains, smoking, or an infection. A fungal infection can make nails thicken, crumble, or detach from the nail bed. In addition, yellow nails can be a sign of more serious issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes. If you notice that your nails have turned orange or yellow, and you are concerned, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Practising good nail hygiene can help keep your nails healthy. This includes keeping them clean, dry, and trimmed. Washing your hands regularly and moisturising your nails and cuticles can help prevent nail discolouration and other problems. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, is also important for nail health. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can lead to nail discolouration and other issues.
Stress can also affect nail health. It can cause nails to become brittle and more susceptible to breaking or tearing. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or other self-care practices, can help improve nail health and overall well-being.
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Genetics
While orange nails can be caused by various factors, including nail polish stains, smoking, and dietary choices, there may also be a genetic component to nail discolouration in some cases.
It is important to note that nail discolouration can sometimes be a harmless genetic trait. For example, yellow nails can occasionally be a genetic trait passed down in families. In addition, spoon-shaped nails, where the edges of the nails curve up, may be caused by iron deficiency, which can also have a genetic component. Furthermore, while not directly related to nail discolouration, grooves or gaps in the nails can indicate a period of slowed or stopped nail growth, which could be influenced by genetic factors affecting nail development.
While nail discolouration can be harmless, it is crucial to identify the root cause to ensure healthy nails and overall well-being. If you are concerned about nail discolouration, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Orange nails are most likely due to a stain from dark nail polish or smoking. However, if the discolouration persists, it could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection.
Pale or white nails may indicate anaemia or liver disease. Bluish nails may indicate poor circulation or respiratory issues. Blackish nails may suggest bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, or certain forms of cancer. Yellow nails are common and may be caused by smoking, an infection, or psoriasis.
Healthy nails are typically smooth and free of spots or discolouration.
