Yellow, Black, White or Blue, What Disease Does Each Nail Color Prove?

Nail Discoloration Alone Doesn’t Confirm A Disease

​While eyes are the mirror of our soul, nails are the snapshot of our health! Dermatologists feel that taking good care of our fingernails and toenails and being aware of any rise in situation that calls for a visit to the dermatologist are sure ways to maintain our nails and overall body health.

Our toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of our toes and fingers. These are made of layers of hardened protein called keratin, which is present in our hair and skin too. Healthy nails are smooth and have a consistent color. A yellow patch, a rosy tinge, ridges, dents, bumps and changes in growth rate are indicative of lung, heart, kidney, liver disease, anemia or diabetes while white spots or vertical ridges are harmless.

Different Colors & Nail Changes Represent Different Diseases

1. Very pale nails: Signs of anemia, liver disease, malnutrition or congestive heart failure.
2. Almost white nails with dark rims: indicative of liver problems (for instance, hepatitis).
3. Yellow nails: Indicate a fungal infection. If the infection worsens, the nails may crumble. In some cases, the color represents a grave disease such as psoriasis, lung disease or severe thyroid disease.
4. Bluish nails: Indicates lack of oxygen supply, lung problems such as emphysema or some heart problem.
5. Rippled Nails: Easy signs of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
6. Puffy nail fold: Red and puffy skin around the nails may be due to lupus or some connective tissue disorder.
7. Dark line beneath the nail: This should be immediately reported to a physician as it might be indicative of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Nails
Do

• Maintain clean and dry finger and toe nails.
• Practice nail hygiene by using sharp manicure scissors or clippers and sterilized products at the salon.
• Use a moisturizer.
• Ask your physician about biotin as it is said to strengthen brittle or weak nails.
• Soak your feet in warm salt water when toenails are thick and difficult to cut.
• Wear flip flops at the pool and in public shower to avoid fungal infections.

Don’t

• Bite fingernails and remove cuticles as it can damage your nail bed.
• Use your nails as a tool, for instance to open pop cans.
• Use heavy nailcare products or continuously apply nail polish.
• Ignore problems. If you seem to have a nail problem that does not diminish on its own, consult your dermatologist.
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While conditions might be accompanied with nail changes, these are not the first indication always. Most nail abnormalities are harmless and not everyone with white nails has hepatitis or ripped nails has psoriasis. Keep your nails clean, dry and trimmed without removing the cuticle to avoid problems. Leading a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet that contains ample fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep your entire body fit. Get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com to customize a healthy diet plan for an A-1 body. Despite taking care, if you still feel that there is some discoloration or change in texture of your nails, it is better to meet a dermatologist and get your doubts cleared.