Decoding the Unhealthy Colours of Nails

Your nails can be a powerful indicator of your overall health, reflecting any underlying issues or deficiencies. While most of us strive for nails that are strong, smooth, and pinkish in colour, any deviation from this healthy norm can provide important clues about our well-being. In this article, we’ll explore some of the unhealthy colours of nails and what they might indicate about your health.

Pale Nails

Pale or white nails can be a sign of various health concerns:

a. Anemia:

A common cause of pale nails is iron-deficiency anemia. When your body lacks sufficient iron, your nails may lose their healthy pink hue.

b. Liver Problems:

Liver conditions can lead to pale nails, as they impact blood flow and oxygen distribution.

c. Malnutrition:

A lack of essential nutrients can cause pale nails.

Yellow Nails

Yellow nails can result from a variety of causes, including:

a. Fungal Infections:

Nail fungus can lead to yellow, brittle nails. It’s a common issue that should be treated promptly.

b. Smoking:

Nicotine and tar from smoking can stain nails, causing them to appear yellow.

c. Psoriasis:

This skin condition can affect the nails, causing discolouration and pitting.

Blue or Grey Nails

Blue or grey nails can indicate poor circulation or a lack of oxygen in the blood:

a. Circulation Issues:

Reduced blood flow can lead to a bluish or greyish hue in the nails.

b. Lung Problems:

Respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may cause nail discolouration.

Green Nails

Green nails are often a result of fungal infections or bacterial growth. When bacteria or fungi accumulate beneath the nail, they can create a greenish discolouration.

Black or Dark Brown Nails

A black or dark brown hue on your nails could be a sign of injury or a more serious condition:

a. Hematoma:

A bruise under the nail can cause a dark colour. This often occurs due to a minor injury.

b. Melanoma:

In rare cases, a black stripe on the nail can be a sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Red or Dark Red Nails

Red nails can be a sign of good health, but excessively red or dark red nails might be related to an underlying issue:

a. High Blood Pressure:

Unusually red nails might suggest high blood pressure.

b. Sublingual Hematoma:

A collection of blood beneath the nail can result in a dark red or purplish colour.

Brittle, Cracked, or Peeling Nails

While not a colour, the condition of your nails is equally important. Brittle, cracked, or peeling nails can be linked to several factors, including nutritional deficiencies, excessive exposure to water and chemicals, and aging.