Did you know nail color changes can signify an underlying health issue?
Usually, when beauty and health conversations come up, nail care is one of the least talked about. When we think nails, we immediately think about gel manicures and nail polishes that make you feel and look pretty. As much as beautifying our nails is important, we should also pay attention to how our health affects our nails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a disease in your body can cause your nails to change colour and some colour changes could be a warning sign of a specific disease.
Here are a few nail colour changes you might want to ask your dermatologist about:
- Blue Nails: This can happen if there is not enough oxygen in your bloodstream. In other words, when your red blood cells are not carrying enough oxygen
- White or Pale Nails: This could possibly signify a variety of health issues. It could be anemia (low red blood cell count), lack of nutrients in your diet, liver disease, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid
- Half Pink, Half White Nails: This could be an indication of kidney disease
- Yellow Nails: If your nails are yellow, it could be a sign of an infection. However, if your nails are thick, slow growing and yellow it could point to a lung disease. Yellow nails are tricky because some people inherit them genetically, hence the need to visit a dermatologist to be sure
- Dusky Red Half-Moons: Possible health issues are lupus, heart disease, alopecia areata, or arthritis
- Blue Half-Moons: This could be a sign of poisoning
- Dark Streak on Nails: Dark streaks could be an indication of melanoma, a skin cancer. However, not every dark streak is a melanoma.
- Greenish Black Nails: Bacterial infections can turn your nails greenish black
It is imperative that we pay close attention to our nails, especially when we notice any changes. Not every nail change means you have a disease, so do not be quick to jump into any conclusions. An examination by your dermatologist will help you know what the root cause of the change is.
Remember to stay safe and stay healthy!
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