Nails health according colour

30.8.2020

Nails can say a lot more about our health than we might think. Certain conditions can cause changes in the color, shape, or texture of the nails. While some changes are natural, there is also a number that can indicate underlying medical issues.

Here, we've compiled 10 nail signs and symptoms and what they can say about your health:

1. Blue nails

Nails turn blue when there is not enough oxygen in your blood. It can happen when your hand is exposed to cold temperatures, which causes your blood vessels to contract for energy.

Once you are warmed up, the color of your tabs should return to normal. If the nails stay blue, however, it is possible that an underlying problem is preventing your body from delivering enough oxygen to your bloodstream. Many lung, heart, and vascular problems can lead to the development of blue nails.

2. White nails

Having pale or white fingernails usually means that the body is low in red blood cells because of a poor diet or a condition that interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Diabetes or anemia can also cause white nails.

Nails that are predominantly white with a red or dark edge at the top are a sign known as Terry's nails. Although it can occur with the body's natural aging, Terry nail condition can also be a harbinger of underlying conditions, including cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. In fact, about 80% of patients with cirrhosis have Terry's nails.

3. Small white spots

These little white lines appearing on the fingernails or toenails are called leukonychia. It is in fact common in healthy adults and it is quite harmless. Leukonychia is usually caused by damage to the base of the nail.

These injuries can occur from bumping your fingernails or other forms of blunt trauma. Due to the time, it takes for your nails to grow, you are unlikely to remember the exact shock that would have caused those white spots. As the nail grows, the damaged part moves upwards and eventually disappears.

4. Split or brittle nails

Nail cracking is more common in women, but men can experience this problem as well. This characteristic can be associated with a variety of health problems, ranging from thyroid disease to iron deficiency anemia. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to take iron supplements or simply include more iron-rich foods in your diet.

Sardines, seafood, grains, red meats, poultry, and pork liver are excellent sources of this mineral. If you lead an active lifestyle, you may also want to increase your protein intake so that your nails can withstand more friction and trauma.

5. Black vertical lines under the nail

One of the most common causes of black discolorations under the nail is trauma, a shock to the spot, which can cause blood vessels under the nail to burst. Such wounds usually heal on their own within a few days.

However, when black vertical lines appear along with the nail, it may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. These black bands darken over time, and the affected nail may become painful or even bleed. When accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, fever, or shortness of breath, these black lines on the nails can be an indicator of endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart valves.