In Nigeria, when people notice white marks on their fingernails, they quickly blame the popular Chekeleke bird, which is the Igbo name for the Egret bird. Are these birds to blame, though? Healthy nails are important not only for aesthetics, but also for detecting potential health issues. However does having those marks on the fingernails imply that a person is unhealthy? In this article, we’ll investigate what different colors of a fingernail mean.
What Is A Healthy Fingernail Color?
A healthy nail normally has a pink nail bed and a white fingernail tip. This combination shows strong circulation and oxygenation, resulting in a healthy nail. The pink color of the nail bed represents appropriate blood flow, while the white tip indicates healthy keratinization and hydration.
Variations in Color and Possible Causes
Pale nail
When nails turn pale, it is usually a sign of decreased blood flow or low red blood cell counts. Pale nails can result from anemia, malnutrition, or congestive heart failure. These disorders, particularly anemia and congestive heart failure, are caused by a decrease in blood supply to the body. Anemia is characterized by a decreased red blood cell count. Malnutrition occurs when the body lacks nutrients. Congestive heart failure impairs the heart’s ability to adequately pump blood, resulting in a low blood supply to the fingernail bed.
Yellow nail
Because fingernails are constantly submerged in water while washing clothes, dishes, and hands, they are the ideal habitat for fungi, which thrive in moist environments. When fungi enter the nail bed, they can cause yellowish discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nails. Other health conditions like thyroid issues and psoriasis (an autoimmune condition), affect the skin and nails, causing discoloration and yellowing of the nail.
Red nail
Red nail can be temporary or persistent.
- Persistent red nail: Since the color of the nails is influenced by the blood flow to the nail bed, changes in nail color can occasionally reflect changes in circulation throughout the body.
- Temporary red nail: It can occasionally indicate increased blood flow to the nail bed. This increased blood flow may be a natural response to factors such as warmth, exercise, or hormonal changes. In these cases, redness of the nails is temporary and is usually not a cause for concern.
Given that red nails are related to circulation, they may indicate issues with the heart or kidneys. Both lupus and psoriasis are autoimmune diseases that can cause redness and inflammation in the skin and nails.
Blue nail
The body may not get enough oxygen, which can cause the fingernails to turn blue. This lack of oxygen circulation can be caused by heart and lung issues, thus immediate medical intervention is required.
Green, black or brown nail
These are quite odd nail colors, which may be the consequence of fungal illness or severe external trauma such as a splinter or slamming a door on your fingernail.
Conclusion
It’s not usually a sign of a vital problem when your nails change color. There are situations when it’s just a matter of heredity or habit. It is advisable to notify a physician if you observe any unusual or concerning changes in your fingernail.
