Some might not believe this, but different nail colours are indicators if you’re experiencing health problems. Although fingernails don’t mean much to many, you will be surprised to know their function.
According to Dr Samhan, you can know what kind of diseases you have by looking at the colour of your nails.
Here are some of the different nail colours with their problems:
1) Pale-coloured nails
If you have pale nails, you might experience diseases like:
- Anaemia
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
2) White nails (leukonychia)
Having white nails with dark rims might indicate liver problems like hepatitis. Additionally, jaundice is also one of the signs of liver disease.
3) Blue nails (cyanosis)
Bluish fingernails mean your body is oxygen inefficient. But it can also mean you experience lung problems like emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), asthma and pneumonia.
4) Yellow nails
Normally, yellowish fingernails indicate fungus infection. However, in some rare cases, it’s related to diseases like thyroid, lung problems, diabetes or psoriasis.
5) Brittle nails
Usually, brittle nails are closely related to sicknesses like the thyroid.
6) Swelling around nails (paronychia)
Irritation around fingernails is common because of lupus or connective tissue disorder. However, this infection can be treated at home (if it’s not severe). Read here.
7) Ridges in nails
Ridges or rippled nails can be an early sign of psoriasis or arthritis. It can also begin with stress.
8) Dark lines on the nail (melanonychia)
It happens when the pigment cells (melanocytes) deposit melanin (brown-coloured pigment) into the nail.
This condition can be activated due to pregnancy, trauma, nail infection, etc. However, it can also happen because of melanoma, a type of severe skin cancer.
9) Gnawed nails
Do you have this habit: of biting your nails? If you do, it might be a sign of continuous anxiety. Not only that, but you might also experience obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If your nails are in any of these colours, consult with professionals. A thorough health check-up will help you know the state of your body.
Sources: Twitter Dr Samhan, Healthline (Nail Diseases), Paronychia