Nail Discoloration - Green, Blue, Black, White or Yellow, Why ? (2024)

FAQs

Why is my nail blue and green? ›

Green nail syndrome (GNS) is an infection of the nails that leads to a greenish discoloration of nails, also known as chloronychia. The green discoloration varies from blue-green to dark green to bluish-grey. Since the discoloration is underneath the nail, it will not disappear with washing or scrubbing.

Green nail syndrome (chromonychia) is a nail disorder characterized by onycholysis and green-black discoloration of the nail bed. This condition is often associated with chronic paronychia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly identified organism in cultures from the affected area.

Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.

Blue or purple nail beds or nails are a common sign of cyanosis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. This type of discoloration can also occur on other parts of the body including the hands, fingertips, toes, nose, lips, and tongue.

2 Nail changes in vitamin B₁₂ deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B₁₂ deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.

Nail changes.

People who have advanced kidney disease can develop: A white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown color below, as shown here (half-and-half nails) Pale nails. White bands running across one or more nails (Muehrcke's nails)

Research has shown vitamin B12 deficiency to cause brown-gray nail discoloration. White nails can be the result of anemia and pink or red nails may suggest malnutrition with several nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.

Some people get more than one infection, or the infection comes back after treatment (chronic paronychia). Untreated, the infection can cause damage to the nail. Rarely, untreated paronychia can go deeper into the finger or toe and lead to a serious infection.

The etiology of a green nail cannot be determined by the clinical presentation alone. It is most commonly caused by a Pseudomonas species, a bacterial organism. However, it can also occur as a result of a fungal organism such as a Candida species or the presence of both bacterial and fungal organisms.

Changes in nail shape and texture

Iron deficiency or overproduction may cause the nail bed's center to look like it had been scooped out, a condition known as spoon nails. Cardiovascular, pulmonary and gastrointestinal problems may also appear in the nails as curves around an enlarged fingertip, known as clubbing.

What does vitamin D deficiency look like in nails? ›

Hapalonychia (soft nails) has been associated with deficiencies of vitamins A and D among other causes. Longitudinal melanonychia of the nail plate has been reported in vitamin D deficiency.

Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

The most common symptom of subungual melanoma is a discolored line that appears on your nail. It's usually brown or black and runs from top to bottom (vertical). In some cases, the line can be irregularly shaped and increase in length and width over time.

COVID nails are a possible symptom that may occur and persist weeks or months after COVID-19 infection, but what do COVID nails look like? Those changes may consist of dents, orange, red, or white discoloration, ridges, or Beau's lines—horizontal grooves across your nails.

If the hematoma is small and doesn't cause pain, then you can take care of it at home with rest, ice, and pain medication. But if you have a large hematoma, a lot of pain, or any additional injuries — you should seek medical care for drainage and additional treatment.

The color change in nail polish is primarily due to a special type of pigment called thermochromic pigment. This pigment is sensitive to temperature variations, causing it to alter its color when exposed to different temperatures.

To stop the infection, keep your nails clean and dry at all times. Avoid soaking the nail and wear gloves when doing chores or work that involves prolonged contact with water. Unfortunately, you will need to wait for greenies to grow out - and frankly speaking - that can take several weeks.

A doctor may perform a procedure called nail trephination to drain the blood from under the nail. This can help to relieve pain and pressure. The doctor will make a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle. Afterward, the area may be wrapped with a bandage and may continue to drain for up to 3 days.

Blue nails may indicate that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen to the fingertips. There are many possible causes, including heart and lung diseases. Anyone with blue nails should seek medical advice. In some cases, fingernails turn blue or purplish because of cyanosis, which can also affect the lips and skin.