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Itisha Arya

Fingernail Colour Changes Can Reveal Underlying Disease: What Each Shade May Indicate

fingernail colour change disease name

Experts have urged people to keep an eye on their fingernails, as unusual changes might point to underlying health problems. According to specialists, certain nail colours could indicate the risk of severe illnesses. While some changes may be harmless, specific colour alterations could require medical attention. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has outlined concerning nail symptoms on its website.

The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."

<h2>Fingernails Colour Change: What Changes Could Signal Serious Health Conditions</h2>

Based on this advice, AAD specialists recommend watching for these nail colours:

<ul><li>White</li><li>Half pink, half white</li><li>Yellow</li><li>Dusky red half-moons</li><li>A dark streak</li></ul>

They explained: "Nail colour changes can sometimes reflect conditions inside the body. Certain shades may serve as warning signs for specific diseases."

<h2>White Nails: Could Indicate Liver Problems or Diabetes</h2>

The AAD points out that nails turning white may be a sign of liver disease or diabetes. In liver disease, this is particularly likely in people with cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of the condition.

However, nails can naturally become whiter with age. Still, it is recommended to have any noticeable changes checked by a healthcare professional.

<h2>Half Pink, Half White Nails: Possible Sign of Kidney Disease</h2>

Nails that appear half pink and half white may indicate kidney problems. The AAD describes this pattern as “a white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish-brown colour below.”

Yellow Nails: Could Signal Lung or Circulatory Issues

Yellowing of the nails may be linked to lung disease and could reflect problems in the circulatory or lymphatic systems.

"When these systems don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the soft tissues beneath the skin, causing nails to turn yellow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. That said, yellow nails can also result from fungal infections or smoking.

<h2>Dusky Red Half-Moons: Potential Early Sign of Cancer</h2>

The AAD warns that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could indicate cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”

<h2>Dark Patches Under the Nails: When to Seek Immediate Care</h2>

Noticing a dark patch beneath your nail may point to skin cancer. Experts recommend visiting a GP as soon as possible if this occurs.

Additional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:

<ul><li>Blue nails: Could indicate insufficient oxygen in the blood.</li><li>Pale nails: Might point to anaemia.</li><li>Blue half-moons: Could suggest exposure to toxins or poisoning.</li></ul>

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Experts have urged people to keep an eye on their fingernails, as unusual changes might point to underlying health problems. According to specialists, certain nail colours could indicate the risk of severe illnesses. While some changes may be harmless, specific colour alterations could require medical attention. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has outlined concerning nail symptoms on its website.The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."Fingernails Colour Change: What Changes Could Signal Serious Health ConditionsBased on this advice, AAD specialists recommend watching for these nail colours:WhiteHalf pink, half whiteYellowDusky red half-moonsA dark streakThey explained: "Nail colour changes can sometimes reflect conditions inside the body. Certain shades may serve as warning signs for specific diseases."White Nails: Could Indicate Liver Problems or DiabetesThe AAD points out that nails turning white may be a sign of liver disease or diabetes. In liver disease, this is particularly likely in people with cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of the condition.However, nails can naturally become whiter with age. Still, it is recommended to have any noticeable changes checked by a healthcare professional.Half Pink, Half White Nails: Possible Sign of Kidney DiseaseNails that appear half pink and half white may indicate kidney problems. The AAD describes this pattern as “a white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish-brown colour below.”Yellow Nails: Could Signal Lung or Circulatory IssuesYellowing of the nails may be linked to lung disease and could reflect problems in the circulatory or lymphatic systems."When these systems don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the soft tissues beneath the skin, causing nails to turn yellow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. That said, yellow nails can also result from fungal infections or smoking.Dusky Red Half-Moons: Potential Early Sign of CancerThe AAD warns that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could indicate cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”Dark Patches Under the Nails: When to Seek Immediate CareNoticing a dark patch beneath your nail may point to skin cancer. Experts recommend visiting a GP as soon as possible if this occurs.Other Nail Colours To WatchAdditional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:Blue nails: Could indicate insufficient oxygen in the blood.Pale nails: Might point to anaemia.Blue half-moons: Could suggest exposure to toxins or poisoning.

fingernail colour changes can reveal underlying disease: what each shade may indicate

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