Doctors recommend that you monitor your nails and note any unusual changes in them. If certain colors appear on them, it can signal the risk of several life-threatening diseases. , although some causes may be harmless, you should consider seeing a doctor.
- Changes in the color or appearance of nails can signal serious health problems.
- White nails can indicate liver disease or diabetes.
- Yellow nails can be a sign of pulmonary, circulatory or lymphatic disorders.
- Dark spots under the nail can signal the risk of melanoma, skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has warned on its website about the worrying symptoms that can appear on the nails. “Have you noticed anything unusual about any of your nails lately? While these colors and textures may be harmless, they can also be a sign of disease,” the experts said. What changes should you watch out for?
The AAD reports that white nails may indicate liver disease or diabetes. This symptom is more likely if you have cirrhosis, which is the most advanced stage of liver disease. However, experts emphasize that white color can also appear naturally due to aging.
Half reddish, half white
Nails that are half reddish and half white can signal kidney disease. If you notice this combination of shades, you should seek medical help.
Notice the changes in your nails. (illustrative photo)
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Yellowish nails can be related to lung disease, or problems with the circulatory or lymphatic system. “When these systems don’t work properly, fluid can build up in the soft tissues under the skin. This causes the nails to turn yellow,” he says, noting that fungal infection or cigarette smoking can also cause this shade of nails.
Experts also draw attention to a new or changing strip of dark color under the nail. They claim that it can be a symptom of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. You should also watch out for dark spots under the nails, which can also be caused by this disease.
The AAD organization after all it also warns of other color changes that you should not ignore:
- Blue nails – lack of oxygen in the bloodstream
- Pale nails – anemia
- Blue crescents – associated with poisoning
