Discoloured Nails

If our eyes are the windows to the soul then nails may be the windows to a persons health. Looking at someone’s natural nails can tell you about the persons health. Some doctors examine the nails of the patients to see how they are doing. It is the colour of the nails which is an indicator of your health. Normally, nails are translucent. Nail colour comes from a bottle of polish or what is underneath the nail. The pink colour that is usually seen on the nail bed results from the blood vessels underneath, and the white moon near the cuticle area stems from the lunula part of the nail matrix. Other colours may also appear which is an indicator of health problems. We share some of the most common forms of nail discoloration and what it means.

1) Yellow - Yellow discolouration may be caused due to fungal infection or a respiratory problem. Smokers usually have stains on two or three fingernails. Often, yellow nails are a result of wearing dark nail polish for a long period of time without a base coat to protect the nails. Polish can seep into the nail and stain it. Discontinue polish for a month to see if the nail clears out.

2) Green - Green discolouration under the nails often indicates that the nail has detached from the nail bed and an infection has developed. If the area underneath the nail is damp and dark, it means bacteria and fungi are breathing there. If there is a serious bacterial infection under the nail, it is advisable tp consult a doctor.

3) Red - This kind of discolouration is due to polish stains or due to blood appearing under the nail because of some trauma to the nail. If there is no trauma and the nail is red or purple, it is an indicator of poor circulation or even a heart condition. Brownish red spots may signal a nutritional deficiency in folic acid. protein or Vitamin C.