Abnormal nail discoloration, when is it a sign of illness?

Nails are made of keratin. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology found that fingernails can grow nearly 3.5 mm per month. This is significantly faster than toenails, which only grow about 1.6 mm per month, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Pale, bluish nails can be due to lack of blood and oxygen in the blood.

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One of the most common changes is nail discoloration. Research from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shows that yellow nails can be a sign of a fungal infection.

Groups at high risk for nail fungus infections include older adults, people with certain medical conditions, or people who live in humid climates. Nail fungus is more common on toenails than fingernails. If the fungus has spread deep into the nail, treatment may take longer and involve a combination of medications.

Yellow nails can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease, or yellow nail syndrome. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition. It is caused by certain abnormalities in the lymph nodes. In addition to yellowing, the patient's nails often break, thicken, and curve.

Other health problems can also cause some nail color changes. For example, anemia will cause pale nails. If the nails are bluish, it is likely that the body is lacking oxygen in the blood. White nails are a sign of protein and calcium deficiency, and can even warn of underlying diseases such as diabetes or liver disease.

Additionally, bleeding from nail trauma can also cause nails to turn black or purple. However, if you haven't recently had any impact on them and they still turn black or purple, it could be due to an infection, vitamin B deficiency, or in rare cases, cancer.

Although nail changes aren't always a sign of illness, talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms, especially if they persist and don't go away despite trying multiple treatments, according to Healthline.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mong-tay-doi-mau-bat-thuong-khi-nao-la-dau-hieu-benh-185240509121920458.htm