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Nail color can reflect a person's health condition. Nail color that changes and is not accompanied by complaints or other changes is generally not dangerous. However, changes in nail color that are accompanied by complaints, such as brittleness, pain or itching, or even falling off, need to be watched out for because they could indicate a disease that needs to be treated by a doctor.

Nails are formed from keratin protein and function to protect the fingertips. Nail growth is influenced by genetic factors, nutrition, and the body's overall health condition. Different nail colors can not only indicate healthy nails but can also indicate a health problem that is worth paying attention to.

Color Nails and their meaning for health

The following are various nail colors and their relationship to body health:

1. Pink nails

Healthy nails are pink with a semicircular base and white (lunula). Apart from that, healthy nails usually have a flat surface, are strong and do not become brittle easily. 

2. White or pale nails

White or pale nails are known as leukonychia and can occur in part or all of the nail area. This nail color can indicate nutritional deficiencies, anemia, poisoning, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, or liver and kidney disease.

In certain cases, pale nails can also occur due to side effects of drugs, such as chemotherapy and sulfonamide antibiotics.

3. Yellow nails

Nail color yellow can be caused by various factors, ranging from aging to exposure to yellow substances, such as nail polish, paint, or turmeric. However, yellow nails can sometimes also indicate a fungus infection. Apart from making nails yellow, infection also causes nails to thicken and become brittle. 

Yellowing nails can also indicate other health problems, such as pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, or lymphedema. Apart from that, yellow nails can also occur in smokers due to a buildup of nicotine in the nails.

4. Greenish colored nails

Bacterial infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause the nail color to turn greenish. These bacteria can breed under the nail when the nail is injured. 

Apart from that, fungal infections or accumulation of pus under the nails when ingrown toenails can also make the nail color greenish.

5. Nails that turn bluish are generally associated with cyanosis, a condition when the body lacks oxygen. This condition makes the nails, lips and skin appear bluish.

Cyanosis can indicate lung and respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, severe pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.

Bluish nails may also indicate the presence of heart disease or blood circulation disorders, such as Raynaud's syndrome. In addition, in some cases, this nail color can occur due to exposure to cold temperatures. Well, changing the color of your nails to blue due to cold is only temporary.

6. Brown to black nails

Changes in nail color to brown or black can be caused by subungual hematoma, namely bleeding under the nails due to impact or injury, fungal infections in the nails, or side effects of medications. 

Apart from that, nail color turning black or brownish can also occur due to a buildup of melanin pigment. This condition can sometimes be caused by melanoma skin cancer under the nails. Usually, this condition is also accompanied by changes in the shape of the nails and the appearance of bleeding.

7. Nails are half pink and half white

This change in nail color is known as Terry's nails. In this condition, the base to middle nails change color to white or pale, while the middle to top nails remain pink. Generally, this condition occurs due to aging.

However, Terry's nails can also indicate serious illness, such as cirrhosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and hepatitis.

8. Color change at the base of the nail (lunula)

If you pay attention, at the base of your nail there is a semicircular area (lunula) and is white. However, lunulae can also change color to bluish, reddish, or brownish.

Bluish-colored lunulae can be a sign of poisoning or lack of oxygen, while red lunulae can indicate disease, such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or alopecia areata. Meanwhile, brownish lunulae can be caused by side effects of drugs, such as antimalarial drugs chloroquine.

Then, what if the lunula part of the nail is not visible at all? Actually, this condition is not dangerous because the lunula can be covered with skin. However, in some cases, this condition can indicate malnutrition, depression, depression, or anemia. Healthy nails reflect a good body condition. So that your nails are always healthy, there are several care steps you can take. These steps can not only prevent nail discoloration, but are also important steps to maintain overall body health.

The following are several ways you can prevent nail discoloration:

• Keep your nails clean by washing your hands regularly, regularly cutting nails, and avoiding the habit of biting nails.
• Make sure your nails stay dry and clean to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria.
• Fulfill the body's need for nutrition by consuming foods that contain protein, iron, vitamins, and zinc to maintain healthy nails from within.
• Avoid using nail polish or nail cleansers that contain harsh chemicals and can damage the structure and color of nails.
• Do it regular health checks see a doctor, at least once every 1 or 2 years.

If you notice changes in the color of your nails, you can consult a doctor via Chat with a Doctor. That way, the doctor can check your condition and provide appropriate treatment.

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