Color of Fingernails and Toenails Health Indicator Chart

Published: 2015-10-11 (Revised/Updated 2018-02-27) : Author: Disabled World : Contact: disabled-world.com

Synopsis: The nail color of fingernails and toenails can reveal certain serious health conditions for instance white nails may be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia.

Nail (Anatomy)

A nail, in anatomy, is defined as a horn-like envelope covering the tips of the fingers and toes in humans, most non-human primates, and a few other mammals. Finger and toe nails are similar to claws in other animals.

Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. Keratin is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins, and is the key structural material making up hair, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of human skin. Healthcare and pre-hospital-care providers (EMTs or paramedics) often use the fingernail beds (CRT or blanch test) as a cursory indicator of distal tissue perfusion of individuals who may be dehydrated or in shock.

Main Document

"In Caucasian people, color bands under the nail may indicate cancer, while in non-Caucasian people it is usually a normal occurrence."

Healthy fingernails and toenails should generally be a pink color - with the healthy nail plate being pink, and the nail being white in color as it grows off the nail bed. Fingernail color and condition changes are rarely the first clue of serious illness. In most instances, patients will manifest other signs or symptoms of disease before nail changes become evident.

Nail colors can generally be grouped into black, blue, brown/copper, green, blue-green, grey, yellow, pale, purple or red groups - each color means something different. Keep in mind that your nails may look a particular way for another reason totally unrelated to your health, but could be due to mechanical or environmental influences. Your beauty therapist and manicurist should also be able to guide you in this field.

When healthy fingernails begin to change color or texture, one of the most common underlying causes is nail fungus, which can cause the nails to crack, peel, and change color and texture. Common disorders like thyroid disease can also cause abnormalities in the toenail and fingernail beds, often producing dry brittle nails that crack and split easily.

Nails never stop growing. They must be cut from time to time. Nail trimming tools used by different people can transmit nail infections. By using standard hygiene and sanitation procedures you can avoid this transmission. In some cases, gel and cream cuticle removers can be used instead of cuticle scissors.

Nail Color Health Chart
Jump To Nail Color or Condition: Blue Black White White Spots White Under Nails Grey/Gray Green Yellow Purple Red Dark on Sides Lines on Nails Brown Spots Under Nails Color Bands Ridges & Pitting
Blue nails	Blue fingernails, also known as azure lunula (medical term - cyanosis), are characterized by a blue discoloration of the lunulae. Blue Fingernails Can be Indicative of: Argyria - A condition caused by exposure to chemical compounds of the element silver. Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease) Raynaud's disease - The fingers and toes blanch, then turn blue and may become numb or painful on exposure to cold. Septicemia - Also known as bacteremia or blood poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection enters the bloodstream. Lung and breathing problems - Including asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Blue fingernails may represent a type of cyanosis caused by a lower level of lack of circulating oxygen in the red blood cells. May also represent a high level of an abnormal form of hemoglobin in the circulation. If normal color returns upon warming and/or massage, the cause is due to the body part not getting enough blood supply due to cold, constriction (of the tissues or the blood vessels that supply the tissues) or some other reason. If the fingernails remain blue, then there may be an underlying disease or structural abnormality interfering with the body's ability to deliver oxygenated red blood cells to the body.
Black Nails	Black fingernails can indicate signs of Anemia B-12 deficiency Bacterial infection Chronic kidney disease Adrenal gland problems Liver disease Cancer or melanomas Silver deposits (heavy metals) Trauma
White or Pale Fingernails	May be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia. White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein deficiency. White nails with a rim of darker color at the tip of the nail is called Terry's nail and can be a sign of cirrhosis of the liver
White Spots on Nails	In most cases this is due to a zinc deficiency or injuries to the nail bed. Indicative of certain internal problems such as arthritis, or from poisoning. Iron or zinc deficiency Although it has been noted that white lines can be symptoms of a serious disorder, their presence is more than likely a result of iron or zinc deficiency.
White Areas Under Nails	When there are white areas visible under the nail, normally at the tip of the nail where it joins the nail bed, this normally indicates a fungal infection and must be treated medically. Half white nails, with dark spots, especially on the tip, may be indicative of kidney diseases.
Grey Nails	Arthritis problems Edema Malnutrition Post-operative effects Glaucoma, Lung problems Emphysema Cardio-pulmonary disease
Green Nails	Allergies to cleaning agents Bacterial infection such as Bacillus infection Localized fungal infection Serious emphysema
Yellow Nails	Can be indicative of problems with the lymphatic system Respiratory disorders Diabetes or liver problems Nicotine from cigarette smoking Yellow discoloration in your fingernails can also result from a respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis, or from swelling of your hands (lymphedema). In yellow nail syndrome, nails thicken and new growth slows, resulting in discoloration. Nails affected with this condition may lack a cuticle and may detach from the nail bed in places.
Purple Nails	Oxygen deprivation Circulatory problems Congenital problems
Red Fingernails	Possible Brain hemorrhage Heart disease High blood pressure Lung disease Stroke Carbon monoxide poisoning
Darkening of Nails (on sides)	Can be indicative of kidney disease
Lines on Nails (red/brown)	Splinter hemorrhage shows up as red or brown lines along the long axis of the nail and may be caused by endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart membranes) or trichinosis (a parasitic infection from undercooked pork). A simple dark blue line in the fingernail can be a sign of skin cancer. Tiny black streaks can indicate a possible heart problem. Thin black lines on the nail often indicate a heart disease.
Brown Spots Under Nails	Pitted brown spots in fingernails may indicate a skin and joint disorder called psoriasis. Reddish-brown spots can indicate a deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C.
Color Bands	In Caucasian people, color bands under the nail may indicate cancer, while in non-Caucasian people it is usually a normal occurrence.
Fingernail Ridges, Pitting and Shape	For information regarding fingernail shape, pitting, spoon nails, vertical or horizontal fingernail ridges, click here.

Tips to Improve Fingernail Appearance, Maintain Healthy nails, and Avoid Nail Infections

Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles every day. Creams with urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
Avoid harsh chemicals such as strong soaps and detergents.
Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
Avoid nail-biting or picking.
Avoid or limit the handling of chemicals such as hair dyes.
Bring your own instruments if you get frequent manicures.
Don't dig out ingrown toenails - see a dermatologist if they become bothersome.
Don't remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.
Don't clean under your nails too often or too aggressively.
Don't smoke.
Eat a balanced diet and take vitamins containing biotin.
File your nails in one direction and round the tip slightly, rather than filing to a point.
If you have artificial nails, check regularly for green discoloration (a sign of bacterial infection).
Keep your nails clean and dry.
Make sure your shoes are well-fitting and have plenty of room for air movement.
Moisturize your hands frequently, particularly after washing them.
Practice good personal hygiene.
Remember to rub the moisturizer over your nails and cuticles too.
Remove artificial nails carefully and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Resist the urge to bite or tear off hangnails - use nail clippers.
To protect yourself from fungal infections, don't share towels, always dry yourself thoroughly after bathing (particularly between the toes), and wear thongs in communal bathing areas such as the local gym or swimming pool.
Treat any sign of eczema on your hands promptly.
Wear protective gloves for wet jobs such as washing the dishes.
When giving yourself a home manicure, do not push back the cuticles.

To maintain healthy fingernails ask your doctor to take a look at them during your next checkup. Dermatologists are well-trained in deciphering between innocuous and serious nail conditions, as well as determining when a nail color change requires further testing.

Note: This information regarding your nail color mirroring your general health, is provided for information purposes only, and should NOT be used to diagnose or treat any illness. If in doubt regarding your health, please consult your doctor.

Facts: Human Nail Facts

About This Image: Healthy fingernail picture

Basic Structures of Finger and Toenails

Nail plate - the visible part of the nail
Cuticle - the flap of thin tissue over the base of the nail plate
Nail folds - the slender skin grooves that hold the nail plate in place
Nail matrix - where nail growth occurs, tucked under the skin behind the nail
Lunula - the crescent-moon shape that you can sometimes see at the base of the nail plate
Nail bed - the nail plate sits on top of the nail bed. The nail plate looks pink because of the blood-rich capillaries in the nail bed

(See diagram above)

Fingernail &Toenail Facts

Unusual nail shape, such as the nails becoming concave, can be caused by iron deficiency.
Fungal infections, such as tinea, are spread from one person to another and can affect the fingernails or toenails.
Nails can be affected by tumors - including squamous cell carcinoma, usually caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Melanoma can also affect the nail.
As our body ages, the growth rate of our fingernails and toenails tends to slow. The change of protein in the nail plate makes nails brittle and prone to splitting. Discoloration and thickening are also common.
Some nail conditions are congenital (present at birth). These include nail-patella syndrome, where the nails are improperly formed or missing.
Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), lichen planus or lupus can affect the nails. Abnormalities may include pits, grooves or crumbling nails.