Fingernails and Health

While most fingernail problems are minor and can be taken care of with a little care and attention, others can be a telltale sign of more serious Health issues.

Nail discoloration, such as yellow nails, may indicate a respiratory problem, such as chronic bronchitis [source: Mayo Clinic]. Yellow nails can also indicate systemic issues, such as lymphedema of limbs, which is a buildup of lymph fluid that causes your limbs to swell, or pleural effusion, which is when fluid builds up around your lungs and chest cavity. Nails that are half white and half pink may indicate renal failure [source: The Merck Manuals]. Nails that turn black, brown or purple without being injured may point to melanoma [source: WebMD]. And if your nail beds are pale, it can indicate that you are suffering from anemia [source: The American Academy of Dermatology].

Blue nails

May be indicative of pulmonary obstruction, emphysema or lung disease. Blue fingernails may represent a type of cyanosis caused by a lower level of lack of circulating oxygen in the red blood cells. It 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 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 fingernails

May be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia. White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein deficiency.

White spots on nails

In most cases this is due to a zinc deficiency or injuries to the nail bed. It can however also be indicative of certain internal problems such as arthritis, or from poisoning. 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

Can suggest arthritis problems, edema, malnutrition, post-operative effects, glaucoma, lung problems, emphysema, cardio-pulmonary disease.

Green nails

Can be caused by allergies to cleaning agents, Bacterial infection such as Bacillus infection, localized fungal infection, and serious emphysema.

For those with diabetes, the disease can affect many parts of the body, including the nails. Untreated or unchecked diabetes can reveal nails that are yellowish, with a slight blush at the base. Tumors and warts can form under fingernails. As the tumor or wart grows, it can affect the growth of the nail and the surrounding skin.

Thickened white or yellow nails are indicative of nail fungus.

Although unusual, nails can detach from the nail bed without apparent cause. This could be due to a condition called psoriatic nails. About 50 percent of people with psoriasis (a skin disease that develops when skin cells grow too quickly and form scaly patches on the skin) have exhibited psoriatic nails. Symptoms of psoriatic nails include pitted nails, white pockets under the nail plate that indicate air bubbles, crumbling of the nail plate, or complete nail plate detachment or loss. Psoriatic nails are often associated with psoriatic arthritis [source: PsoriasisNet].

Now that you know a few things about your fingernails and nail health, you may be wondering when to be concerned.

When to See a Doctor

Because fingernail problems can indicate more serious health issues, you should consult a doctor if you see any of the following changes: change in color or shape, swollen or painful areas of the nail bed, white or black lines, or unusual dents or ridges. Also, because growths and cysts under or around the nail plate can indicate anything from a viral infection to cancer, you should seek treatment immediately [source: The American Academy of Dermatology].