Do You Have Yellow or Green Nails?
Our nails are supposed to have a healthy pinkish tinge. Changes in nail color can be a clue that something isn’t quite right. Nails that turn yellow or green can be affected by infection, medical problems or just simple discoloration. Further investigation will help decide what steps you should take to improve the health of not just your nails but possibly your entire body.
Yellow nails may be caused by fungal infections of the nail which is called onychomycosis. Nails may develop white or yellow spots along with thickening, peeling, separation and brittleness around the nail’s edge. Nail fungus infections frequently invade the surrounding skin.
According to medicinenet.com, 50 percent of nail discolorations are the result of fungal infections. Fungus infections are very difficult to get rid of. A dermatologist may need to prescribe a special antifungal medication or even oral medication if the problem is severe.
Green nails are usually caused by a pseudomonas infection. Pseusdomonas is a water-loving bacteria that causes a greenish tinge when it invades not just nails but in any infection in the body such as a respiratory infection. Green nails are treated by keeping them trimmed very short and wearing gloves to keep hands out of excessive amount of water. Soaking the nails in vinegar may help kill the bacteria and antibiotics may need to be given if it doesn’t improve.
Medical problems can be a cause of yellow tinged nails. Liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease and thyroid disease can show up as yellow color changes to the nail possibly due to impaired metabolism of glucose and protein.
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare inherited disease that causes swelling of the tissues (lymphedema), lung illnesses and yellow discolored slowing growing nails. Treatment is aimed at improving respiratory symptoms, avoiding lung irritants such as smoking and antibiotics are given as needed.
Smoking can cause yellow/brown discoloration on the nails and fingers that hold the cigarettes. The tar and nicotine in the tobacco actually stains the nails which are porous and absorb the chemical color.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!