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. Yellow nail tone in smokers can also be due to decreased oxygen levels. No one needs to be told that smoking is unhealthy but nail discoloration should be one more reminder that our hands are showing the signs of a heavier smoking habit.
The least concerning cause of a yellow tinge to one’s nails is staining from frequently worn nail polish. This discoloration is harmless and will go away with time and as the nails grow out.
Seeing a dermatologist to examine yellow or green color changes in your nails will assure you that someone knowledgeable will run further tests if warranted. Observing that your nails have picked up a yellow tinge may be the symptom that leads to treatment of a condition that otherwise has not been picked up before.
Sources:
http://skin-nail-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/what-causes-yellow-fingernails
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0315/p1417.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/nail_discoloration/symptoms.htm
http://fungusfacts.com/are-yellow-nails-a-sign-of-a-nail-fungus-infection/
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles