While some say the eyes are the window to the soul, did you know that your toenails can be a window to your overall health? Normally, the color of your toenails should be generally pinkish and even-toned, but deviations from this could indicate something as minor as a bruise or reveal a more serious health condition. If you have additional symptoms and believe an irregular toenail color may be a sign of an underlying health issue, consult your primary care doctor immediately.
Red Nails
Red streaks may indicate a splinter hemorrhage, which is a bit of bleeding under the nail. This is usually from sudden traumas like stubbing your toe or dropping something on it. Red nail beds may be a more severe health sign that indicates possible heart disease.
Green or Black Nails
Green nails could suggest a common fungal infection caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A severe fungal infection can cause the nail to change from green to black. If a fungal infection isn’t the explanation, a black toenail could simply be bruising. A black line running down the toe or in concentrated form could be a red flag for melanoma.
Blue or Purple Nails
Blue nails may be a side effect of antibiotics or certain other oral medications, but this is usually rare. If lips, earlobes, or other body parts also look blue or purple, this could be a sign of cyanosis: your red blood cells aren’t carrying enough oxygen throughout your body.
White Nails
Most of the time, white lines or spots on the nail—also called “leukonychia”—are caused by trauma to the nail. Sometimes it can be a sign of deficiency in protein, zinc, or iron. Fully white nails could be caused by low red blood cell count, liver disease, overactive thyroid, diabetes, or heart failure. Again, if you have other symptoms of a serious condition, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
Yellow Nails
Sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, or rheumatoid arthritis may cause nails to take on a yellowish hue. The discoloration can also denote lung disease, psoriasis, or lymphedema (a buildup of lymphatic fluid in tissues). In less severe cases, yellow toenails may indicate a fungal infection and cause the nails to grow brittle and crack over time. There are many treatments for nail fungus available, including over-the-counter medications or even laser treatments.
If you’ve ruled out major health concerns with your primary care physician and your toenail discoloration is a fungal infection, you may benefit from YAG laser treatment at The Dermatology Clinic. This ClearSense technology from Sciton uses laser energy to heat the nail and nail bed, decreasing nail fungus growth and helping clear nails grow in their place. Schedule an appointment at one of our Baton Rouge locations to speak with a dermatologist about this innovative treatment.
FAQs
A healthy toenail is a shade of pale pink, much like your fingernail. Any yellowing or tinges of black color means something is not right. For example, if your toenails become yellow, you probably have a fungal infection. Yellowing can also be the result of smoking or a side effect of diabetes or a liver condition.
What does the color of your toenails say about your health? ›
Like your fingernail, a healthy toenail is a light pink color. Any yellowing or hints of black hue indicate a problem. For instance, you are most likely to have a fungal infection if your toenails start to become yellow. Yellowing can also be a side effect of diabetes, liver disease, or smoking.
Can toenails show signs of illness? ›
The condition of your toenails is something everyone needs to pay more attention to. Bacterial and fungal infections can cause color, texture, and odor changes to toenails. If you notice light or dark stripes, it may be a sign of nutritional problems or systemic health issues like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
Do dermatologists look at toenails? ›
Conditions We Treat
With expert care and advanced treatments, we preserve and improve the look of our patients' nails. Expert toenail evaluation and treatment: Our board-certified dermatologists are equally experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and managing fingernail and toenail disorders.
What color nails indicate disease? ›
Color change
| Color | Disease or other health problem |
|---|
| Half pink, half white nails | Kidney disease |
| Yellow nails | Lung disease, nail infection |
| Dusky red half-moons | Could be lupus, heart disease, alopecia areata, arthritis, dermatomyositis |
| Blue half-moons | Could be sign of poisoning |
3 more rowsTerry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.
What do toenails look like with kidney disease? ›
Half-and-half nails, or Lindsay nails, which are observed in patients with chronic kidney disease, have sharp demarcation of nail beds: the proximal portion of each nail is whitish; and the distal portion, which occupies 20% to 60% of the nail length, is red, pink, or brown.
Is it better to see a podiatrist or dermatologist for nail fungus? ›
For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening.
What do B12 deficiency nails look like? ›
Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.
What does vitamin D deficiency look like in nails? ›
Hapalonychia (soft nails) has been associated with deficiencies of vitamins A and D among other causes. Longitudinal melanonychia of the nail plate has been reported in vitamin D deficiency.
One type of leukonychia is called Terry's nails. Most of the nail appears white, except for a narrow pink band at the tip. It could be a sign of a serious condition, such as liver disease, kidney failure, congestive heart failure or diabetes.
Which nail color indicates poor circulation? ›
Blue nails occur because there is not enough oxygen in the blood. Blue nails may also occur if the circulatory system is not carrying the blood around the body as it should, resulting in poor circulation and a blue tinge.
What color is not normal for a healthy nail? ›
Healthy nails should look pink on the nail bed and white when grown off the nail bed. Any other color could be a sign of a deficiency or disease. For instance, clear, pale nails can be a sign of anemia or poor nutrition. White nails, also known as Terry's nails, are a sign of kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
What color are diabetic toenails? ›
In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn't harmful. It doesn't need to be treated.
What do toenails look like with heart disease? ›
Pitted Nails
Circulatory problems linked with heart disease or linked to uncontrolled diabetes can cause ridges, grooves or pitted patterns across toenails. Illness, trauma and these disease conditions serve as stressors that temporarily halt matrix cells that produce new nail material.
What is the most attractive toenail color? ›
Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.
