Why Are My Fingernails Blue? (2024)

FAQs

Why Are My Fingernails Blue? ›

Blue nails may indicate that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen to the fingertips. There are many possible causes, including heart and lung diseases. Anyone with blue nails should seek medical advice. In some cases, fingernails turn blue or purplish because of cyanosis, which can also affect the lips and skin.

Blue fingernails, or cyanosis, occur when your blood doesn't have enough oxygen. It is most often caused by cold temperatures. Occasionally, it can be caused by medical conditions. These include diseases of the lungs or heart, or atypical blood cells or vessels.

Cyanosis is the medical term for when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. If you have darker skin, cyanosis may be easier to see in your lips, gums, nails and around your eyes. The word cyanosis comes from the word cyan. Cyan is a blue-green color.

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 do 'light blue nails' mean on TikTok? Basically, if you've got blue nails, it means that you have a boyfriend, or you're taken. There's also a theory that when girls ask their boyfriends what colour they should get their nails done, they will apparently always say "light blue" or "baby blue".

There are several reasons your nails could be blue, including heart conditions. Sometimes a heart murmur will cause blue nail beds. When a health-care provider listens to your heart and hears a certain swooshing sound, it's an indication that the blood is flowing through the heart abnormally.

Raynaud's is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress. The condition occurs because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. This causes the affected area to change colour to white, then blue and then red, as the bloodflow returns.

Terry'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.

If you have blue or purple nail beds or fingernails, it may be due to an underlying condition known as cyanosis . This condition is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.

How do you prevent blue nails? ›

Preventing black-and-blue nails

You can prevent many nail problems by wearing the right shoes and trimming your nails properly. To help prevent infection, keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider before doing any foot self-care. The right shoes.

Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

Dents, discoloration, grooves, or ridges may appear on your nails months after COVID-19 infection.

3. A 💅 indicates a sassy tone. Someone may use a 💅 to show that what they've sent is to be read in a bold and cheeky way. In this context, the emoji means “bougie.” ^{X Research source} This usage is especially popular on TikTok. “I'd rather be painting my nails than talking to you 💅”

The causes of cyanosis can include chronic health conditions, heart disease, and anemia. If you often have blue nails, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health conditions.

The TikTok-trending topic includes women asking men their opinion of the ideal nail color, concluding that a light or sky blue manicure was overwhelmingly the most approved hue by men. Though the experimental surveys don't align with the scientific method, there is some validity to the conclusions.

A doctor may perform a procedure called nail trephination to drain the blood from under the nail. This can help to relieve pain and pressure. The doctor will make a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle. Afterward, the area may be wrapped with a bandage and may continue to drain for up to 3 days.

Peripheral cyanosis is when someone's hands, fingertips, or feet turn blue due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood. Some causes include Raynaud's disease, cardiovascular problems, and hypothermia. All organs and tissues need oxygen to function. A person's body absorbs oxygen from the air that they breathe.

Zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, like the center of your nail was scooped out. You may be able to hold a drop of water on your nail.