What Causes Purple Fingernails?

While many of these occurrences are harmless, a few may be signs of something more serious. If you notice that your fingernails have become purple, you should contact a health professional.

Non-cancer conditions

The most common underlying condition of purple fingernails is hemochromatosis, a disorder in which the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the fingertips. While this condition is rarely dangerous, it can cause other symptoms, including bluish fingernails. Symptoms of hemochromatosis include a discolored fingernails and cyanosis-like skin.

Changes in nail color can occur for several reasons, including blood clots or tumors. Sometimes the difference is harmless and a natural part of aging, and in some cases, a side effect of certain medications. If the color changes are not accompanied by other symptoms, you should visit your doctor. However, if you notice dark spots on the cuticle, you should be concerned.

Another possibility is an infection. A recent case of Covid-19 illness led to the appearance of purple fingernails in a child. A friend’s son had developed painful purple toes, and Fishbein pummeled him with questions. Although the patient did not have any symptoms other than bruised fingernails, Fishbein was concerned and suggested that he get his fingernails checked by a radiologist. Since the local walk-in clinic was closed, he had to invite his friend over to take the tests.

Another common cause of purple fingernails is HIV or diabetes. Although these conditions are not caused by cancer, they may result from a broader range of other medical conditions. HIV or diabetes, for example, can result in puffy nail beds. These conditions often go undiagnosed until they are in advanced stages. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions for purple fingernails. It’s worth a try!

Another cause of white-colored nails is cirrhosis, an inflammatory disease in the liver. Cirrhosis causes an abundance of nonfunctioning scar tissue. Diabetes may also cause white nails, also known as Terry’s nails. In some people, a white half-moon area at the base of the nail is called a lunula. It looks indistinguishable from the rest of the nail and indicates a change in blood vessels underneath.

If you have cancer, your doctor may prescribe a medication that prevents nail growth. These medications may cause Beau’s white horizontal lines on the nail plate. These are harmless and will disappear after the treatment cycle is finished. Patients who are on multiple cancer medications may experience more severe side effects. However, Beau’s lines usually disappear on their own once cancer has been treated. If you have cancer, you should consult your doctor and consider getting your nails trimmed to prevent further damage.

Medications

Blue fingernails are not a common occurrence, but a medical condition known as Cyanosis can cause the skin and nails to be bluish in color. Low oxygen levels in the blood may cause this condition, affecting the skin. Some drugs, such as antimalarials and antibiotics, are responsible for causing this discoloration. Other causes of blue fingernails include hepatitis C or HIV infections and certain types of medication used to treat these conditions.

Onychodystrophy is a temporary skin reaction when medications or radiation affect the skin. It will fade after the drug is stopped. In most cases, a person with this condition will see their nail grow back in about a week to six months. However, if the nail grows back unevenly, the patient should wear protective gloves when gardening or housecleaning. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infection within the nail bed.

There are several causes for this condition, including drug use, illness, or trauma. A hematoma under the nail can also cause these changes. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before beginning any new medication. Furthermore, dark areas near the nail’s cuticle may be a symptom of cancer or a side effect of a treatment. If the condition is severe, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Besides medications, the most common cause of purple fingernails is a drug called Covid-19. Covid-19 causes an infection that can be fatal. The first symptom of this condition was a painful purple toe. The patient’s friend, Mike Fishbein, was puzzled and concerned about the situation. Mike’s first reaction was Cyanosis, a condition in which the tissues do not get enough oxygen.

However, it is essential to note that COVID-19 does not cause the problem. The symptoms of the disease may be more prominent. It can also affect the shape and color of the fingernails.

Although this condition is often caused by a temporary side effect of some medications, some other severe infections can cause this color in the nail. If you have a white splotch beneath the nail, it may signify a more serious health condition. If the white spots become more extensive, the nail may separate from the surrounding nail. If you’re unsure of the cause, see your doctor.

Cyanosis

In severe cases of Cyanosis, the fingers and toenails can become purple. A doctor will likely diagnose Cyanosis by checking blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter or an arterial blood gas analyzer. A pulse oximeter indirectly monitors the blood’s oxygen saturation by using light to measure the red blood cells’ oxygen content. People with Cyanosis may also experience chest pain, fever, and headaches. They may also cough up dark-colored mucus.

If the symptoms of Cyanosis persist for more than a day, you should call your doctor or emergency medical service. If your symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, and excessive sweating, you may be suffering from central Cyanosis, a condition caused by low blood oxygen levels in the body. While treating Cyanosis is difficult, it is possible to reverse it and get the standard color back.

Your doctor can perform a complete physical exam to rule out other medical conditions. Typically, your doctor will focus on your heart and lungs. They may also check your chest and abdomen. If your fingernails are purple, your doctor will likely use a pulse oximeter to measure the oxygen levels in your body. Your doctor may recommend medications that help treat Cyanosis. The first step is a consultation.

A medical condition called tetralogy of Fallot can cause Cyanosis. The tetralogy of Fallot occurs when blood vessels come from the wrong ventricles. As a result, the blue blood is diverted across the patent duct and is pumped out to the body. This blood is low in oxygen, which is why it turns purple. You can even find people who have the condition in the family.

There are many symptoms of Cyanosis. It can occur in different body parts, and the trigger can be a heart problem or infection. A doctor should be consulted if you suspect Cyanosis in your child. This is the most common form of Cyanosis, though Cyanosis can also affect adults. In extreme cases, Cyanosis in the fingers and toenails may be a sign of pulmonary embolism, which occurs when blood clots form in the lungs.

In severe cases, Cyanosis can be caused by heart disease. Heart disease is the primary cause of Cyanosis, but other conditions can also result in Cyanosis. During a physical exam, doctors will check for clubbed fingers, which may indicate congenital heart disease or lung problems. They will also perform a thorough examination to assess respiratory and cardiac symptoms in the affected area. Blood oxygen tests are essential aids in diagnosing Cyanosis.

People with Cyanosis may have bluish fingernails, a discoloration resulting in blue skin and mucous membranes. The condition results from an abnormal level of hemoglobin in the blood. The deoxygenated blood, which results in Cyanosis, will reflect more blue light than normal red blood. A person with Cyanosis will have an increased chance of suffering from anemia.

Is Nail Polish Bad For Nails?

Before deciding whether or not your favorite color is terrible for your nails, you should read up on its ingredients. Learn about UV radiation, Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Camphor. Hopefully, you’ll feel more comfortable wearing nail polish after reading this article. There are many other reasons to wear nail polish, too. You can check out the Environmental Working Group’s database if you’re not sure.

UV radiation

You may have heard that UV radiation is bad for nails. While the risks are relatively low, you may want to be careful when using nail lamps. There’s also the possibility that UV radiation from nail lamps may cause squamous cell cancer. But how much UV radiation is harmful to your nails? During one session at a nail salon, you could be exposed to 15 to 22 joules of UV radiation.

You’ll have your hand in front of the UV lamp more than once during gel manicure. This is done to harden the nail polish. A gel manicure requires five times exposure to UV light. The researchers didn’t say how long you’ll have to wear your UV light protection gloves. But if you have a history of nail exposure, you’ll likely be more susceptible to UV radiation.

Toluene

Toluene in nail polish is an infamous ingredient and has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle in California. Its use as a solvent in nail products is highly controversial. Despite its adverse health effects, nail polish manufacturers have argued that toluene in nail polish is negligible and safe. In February 1994, the state’s attorney general’s office released a study warning consumers about the chemicals in nail polish.

Toluene is linked to kidney failure, hearing loss, and memory loss. Another ingredient in nail polish is formaldehyde, a chemical that forms a tough film on the nails. This substance disrupts the endocrine system, causing birth defects and other serious health effects. In addition, some government bodies and scientists have linked toluene to cancer. Methacrylate Monomers are widely used in consumer and professional nail products.

Formaldehyde

Many of us have no idea that formaldehyde is harmful to our health, and nail polish is no exception. This chemical has been linked to everything from kidney failure to heart rhythm disorders and even convulsions. It has also been linked to lower nerve sensation and stomach discomfort. It has been banned in countries like Sweden and Japan. But what’s in the actual nail polish? If you haven’t heard of this chemical, read on for more information.

According to the National Toxicology Program, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen linked to several health problems, including respiratory disease, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. Nail polish contains formaldehyde as a volatile chemical in water solutions and is commonly used in cosmetics, such as nail polish. However, nail salon workers may not realize the risks until after applying them to their nails.

Camphor

Traditionally, camphor was extracted from the bark and wood of the camphor tree and then processed into a synthetic version. While camphor is an effective topical remedy, it is also toxic to the body. Inhaled, it can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Its chemical name, ethyl tosylamide, is similar to “toluene.”

As a topical treatment, camphor is effective against toenail fungi. Camphor is known to relieve coughing, reduce pain, and improve respiratory function. However, camphor can be toxic if it gets into the bloodstream or is applied to broken skin. It should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If you are unsure whether camphor is terrible for your nails, try reading some of the most common camphor questions.

When applied to the skin, camphor can also cause allergic reactions and severe skin irritation. Taking camphor can cause severe side effects, including headaches and dizziness. If swallowed, it can cause seizures and liver damage. Camphor is also harmful to newborns. It is best to avoid its application on cracked and broken skin. However, if you cannot prevent it, other options are available. Camphor is safe for adults to use as long as it does not contain more than 11 percent camphor.

TPHP

TPHP is found in urine at low concentrations, so putting it in nail polish is not likely to do you any good. Researchers measured the concentration of TPHP in 3 nail polishes: two with no TPHP and one with 0.49%. After four hours, TPHP was detected in both classes. The researchers did not find any correlation between TPHP and bad nails. But the researchers’ findings are troubling.

This synthetic chemical is commonly used in nail polish as a plasticizer and flame retardant. About half of nail polishes list it as an ingredient. However, scientists are increasingly worried about its effects on human health. They have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems. According to a recent study, TPHP was found in 8 out of 10 nail polish samples purchased from department stores in 2013 and 2014.

TPHP-free polishes

TPHP is a chemical used in nail polish that is harmful to the environment and the human body. It has been linked to organ abnormalities, lesions, skin irritation, central nervous system disturbances, and fertility imbalances. TPHP is used to make nail polish more flexible and durable, but it is also suspected of endocrine-disrupting effects. Although most nail polish brands do not list TPHP on their ingredients label, you can check the labels for it.

TPHP-free nail polishes contain no TPHP, which is a common chemical used in many cosmetic products. They are also free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, which are known to mimic estrogen in the body. And TPHP-free nail polishes do not contain camphor, a common skin irritant. Most brands also make sure that the brush used for applying the class is made of 100% natural materials. In addition to these two ingredients, look for the Leaping Bunny certified brand label, which means that the company has complied with the rules regarding animal welfare and human welfare.

Oil

If you are one of those people who like to experiment with different nail colors, you should know that oily nail polish is bad for your nails. This type of nail paint doesn’t adhere well to the nail plate and can make them look dull and lifeless. To prevent this, you should always use an acetone-based polish remover to clean the nail plate thoroughly before applying the nail color. Using a nail polish remover is not the only way to avoid the problem; you should also keep your nails hydrated.

In addition to damaging your nails, the chemicals found in most nail polish formulas have been linked to birth defects and miscarriages. Some of these ingredients are known carcinogens and even endocrine disrupters. Several toxic ingredients found in nail polish are also known to cause premature puberty and cancer. To avoid these risks, try using a non-toxic brand of nail polish. Many brands are formulated without these harsh chemicals.

Avoiding excessive buffing

There are multiple benefits of buffing the nail bed before applying nail polish. It stimulates blood circulation and promotes new nail growth, eliminates dry ridges on your nails, and helps apply nail polish smoothly. It can also dry up natural oils, which prevent nail polish from adhering well to your nail bed. To prolong the life of your nail polish, use a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover before buffing.

After filing your nails to the desired shape, use a multi-sided nail buffer to smoothen the surface of the nails. Do not use a back and forth motion to file the nails. Instead, hold the buffer parallel to your nail and stroke across each pin in an X pattern. Buffing nails excessively can damage the nail matrix and cause peeling and splitting. Therefore, it is essential to avoid excessive buffing when applying nail polish.

Gel polish

You may be wondering if Gel polish is terrible for your nails. While it may look great on your fingertips, wearing nail polish for long periods can damage the nail bed, splitting and peeling. This damage is more likely to occur with dip powder manicures than regular nail polish. The removal process for nail polish is drying and can even cause your nails to peel. Hard gels also need to be filed off to avoid damage to the cuticles and underlying tissue.

In addition to causing damage to your nails, using gel polish can cause premature aging and skin cancer. To protect yourself, wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and wear dark-colored gloves when outside in bright sunlight. You should also avoid picking the nail polish off yourself and have a manicurist remove it. If you decide to wear nail-gel polish, use a UV-blocking polish to protect your hands from harmful rays.