What Do Purple Nail Beds Mean?

If you notice your nails turning purple, there are many possible causes for this unusual symptom. Splinter hemorrhages, cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, and congestive heart failure are just a few. Learn what they mean and what they can mean for you. This article will help you understand what this strange color means and why it could mean something serious. If you notice your nail beds turning purple, many treatments are available to get them to look normal.

Splinter hemorrhages

If you notice bleeding in your nail bed, you should see a doctor immediately. Sometimes bleeding happens for no apparent reason, so you may not be able to detect it independently. Splinter hemorrhages can also be a sign of a more significant problem. However, they are something to be concerned about. In this article, you will learn how to spot a splinter hemorrhage.

While trauma is the most common cause of splinter hemorrhages, fungal infections and psoriasis can also contribute to this condition. A doctor will need to perform additional tests to rule out these other conditions. Your doctor can also diagnose splinter hemorrhages if you experience the following symptoms:

Symptoms of splinter hemorrhages in purple nail beds include dark blood in the nail bed, bleeding, and discoloration of the nail. While splinter hemorrhages are harmless, they can be signs of an underlying condition, such as endocarditis. If you notice any of these symptoms in your nail beds, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

A splinter hemorrhage is a thin bloodstream underneath the nail. It looks like a wood splinter and runs in the direction of the growth of the nail. These can occur at any age but are more common in people who are dark-skinned. The cause of these splinter hemorrhages varies from person to person.

There are several diagnostic tests for splinter hemorrhages in purple nail beds. Sometimes the symptoms of splinter hemorrhages are attributed to systemic diseases, such as anemia, psoriasis, or septic vasculitis.

Cirrhosis

There’s an association between cirrhosis and purple nail beds, and there’s more to the disease than looks. Cirrhosis affects the liver, scarring it and compromising its function. People with diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and aging are at higher risk for developing this condition. In some cases, the nail beds are white, while the distal part is red or purple.

One possible cause of this condition is systemic poisoning, which results in a transverse white line on the nail. This condition is also known as Mees’ lines and is reported in the forensic literature. In addition to poisoning, chemotherapy has a similar effect, typically in lymphoma treatment. Patients may experience transverse white lines after several cycles of chemotherapy. In some cases, the condition will gradually go away, but in some people, it will return to form again.

Another potential cause of blue fingernails is silver poisoning. Unlike skin pigment, nail beds do not have any skin pigment, so deposits of silver can show up. Moreover, exposure to silver can cause argyria, which will eventually manifest on exposed skin. People who work with silver or take it as an alternative medicine may be at risk. A medical professional should be consulted if you notice a purple or blue nail bed.

Suppose the purple or blue nails are accompanied by a pink band on the fingernail bed. In that case, it could signify cirrhosis or some other disease. The pink band can also be an indication of Wilson’s disease. This inherited genetic disorder causes copper to accumulate in the body’s organs. Meanwhile, a half-and-half nail bed is a sign of severe kidney disease.

Chronic renal failure

The relationship between chronic renal failure and the appearance of purple nail beds has not been studied until now. There have been several studies done on renal transplant and hemodialysis patients. Still, none have examined the connection between chronic renal failure and nail disorders. This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of these disorders in chronic renal failure patients. The study group comprised 71 patients with CRF on PD and 61 healthy individuals as controls. Both groups underwent nail examinations.

Although the symptoms of chronic renal failure and purple nail beds are often similar, they are usually caused by different medical conditions. Some people with chronic kidney disease may have pale nail beds caused by anemia. People with chronic kidney disease may also have dark-colored nail beds caused by a higher amount of melanin. The condition is known as Lindsay’s nail and affects up to 40 percent of patients with the disease.

Another condition that can cause a person’s nails to appear purple is kidney disease. Patients with this condition often exhibit half-and-half nail beds. This characteristic may mimic the appearance of psoriasis or chemotherapy. These conditions are also associated with age and cirrhosis. However, in this case, the condition’s underlying cause is unknown. Despite the wide variety of possible reasons, a common cause is chronic renal insufficiency.

 Although there is no known cure for this condition, it is possible to treat it through medications and other therapies. You should note that these changes can be indicative of genetic disorders.

Congestive heart failure

Many of us have seen people with purple nail beds. Sometimes, this is a symptom of a heart condition called congestive heart failure. This condition causes the heart to work inefficiently, resulting in shortness of breath and swollen extremities. The other states include polycythemia vera, a disorder where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, and Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which the blood vessels.

Several other conditions can cause the disease to manifest itself as a distal, purple-colored band on the nail. Some people mistake it for an allergic reaction or have a skin disorder that makes their nails discolored. However, the disease can also be caused by heart failure. It is essential to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis in such cases. It is also good to talk to a specialist for further information about this condition.

However, if your fingers and toes appear blue, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist as soon as possible. If your symptoms continue, you may have a severe underlying condition. Your healthcare provider will run a complete physical exam and do specific tests to rule out other underlying conditions. The temperature of the exam room and the lighting will be considered when evaluating your case.

Raynaud’s disease

In some people, the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease and purple nails can be mistaken for other conditions. People with certain types of connective tissue disorders may also develop this condition. People who have these symptoms are at a higher risk of developing lupus, scleroderma, or other conditions. Therefore, a physician will examine your fingers and toes using a special microscope.

Cold weather is a classic trigger for Raynaud’s attacks, but it can happen any time of year. Symptoms are typically seen on the fingers, toes, lips, and nose, although they can also affect other areas. The cold weather temperature and the stress of the condition narrow blood vessels in the feet and fingers. The resulting redness and numbness can cause the skin to become pale or even white.

A doctor will also check the blood flow through your arteries with an arterial doppler scan. A tiny metal disc with gel is placed on the skin over a street during the test. The device will create a sound, which is usually a whooshing sound. Some healthcare providers may mark the area on the skin where blood flow is best. In addition, x-rays may reveal any changes in your bones or soft tissue.

Other symptoms include blue and white skin. Blue or white skin indicates blood stagnation within the blood vessels. When blood flows again, it turns red or purple. Secondary Raynaud’s can also cause pain, swelling, tingling, and throbbing. These symptoms can be highly frustrating. In some cases, they may cause skin ulcers or tissue death. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to seek a doctor’s care for this condition.

Why Are My Nails Turning Yellow and Orange?

Your nails can tell a lot about your overall health. Different illnesses may be indicated by discoloration, lifted, or yellowing. However, yellowing is not necessarily a medical condition. White-yellow staining can occur due to acetone nail polish removers and nail polish. It’s harmless and common. Here’s what you should know about this condition. Several causes of yellowing in the nails include vitamin B12 deficiency, dryness, and a lack of Vitamin B12.

Onychomycosis

If your fingernails are becoming yellow and orange, you may have onychomycosis. This condition affects approximately half of the adult population. Unlike other nail conditions, it is more likely to occur in the toenails than fingernails. People with a suppressed immune system, age, and diabetes are particularly susceptible to this condition.

If you think that onychomycosis has infected one of your fingernails, it is essential to seek medical attention. Generally speaking, you need a course of treatment based on your age and the type of infection you have. However, some risks are involved, and the condition can be challenging to cure. Some people have onychomycosis on just one nail, which can spread to others. Fortunately, there are some effective treatments available for onychomycosis.

The latter type affects the nail matrix and can cause the nails to be thicker and more discolored than the former.

The chronic stage of the disease can lead to an elevated nail plate. If left untreated, it may cause the nail to crumble and develop pus. It may also cause acanthosis, papillomatosis, or subungual seromas. Zaikovska et al. found high levels of interleukin-6 in the bloodstream and nail bed.

Vitamin B12

If you have a tendency to have yellow or orange nails, it may be due to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Your fingernails may look entirely blue or have a brownish network-like pigmentation. Fortunately, this can be treated with vitamin B12 supplementation therapy. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the healthy production of red blood cells and for iron absorption, two essential nutrients for healthy nails.

In addition to nail discoloration due to low Vitamin B12, you may also be taking a ton of self-tanners and other products that contain a toxic ingredient. While these products do not cause severe damage to your nails, they will cause your nails to look orange or yellow. Taking over-the-counter antifungal medications can help, but they should not cure your problem.

A proper diet must also include adequate amounts of Vitamin B-12. Your recommended daily allowance for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include animal products, fortified breakfast cereals, and supplements. But if you cannot get your recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12, your doctor may prescribe a supplement. This way, you’ll have more energy and be more alert.

Another common symptom of low Vitamin B12 is that your pee becomes bright yellow. You can also see orange or yellow nails if you lack this vitamin. Your body can’t absorb it, so it excretes it. Your body eliminates it, so it needs to replace it daily. The good news is that if you lack Vitamin B12, it’s straightforward to get a supplement.

Dryness

There are many causes of yellow and orange nails, including dark nail polish stains, smoking, and fungal infections. Yellow and orange nails can also indicate a more severe condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. If you notice dark lines under your nails, this might signify melanoma or diabetes. If you see this in your own nails, contact a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

The cause of yellow and orange nails is most likely a product or infection. Using a natural remedy such as oregano oil to treat your discoloration is effective. You can mix oregano oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it to the discolored area. Tea tree oil is another home remedy that has been proven to stop common nail fungus strains from growing. You can use it topically or orally on your nails.

In addition to a dry nail plate, another cause of yellow and orange nails is a fungal infection. Fungal infections can cause your nails to turn yellow and resemble staining from nail polish removers. Other common causes include hypothyroidism, indoor heating systems, and certain medications. If you experience yellow and orange nails, you should contact your doctor to get diagnosed. If you suspect that you have a fungal infection, it’s best to take immediate action to avoid further damage.

A dry, warm environment is another possible cause of yellow and orange nails. If the problem is genetic, there is a genetic cause for the syndrome. Some researchers speculate that yellow nails are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. However, there is little evidence for this. A dominant genetic disorder requires a single copy of an abnormal gene coming from either parent. The risk is 50% in each pregnancy, and it is equally high in males and females.

Toenail fungus

Suppose you notice your toenails are turning yellow and orange. In that case, you may be suffering from a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. This condition is more common among adults than in children. The symptoms include yellow toenails, white patches, and even wholly discolored toenails. It is caused by dermatophytes, which feed on keratin, a protein found in your nails. The likelihood of developing a fungal infection grows with age as the number of people over 70 increases.

Treatment for toenail fungus depends on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, treatment can include using a topical antifungal agent in cream or solution form. Some people experience recurrence even after successful treatment.

If tests for toenail fungus come back negative, a doctor may want to check other possible causes. Suppose the symptoms occur in other body parts, such as leg swelling, breathing problems, or hair loss. In that case, your doctor might be looking for other possible diagnoses. And suppose the symptoms of yellow nail syndrome persist for a prolonged period. In that case, your doctor will most likely suggest that it is something more serious.

While yellow toenails are a common symptom of toenail fungus, they may also indicate an underlying health condition. Proper care of your toenails can reduce the risk of fungus and prevent the disease from worsening. 

Smoking

Symptoms of a smoking-related nail condition include yellow or orange fingernails. Smoking robs the fingernail of vital nutrients and oxygen, making it susceptible to fungus infections. Fungus feeds on the nail, causing it to break, thicken, and eventually fall off. To combat this condition, smokers should use an antifungal treatment as soon as possible.

The tar and nicotine from cigarettes stain the fingernail when a smoker holds a cigarette. The same goes for the skin surrounding the nail bed. Furthermore, smoking obstructs the blood supply to the fingernails, resulting in yellow fingernails. These stains look like permanent damages but can be easily removed. Several home remedies for smoking-related nail stains can help reduce their appearance.

Another way to treat smoking-related yellow and orange fingernails is to apply a paste of citrus fruits such as lemon and orange peels. The paste can effectively remove the stains left by tobacco. Apply the paste to the fingernails twice a day for a few weeks to notice a significant change. Make sure to wear gloves while smoking, as smoke reaches the fingertips. This remedy will help you remove nicotine-related nail discoloration and save you money in the long run.

Although there is no specific cause of yellow and orange nail syndrome, smoking is associated with various ailments, including pleuritis and severe lung disease. Smoking may also contribute to rounded, clubbed, and/or yellow nails. People who smoke may also develop a condition called a harlequin nail. Half of the nails may be yellow or orange and may require immediate medical treatment. While these symptoms are not always related to smoking, they may indicate a more serious underlying illness.