Color of Fingernails and Toenails Health Indicator Chart (2024)

Blue fingernails, also known as azure lunula (medical term - cyanosis), are characterized by a blue discoloration of the lunulae. Blue Fingernails Can be Indicative of:

• Argyria - A condition caused by exposure to chemical compounds of the element silver.
• Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease)
• Raynaud's disease - The fingers and toes blanch, then turn blue and may become numb or painful on exposure to cold.
• Septicemia - Also known as bacteremia or blood poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection enters the bloodstream.
• Lung and breathing problems - Including asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders.
• Blue fingernails may represent a type of cyanosis caused by a lower level of lack of circulating oxygen in the red blood cells.
• May also represent a high level of an abnormal form of hemoglobin in the circulation.
• If normal color returns upon warming and/or massage, the cause is due to the body part not getting enough blood supply due to cold, constriction (of the tissues or the blood vessels that supply the tissues) or some other reason.
• If the fingernails remain blue, then there may be an underlying disease or structural abnormality interfering with the body's ability to deliver oxygenated red blood cells to the body.

• Black fingernails can indicate signs of Anemia
• B-12 deficiency
• Bacterial infection
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal gland problems
• Liver disease
• Cancer or melanomas
• Silver deposits (heavy metals)
• Trauma

• May be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia.
• White lined bands across the nail beds can signal a protein deficiency.
• White nails with a rim of darker color at the tip of the nail is called Terry's nail and can be a sign of cirrhosis of the liver

• In most cases this is due to a zinc deficiency or injuries to the nail bed.
• Indicative of certain internal problems such as arthritis, or from poisoning.
• Iron or zinc deficiency

Although it has been noted that white lines can be symptoms of a serious disorder, their presence is more than likely a result of iron or zinc deficiency.

• When there are white areas visible under the nail, normally at the tip of the nail where it joins the nail bed, this normally indicates a fungal infection and must be treated medically.
• Half white nails, with dark spots, especially on the tip, may be indicative of kidney diseases.

• Arthritis problems
• Edema
• Malnutrition
• Post-operative effects
• Glaucoma,
• Lung problems
• Emphysema
• Cardio-pulmonary disease

• Allergies to cleaning agents
• Bacterial infection such as Bacillus infection
• Localized fungal infection
• Serious emphysema

• Can be indicative of problems with the lymphatic system
• Respiratory disorders
• Diabetes or liver problems
• Nicotine from cigarette smoking
• Yellow discoloration in your fingernails can also result from a respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis, or from swelling of your hands (lymphedema).

In yellow nail syndrome, nails thicken and new growth slows, resulting in discoloration. Nails affected with this condition may lack a cuticle and may detach from the nail bed in places.

• Oxygen deprivation
• Circulatory problems
• Congenital problems

• Possible Brain hemorrhage
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Can be indicative of kidney disease

• Splinter hemorrhage shows up as red or brown lines along the long axis of the nail and may be caused by endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart membranes) or trichinosis (a parasitic infection from undercooked pork).
• A simple dark blue line in the fingernail can be a sign of skin cancer.
• Tiny black streaks can indicate a possible heart problem.
• Thin black lines on the nail often indicate a heart disease.

• Pitted brown spots in fingernails may indicate a skin and joint disorder called psoriasis.
• Reddish-brown spots can indicate a deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C.

• In Caucasian people, color bands under the nail may indicate cancer, while in non-Caucasian people it is usually a normal occurrence.

• For information regarding fingernail shape, pitting, spoon nails, vertical or horizontal fingernail ridges, click here.