When the nails change their color or strange spots appear on them, it can be caused by infections and diseases occurring in various parts of the body. However, most often, in as many as half of the cases, the cause of discoloration is the action of fungi. They are all around us – in the ground, air, dust. Can they be remedied somehow?
The appearance of our nails is mainly influenced by bacteria from the Pseudomonas group, which infect the nail bed, thus changing its color to greenish. Then you will need to visit a dermatologist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
If the nail color is red-black, most likely we are dealing with a hematoma located under the nail plate. The hematoma first turns red and becomes black as it coagulates. So it is not a discoloration of the nail itself, but the result of what is happening under its surface.
Sometimes nail color changes are caused by various diseases: diabetes, kidneys, lungs, heart. That is why the doctor pays attention to their condition during check-ups.
Yellow nail syndrome and ringworm
It is an inherited disease caused by the accumulation of fluids (lymph) within the tissues, as well as lung diseases. The symptom is yellow discoloration of the nails and their weakened growth.
However, the most common cause of discoloration is simply mycoses. According to statistics, even 1 in 10 people have a problem with them. The color itself is not everything – it is only the first symptom of this disease. With time, although much later, plate thickening and itching join it. As with the previous disease, also in the case of onychomycosis there is a slightly yellowish, and sometimes even dark brown color. Unfortunately, this disease is almost impossible to cure completely, but you can reduce it and try to prevent it from getting worse.
White spots as a symptom of “deficiencies”
Some people notice small white spots on their nails. Their cause is usually improper nutrition resulting in deficiencies of minerals, most often zinc or iron. Sometimes, however, it is caused by mechanical injuries, e.g. as a result of an impact, during too intensive treatment at the beautician who took care of our nails. However, this type of damage is completely reversible and harmless.
Unfortunately, white spots can also be a symptom of mycosis, psoriasis and tuberculosis. However, if we exclude these causes, it is best to modify your diet in terms of providing more products with zinc and iron content: green vegetables, meat, eggs, liver, nuts, almonds, dark bread, legumes, sunflower seeds and coarse groats.