Why are my toenails turning blue?

Bluish toenails

When your nails turn blue or light purple in color, it may be a sign that your toes are not getting proper circulation. This frequently indicates the presence of a health condition called Raynaud's disease, which causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities.

Are blue toenails serious?

A smooth surface and consistent pinkish color usually indicate healthy nails. If you have blue toenails and the discoloration is not easily explained, for example by trauma, you could have an underlying condition. These conditions may include argyria, cyanosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Wilson's disease, or blue nevus.

What do you do when your toenail is blue?

But if you get a blue spot or a blue toenail for no clear reason, play it safe and see a doctor. You may have a blue mole beneath the nail. It's probably harmless. But in very rare cases, a type of blue mole called a cellular blue nevus can become cancer.

What do blue nails indicate?

Blue fingernails are caused by a low level or lack of oxygen circulating in your red blood cells. This condition is known as cyanosis. It occurs when there isn't enough oxygen in your blood, making the skin or membrane below the skin turn a purplish-blue color.

Is it bad if your nails turn blue?

Medically speaking, blue fingernails are caused by hypoxaemia, an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood. This low level of oxygen in the blood results in the skin or the membrane beneath the skin turning a bluish colour (or sometimes even purple).

Tell-nail Signs of Your Health

Why do my toenails look purple?

When your nails turn blue or light purple in color, it may be a sign that your toes are not getting proper circulation. This frequently indicates the presence of a health condition called Raynaud's disease, which causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities.

What are Covid nails?

COVID nails are nail changes that happen a few days or weeks after a COVID-19 infection. They're either a sign that the infection stressed your body, or they could be a rare symptom of the infection itself, depending on your symptoms.

Is cyanosis an emergency?

Peripheral cyanosis is usually not a medical emergency. Central cyanosis is more likely to be a sign of something that requires immediate medical attention.

Should I worry if my nails are purple?

According to an article on medicalnewstoday.com, in some cases, fingernails can turn blue or purplish because of cyanosis, which can also affect the lips and skin. This happens when the blood is not carrying enough oxygen to the fingertips or the person has poor circulation.

How do you fix cyanosis?

How do you get rid of black and blue toenails?

Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment. If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.

What do Covid toes look like?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.

Will blue toe syndrome go away?

Mild forms of blue toe syndrome have a good prognosis and subside without sequelae [1]. However, cholesterol fragments blocking blood vessels to other organs can lead to multi-organ disorder [1]. Involvement of the kidneys has a poor prognosis.

Does kidney disease affect your fingernails?

Nail changes.

Kidney disease can affect the appearance of your fingernails, toenails, or both. People who have advanced kidney disease can develop: A white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown color below, as shown here (half-and-half nails) Pale nails.

What do nails look like with anemia?

Spoon nails are thin and soft and shaped like a little spoon that is often capable of holding a drop of water. There are many causes, but the most frequent one is iron deficiency anemia.

Why do my nails turn blue when I'm cold?

Blue nails may also occur if the circulatory system is not carrying the blood around the body as it should, resulting in poor circulation and a blue tinge. Cold weather can cause poor circulation temporarily, as the blood vessels narrow because of the reduced temperatures.

What is the most common cause of cyanosis?

Cyanosis, broadly speaking, is caused by disorders of deoxygenated hemoglobin and disorders of abnormal hemoglobin. Oxygen might not reach hemoglobin in an adequate or sufficient amount as a result of conditions affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system (CNS)[2].

What drugs cause cyanosis?

Past history: cyanosis can result from any lung disease of sufficient severity. Drug history: certain drugs may cause methaemoglobinaemia (eg, nitrates, dapsone) or sulfhaemoglobinaemia (eg, metoclopramide).

What does cyanosis look like?

Cyanosis is characterized by bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is usually a sign of an underlying condition rather than being a disease in itself. The most common symptoms of the condition are bluish discoloration of the lips, fingers, and toes.

Can COVID cause nail changes?

According to recent data, up to 20% of patients with COVID‐19 have cutaneous manifestations. Nails can also develop abnormalities during and after infection. In this article, we review the nail findings observed in patients with COVID‐19.

Can COVID cause toenail fungus?

Laboratory testing is necessary to determine if a person has a fungal infection, COVID-19, or both. COVID-19 likely increases the risk for fungal infections because of its effect on the immune system and because treatments for COVID-19 (like steroids and other drugs) can weaken the body's defenses against fungi.

Why are my toenails GREY?

Brownish-greyish nails that don't have the texture of a fungal infection, however, can suggest a deficiency in B12. Consider taking a supplement, or speaking with your doctor if the problem persists.

What should I do if my toenail is purple?

It's particularly important to visit your podiatrist if your nail has turned purple or black, and you don't remember injuring it. In many cases, you may simply need an anti-fungal medication to treat a fungal infection, but it's always a good idea to rule out more serious disease and conditions, such as cancer.

Why are my toenails changing color?

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a heart or lung disease, can cause your toenails to change color. Talk to your doctor about any existing conditions you have that could affect the color of your nails.

What can your toenails tell you about your health?

Yellow Toenails

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.