Discolored Fingernails

Fingernails should be strong, shiny and translucent pink in color. When the color of the nails changes from pink to yellow or yellowish-green, it's time to start paying more attention to your health. Discoloration of fingernails is an indicator of bad health. It could also be indicative of some nutritional deficiency or some other underlying disorder. Most women shell out a lot of money on manicure to beautify their fingernails, but it's time to look beyond these artificial ways of beautification. Your fingernails must look beautiful in their natural form. Scroll down to find out what causes discolored fingernails and how these can be treated.

Why Do Fingernails Become Discolored?

If the natural pink hue seems to be fading away, you must determine the reason behind the discoloration of nails. Here are some of the contributory factors.

Yellow Nail Syndrome
The change in the color of the fingernails might be caused due to yellow nail syndrome. It is a rare inherited condition which leads to thickening of fingernails. The color of the nails turns yellow or yellowish-green. The nails grow at a very slow rate and sometimes, the nails could also separate from the nail bed. Sinusitis, pleural effusions and lymphedema are some of the medical conditions which are associated with yellow nail syndrome.

Medical Conditions
Discoloration could be caused due to nutritional deficiencies. You might not be taking a balanced diet. Generally zinc and iron deficiencies are responsible for brittle fingernails, change in texture or development of spots on nails. Those suffering from lung diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies might also end up having discolored nails.

Fungal Infections
If the color of your nails has changed from pink to yellowish-green, it might be caused due to a fungal infection. There are many species of fungi that can infect the fingernails and cause flaking and nail discoloration. In case your nails are affected by a fingernail fungus called Tricophyton rubrum, they might emit an unpleasant odor. Nail discoloration and damage to the nail bed can also be caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas. This bacterial infection causes the color of the fingernails to turn green.

Frequent Use of Nail Polish
Do you have a habit of wearing nail polish all the time? If yes, you might be depriving your nails of the oxygen that is required to keep them in good condition. Though applying nail polish can make your nails look attractive, but, there is nothing more beautiful than the natural pink color of the nails that you are born with. Repeated use of nail polish over a period of time will adversely affect the quality of your fingernails.

Treatment Options

Texture and color abnormalities are sometimes pointers of underlying medical conditions, so, get yourself medically examined soon. In case of women, discoloration might be caused due to frequent use of nail polish. Avoid overuse of nail polish and always apply a base coat before applying the nail paint. Applying fingernail whitening pencils and lightly buffing the nails will also help in whitening the affected fingernails. Since nutritional deficiencies can also be responsible for nail discoloration, having a balanced diet can help too. Increase your intake of foods rich in calcium, zinc and iron to improve the health of your nails. In case, your nails are turning green, you must consult a dermatologist soon. Fungal infections need to be treated soon in order to prevent further damage. Generally doctors prescribe antifungal medication to treat fungal infections. Some home remedies can also be tried to whiten the fingernails. You can soak your nails in lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemons. You can also apply lemon essential oil or honey on your nails for whitening them. This is one method which certainly works wonders for those suffering from brittle, damaged or discolored nails.

If you notice signs of discoloration in your fingernails, don't take it lightly. Healthy nails are indicators of good health, therefore, you must find out the reason behind the discoloration. Ignoring a nail problem might cause great damage to your nails, so, care for your fingernails.