What Causes Color Change in Nails?

The color changes on the nails are one of the issues that should be emphasized in hand and foot care. These color changes in the nails can be seen inside the nail or under the nail. These changes, which may occur in different ways such as whitening or yellowing, are also considered as symptoms of disease. In this article, we have explained for you in which cases the color changes in the nails can occur.

Fungal Color Changes on Nails

Podology applications are needed in order to correct the color changes in the nails due to fungal infections and to make the nails healthy again. After the patients are examined by the podologist, the diseased area of ​​the nail, which shows color change and thickening, is separated from the healthy nail tissue, and the nail regains its normal appearance thanks to the maintenance that is repeated at certain periods.

Color changes in nails caused by fungal infections can occur in different ways. To exemplify these;

  • The appearance of yellow tones on the nails,
  • Having white spots on the nails,
  • Nails have a more brittle structure and break easily,
  • Shapeless nails
  • Increasing thickening of the nails and getting more and more difficult to cut the nails.

What Causes White Spots on Nails?

White spots that can be seen as dots and lines on the nail and sometimes cover a large part of the nail are called leukonychia. These white spots, which are common on the nails, can occur due to damage to the nail bed.

Another reason for white spots on the nails is the cosmetic products used. Products such as nail polish and acetone can cause allergies and the formation of white spots on the nails.

Nail injuries are another factor in the formation of white spots. Continuous manicure procedures can cause these stains.

What are the Causes of Yellowing Nails?

Fungal infections, psoriasis, and trauma-induced separation of the nail plate from the nail bed are among the main causes of yellowing nails. However, there are different conditions that cause yellowing of the nails. For example, dryness in the nails is more common in older ages, and this can cause yellowing of the nails. Cleaning products and chemical products are also effective in yellowing the oil layer on the upper layer of the nail. For this reason, it would be useful to use gloves to protect hands while using these products.

Brown Color Change on Nails

Gray and brown colors on the nails appear more in cases where there is thickening. In color changes that are not caused by thickening, fungal diseases, bacterial disorders and dyes that settle on the nail with external contact can cause the nail to be in these tones.