Blue nail disease, or blue lunula, is when the crescent-shaped area between the nail plate and eponychium turns blue. It can be a sign of underlying health issues such as respiratory problems, Wilson’s disease, or poor blood circulation. Persistent blue nails should be diagnosed and checked for other symptoms.
The basic anatomy of the nail consists of the nail plate, the nail groove, and the lunula, which is the crescent-shaped area between the nail plate and the eponychium. Blue nail disease, also known as blue lunula, is a condition in which the lunula turns blue. Fingernails can sometimes turn blue during exposure to extreme cold, which is easily corrected by warming up. If blue nails are persistent, however, they shouldn’t be ignored because it’s often a sign of an underlying health issue. Respiratory problems, Wilson’s disease, and poor blood circulation are common causes of blue-looking nails.
Asthma and emphysema are some of the respiratory diseases that contribute to blue nails because they reduce the amount of oxygen the body receives. Basically, any chronic airway obstruction that deprives the body of oxygen has the potential to result in blue-tinged nails. This includes pulmonary edema, which is a buildup of fluid, and pulmonary embolism, which is a condition in which an artery in the lung becomes blocked by excess fat or a tumor. In some cases, hemoglobin, which is an oxygen-carrying protein, can take an abnormal shape and even cause the nails to turn blue.
Wilson’s disease is also referred to as hepatolenticular degeneration and often contributes to blue nails. It is a condition where excessive amounts of copper build up within the body. The disease also causes changes in the liver and basal ganglia, which is the gray matter in the lower parts of the cerebral hemisphere.
Poor circulation is another cause of blue nails. This can be caused simply by the cold and can be helped by warming up and giving a massage to increase blood flow throughout the body. Heart problems also often affect blood circulation and can lead to lasting discoloration of the nails.
A diagnosis of blue nails is important if it is persistent. This is especially true if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers. It’s important to check your nails regularly for any signs of health problems. Keeping your nails neat and clean can help spot any problems at an early stage. Eating a balanced diet and taking supplements can help prevent many underlying health conditions and also prevent many nail diseases.
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