Generality
Nail stains are a problem that affects many individuals. In some cases, this "disorder" is harmless, while in others it may represent the sign or symptom of more serious and not yet identified basic conditions.
The type and color of the stains on the nails depend on the triggering factor of this chromatic and structural alteration.
During the article, therefore, the main causes and the main types of stains that can occur on the nails will be analyzed.
Causes
The reasons why stains can appear on the nails are of various nature and, certainly, they strongly undermine the aesthetic aspect.
However, in many cases, the stains on the nails are not in themselves the real problem; rather, they are the expression of an underlying problem that very often originates in the metabolic dysfunctions (and not only) that affect the body.
Often, it happens to not even notice the presence of some symptoms, which at other times are simply interpreted as "insignificant": however, more attention should be paid to the messages that the organism sends us, being the only way to give a warning. to the imminent danger.
Associated symptoms
Often, the stains on the nails do not present themselves as the only manifestation, but manifest themselves together with a series of other alterations in the structure of these skin appendages.
Among the main symptoms that can occur in association with nail stains, we recall:
- Changes in the color of the nail plate;
- Decreased shine;
- Fragility;
- Tendency to break;
- Thickening.
All these alterations can express alarm bells sent by the organism itself, to be interpreted as an invitation to remedy the disorder. It is opportune to specify that for "disturbance" is meant, in this case, also an incorrect diet, a wrong lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies, in addition to the possible malfunctioning of metabolic activities and fungal infections: all these problems can affect the nails.
Red spots
The red spots on the nails can be an index of psoriasis, an inflammation of the skin that is found mainly near the joints. Indeed, according to what the experts say, 60% of the subjects suffering from psoriasis have, as a first symptom, red spots on the nail. In the progression of psoriasis, one can also see a loss or a crumbling of the nail.
In the event that the red spots appear as small streaks - sometimes even of brown color - the triggering cause could instead reside in a microtrauma with consequent haemorrhage below the nail itself.
Yellow stains
The nails that are tinged with yellow spots, to cover the entire surface, can be spies of various pathologies, such as:
- Chronic type disorders affecting the respiratory system (such as, for example, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, pleurisy, etc.);
- Jaundice;
- HIV / AIDS infections.
In rare cases, even swelling in the hands can cause stains on the nails. Moreover, in the yellow nail syndrome, their growth slows down, the thickness increases and they fade.
In other cases, however, the appearance of yellow spots - more or less extensive - could be related to the intake of certain types of drugs, the contraction of fungal infections or possible food deficiencies.
Despite what has been said, yellow nails can occur even in the absence of respiratory disorders: the habit of using poor quality enamels, for example, can aggravate the yellowing of the nail.
White spots
The appearance of white spots on the nails (an in-depth topic in the homonymous article "White Spots on the Nails") can be warning of a fungal infection (onychomycosis, ie nail infection generated by fungi), of renal or hepatic failure, of psoriasis or, more simply, to be spy of a nutritional deficiency.
In some cases, moreover, the white spots on the nails can be caused by microtraumas (leuconichia vera).
Dark spots
Sometimes, the nails may have dark spots, with a tendency to black: it could be the consequence of a trauma like a hematoma (in this case the color will disappear in a short time), or spy of benign moles or of melanoma, ie matrix cancer nail.
The malfunctioning of the adrenal glands, as happens in Addison's disease, could be the basis of the appearance of black or completely black stained nails. Even an Aspergillus niger infection can involve a black nail.
In dermatology, the term melanonichia indicates the presence of melanin in the nail plate, which is characterized by the appearance of a particular brown-brown streak on the nail.
Green stains
An infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa could cause green or black spots: for this reason we speak of "green nail syndrome".
In this onicopatia, the microorganism produces enzymes that digest keratin, causing a deep effect that also occurs on the surface with a typically green color.
Purple and blue spots
Fingernails stained in purple or blue forewarn of cardiac or respiratory disorders: at the ends of the hands there is little oxygen due to poor blood circulation, consequently the nails appear blue.
Healthy nails
Having "healthy, shiny and strong nails" is not only synonymous with beauty, but also with the health of the person: if the diet is incorrect and the rules dictated by good nutrition are not followed, the nails may reflect this condition, staining themselves with spots more or less intense. In the event that the stains on the nails depend on more serious disorders, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
