Experts have advised people to monitor their fingernails for any peculiar changes that might indicate potentially serious health conditions. According to specialists, if your nails develop a particular colour, you could face the risk of several life-threatening illnesses.

Whilst some instances may be benign, certain specific colours could warrant seeking medical assistance. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has highlighted on its website someworrying symptoms that may manifest in the nails.

The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."

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With this consideration, AAD specialists have encouraged people to watch for these nail colours:

• White


• Half pink, half white


• Yellow


• Dusky red half-moons


• A dark streak

They explained: "A disease inside your body can cause your nails to change colour. Certain colour changes can be a warning sign of a specific disease."

White

The AAD notes that white nails may indicate liver disease or diabetes. Regarding liver disease, this is more probable if you suffer from cirrhosis, the condition's most advanced stage.

Nevertheless, white nails can also develop naturally through ageing, though it remains advisable to have them examined.

Half pink, half white

Nails displaying a half-pink, half-white appearance can indicate kidney disease. The AAD describes this particular symptom as: "A white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown colour below."

Yellow-tinted nails may signal lung disease. This colour alteration is believed to be connected to problems with your circulatory or lymphatic systems.

"When these systems don't work as they should, it can cause fluid to collect in the soft tissues under your skin. In turn, this may turn your nails yellow," according to the Cleveland Clinic. Nevertheless, yellowing nails might also result from a fungal infection or cigarette smoking.

Dusky red half-moons

On top of this, the AAD explained that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could be cancer. It said: “That dark streak could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.”

The NHS echoes this warning. It said you should see a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”

Dark patches beneath the nails

Additionally, the NHS cautions that dark patches appearing under nails might be caused by skin cancer. They recommend seeing a GP if "you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury."

Additional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:

• Blue nails - insufficient oxygen in your bloodstream.


• Pale nails - anaemia.


• Blue half-moons - could indicate poisoning.