7 nail colour changes doctors say you shouldn’t ignore

Your nail colour can tell a lot about your health.

Experts have asked people to keep a check on 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.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has highlighted on its website some worrying symptoms that may manifest in the nails.

"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,” they mentioned.

The website then 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."

In consideration to their message, the colours to watch out for, if they develop in your fingernails include:

• White

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

• Half pink, half white

Nails having 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

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

Nevertheless, yellowing nails might also result from a fungal infection or cigarette smoking.

• Dusky red half-moons

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 issued a similar 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.”

Other colours your nails might change into include:

• Blue nails - insufficient oxygen in your bloodstream.

• Pale nails - anaemia (iron deficiency).

• Blue half-moons - could indicate poisoning.