What could be causing my nail beds to become discolored?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Nail discoloration is a common condition where nails change color, appearing yellow, white, green, black, or blue. Causes include fungal infections, nail trauma, poor circulation, medications, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, diabetes, and lifestyle habits like smoking or nail polish use. In rare cases, discolored nails can signal serious conditions such as melanoma, liver disease, or heart problems.

Because nail discoloration can stem from something minor or point to an underlying health issue, understanding the cause is the first step toward proper treatment. Rather than guessing or waiting to see if it clears up, take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and confident next steps based on your specific symptoms.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Nail discoloration can happen for many reasons. It might be due to health problems, medicines, or other things you do every day.

Causes of Nail Discoloration:

Medical Conditions: Some health issues can change the color of your nails. For example, blue nails might mean there is not enough oxygen in the blood.
Medications: Certain drugs can change nail color. These changes can be a side effect of the medicine you are taking.
External Factors: Things like nail polish, or working with certain chemicals, can also change the color of your nails.

If you notice your nails changing color, it might be a good idea to use a free symptom checker to better understand potential causes before consulting with a healthcare provider about treatment options.

(References)

Hwang JK, & Lipner SR. (2023). Blue Nail Discoloration: Literature Review and Diagnostic .... American journal of clinical dermatology, 36971947.
Mendiratta V, & Jain A. (2011). Nail dyschromias. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 22016271.
Piraccini BM, Iorizzo M, Antonucci A, & Tosti A. (2004). Drug-induced nail abnormalities. Expert opinion on drug safety, 14680462.

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