Pale or blue fingernails may be an indication of hypoxia (reduced circulation and oxygen). This results in low oxygen delivery to the extremities. It may also be indicative of a high level of Hemoglobin in the blood.
Our skin colour tells us a lot about our health. The color of the skin is influenced by the circulating blood beneath the skin. The brighter our skin, the healthier is the blood that feeds it. Blue tinges to the skin or pale fingernails is indicative of poor blood circulation, low oxygen supplies or low Iron stores.
Other symptoms you may be currently experiencing are light headedness, dizzyness, blue sclera, cold hands and feet, tingling or pins and needles in the hands and feet, blue lips or mouth area (cyanosis). If the area is gently massaged and the colour returns then the problem is probably associated with circulation insufficiencies.
Causes of pale fingernails
- Anaemia or Iron deficiency
- Asthma or breathing problems, emphysema, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Lung conditions, shortness of breath, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis
- Circulation or cardiac insufficiencies
- Raynauds disease
- Neurological complaints
This complaint needs thorough investigation from your Healthcare practitioner as if left untreated may cause further complications to your health in the future. Please make an appointment to obtain a proper diagnosis and address the problem accordingly.
