MD Podiatrist Discusses Health Consequences of Blue Nails

A podiatrist has revealed how changes in your toenails can signal underlying health problems. Daniel Michaels, DPM has revealed common symptoms, and the biggest potential health issues to look out for. Among the explanations include pale nails suggesting poor circulation, anemia, or malnutrition, and white spots are associated with zinc deficiency or fungal infection. 
 
 
Dr. Michaels says blue nails are often an indicator that there’s not enough oxygen getting to them, which is a condition called cyanosis. “This is a lack of oxygen in the red blood cells causing the skin underneath your nails and other body parts including the feet, lips, and mucous membranes to appear blue/purple,” he explains. “This has several causes including cold temperature exposure, abnormally high hemoglobin levels, an underlying health problem such as asthma or COPD or your body’s inability to deliver enough oxygen to the area.” He adds that people with pneumonia can demonstrate an extreme example of this.