Don't Ignore This Subtle Nail Change: It Could Signal Serious Disease

A review of studies published since 1954 finds that a reddened nail lunula may be linked to conditions including heart failure, some cancers, autoimmune disorders, and a sexually transmitted infection. However, specialists stress that this change alone is not sufficient for diagnosing disease.

A review of research published since 1954 shows that red nail crescents may be associated with diseases including heart failure, some cancers, autoimmune disorders, and a type of sexually transmitted infection; However, experts emphasize that this change alone is not enough to diagnose the disease.

According to Ambassador Arjan, quoted by the New York Post, the small and bright crescent in the lower part of the nails may provide information about the health status of the body in certain circumstances. Research shows that the redness of this part of the nails can be related to diseases such as heart failure, some cancers, psoriasis and some sexually transmitted infections; However, this color change alone does not mean having a disease.

The nail crescent, which is called "Lunula" in Latin, refers to the half-moon-shaped part at the base of the nail. This area is the place where new nail cells are formed and is usually seen more clearly on the thumbs; while as we move towards the little finger, it becomes smaller and fainter.

Researchers reviewed the studies published since 1954 to investigate the relationship between this part of the nail and the state of the body's health. The year when the first research report about a certain type of abnormal nail crescent was published.

The nail crescent is usually white, but reddening can require further investigation.

This part of the nail usually looks white due to the thickness of the tissue; Because the blood vessels of the nail bed are less visible than under it. Of course, not all people have a visible nail crescent, and its absence is not a sign of disease or unhealthy body.

On the other hand, the reddening of the nail crescent may be related to general body diseases or local problems.

Nails need a regular intake of nutrients, oxygen and proper blood flow for continuous growth. For this reason, physical changes and disturbances in these factors can affect their appearance and growth process.

In one of the first reports published in 1954, researchers in London observed that 61 percent of people surveyed who had red nail crescents had heart failure.

In other people with this symptom, diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, two diseases related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver cirrhosis and some cancers were observed. Among these cancers, we can mention polycythemia vera, a type of blood cancer that is associated with an increase in red blood cells, lymphoma, and myeloid leukemia.

Later studies have also suggested the relationship between the red crescent of the nail and some autoimmune diseases; Among them are alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss, dermatomyositis, which can be accompanied by skin rashes and muscle weakness, and systemic lupus erythematosus, which damages body tissues and organs.

The authors have also mentioned the possible association of this nail change with congestive heart failure, psoriasis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Venereal lymphogranuloma is a sexually transmitted infection caused by some species of chlamydia bacteria.

Despite these findings, the exact cause of the relationship between the red crescent of the nail and these diseases is still unknown.

According to researchers, when the crescent of several nails turns red, it is more likely to be associated with a general body disease. But if this change is seen in only one nail, local causes such as injury under the nail are more likely.

Also, the redness of the nail crescent alone does not mean the presence of a disease; Just as its whiteness does not guarantee a person's perfect health.

The authors emphasize that this research review highlights nail crescent redness as a symptom that, if observed, especially in multiple nails, may warrant further medical investigation. This symptom alone is not enough to diagnose any disease.

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