Orange nail discoloration can be a noticeable change, prompting questions about its causes. This color shift can range from simple external factors to more complex underlying health conditions. Understanding these possibilities helps distinguish between a harmless aesthetic change and a symptom indicating a deeper issue.
Everyday Reasons for Orange Nails
Several common, non-medical factors can lead to orange nail discoloration. Nail polish, especially vibrant shades, can stain the nail plate if a protective base coat is not used. Pigments can seep into the porous nail, causing a yellowish or orange tint, particularly when left on for extended periods. This type of staining is generally harmless.
Exposure to strong dyes and pigments from other sources can also cause nail discoloration. This includes contact with certain foods like turmeric or saffron, cleaning products, or self-tanners, which contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that can tint nails as it does skin. Additionally, smoking is a well-known cause of nail discoloration; the tar and nicotine from cigarettes can stain nails yellowish-orange over time.
Medical Conditions Linked to Orange Nails
Orange or yellowish-orange nail discoloration can signal underlying health concerns. Fungal infections, medically known as onychomycosis, are a common cause. They lead nails to thicken, become brittle, and change color to yellow, white, or orange-brown, often affecting toenails more than fingernails.
Jaundice, caused by high bilirubin levels due to liver or gallbladder issues, can yellow the skin and eyes, and sometimes the nails. Certain medications can also induce nail discoloration as a side effect. Some antibiotics, antimalarials, and chemotherapy agents are known to cause yellow or brownish nail changes.
Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, can affect nails, leading to characteristic “oil drop” or “salmon patch” discoloration, which appears as orange-pink spots under the nail plate. This condition can also cause nail pitting, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. Chronic kidney or liver diseases can lead to a buildup of waste products in the bloodstream, which may manifest as changes in nail color, including yellow or orange tints. Long-term diabetes can sometimes cause nails to turn yellow or orange.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While some orange nails are benign, consult a healthcare professional if the discoloration persists after removing obvious external causes. Medical evaluation is also important if the orange color is accompanied by additional symptoms. These include pain, swelling, changes in nail texture such as thickening or crumbling, or other systemic symptoms like fatigue or unexplained weight loss. A doctor’s visit can help determine if nail changes indicate an underlying medical problem, especially with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, liver issues, or kidney disease.