What causes bluish discoloration of nail beds? – Dr. Rashmi Ravindra

Bluish tinge of nails, may be either blue or purple. It may be physiological or pathological. Physiological means normal bluish tinge may be seen when the fingers are exposed to very cold temperatures and when the fingers are exposed to warmth, there is reversing of the bluish tinge. Coming to the pathological or diseased nails, it is commonly called cyanotic nails. Usually seen in lung and respiratory disorders along with heart problems, in patients on benzodiazepines and narcotic drugs. Bluish tinge of nails is also seen in patients with low hemoglobin, that is when the oxygen level in the blood, then the blood itself the colour changes to bluish red. So there may be bluish tinge of the nail in patients with anemia or the low hemoglobin patients.