Discoloration of skin, nails and teeth may be the result of lifestyle factors such as exposure to the sun, tobacco use or consumption of foods and drinks that stain teeth. More often, though, discoloration is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, which may be serious. If you have discolored skin or nails, consult your doctor to determine if you need treatment. Your dentist can provide guidance on options for removing or avoiding tooth discoloration.
Jaundice
Jaundice, a yellowish discoloration that can appear in the skin, eyes or mucous membranes, results from a build-up of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the reprocessing of red blood cells in the liver. An overabundance may be a sign that red blood cells are dying too quickly, the liver is damaged and can't reprocess them efficiently or there is a blockage in the bile duct that prevents the bilirubin from draining. Diseases and conditions that may cause jaundice include cirrhosis, pancreatic cancer and hepatitis.
Hyperpigmentation
The amount of pigment that skin cells release determines the color of your skin. Sometimes, however, skin cells release more pigment than they should--a condition called hyperpigmentation. Autoimmune diseases such as as Addison's, Schleroderma and Classic Childhood Adrenoleukodystrophy can cause hyperpigmentation. Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause patches of hyperpigmentation accompanied by thickened skin.
Keratosis
Reddish or brown skin patches may be a symptom of keratosis. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 10 million Americans suffer from actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous lesion caused by overexposure to the sun. Although most keratoses of this type eventually become red, they may appear initially as tan or pink spots. Seborrheic keratoses, by contrast, are non-cancerous. They appear as raised patches, usually brown in color, but sometimes in shades ranging from tan to black. Keratosis Pilaris, or "chicken skin," is a harmless though unsightly keratosis that causes raised bumps on the skin, some of which may be reddish. It may also appear as a reddish rash on the cheeks.
Nail Discoloration
Fungal infections are a common cause of discolored nails, but other diseases and certain drugs can be culprits as well. The color may be an important clue. For example, if the top half of the nail is pink and the bottom is white, the person may be suffering kidney failure. White nails or white stripes on the nail may indicate cirrhosis of the liver. Several conditions may cause yellow nails, including lung disease and lymphedema. If the discoloration is yellow-green, either Pseudomonas bacteria infection or lung disease may be the cause.
Discoloration of Teeth
Genetics may play a role in determining the color of your teeth but lifestyle is a much more important factor. Some foods and drinks can darken teeth, including coffee, tea, cherries, blueberries and red wine. Tobacco also stains teeth whether you smoke or chew it. Certain medications may discolor teeth as well. These include antidepressants, antihistamines and antihypertensive drugs. The aging process darkens teeth over time as stains build up and the enamel wears thin, allowing the yellow dentine layer underneath to show through.
