Red lunulae

Red lunulae
Synonyms	Red half-moons
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Red discoloration of the lunula
Complications	May indicate underlying systemic disease
Onset	Varies depending on underlying cause
Duration	Persistent until underlying cause is addressed
Types	N/A
Causes	Cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, liver cirrhosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Risks	Associated with systemic conditions
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, medical history, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	Terry's nails, Muehrcke's nails, Lindsay's nails
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Address underlying condition
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Red lunulae is a medical condition characterized by red discoloration of the lunulae, the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail. This condition is often associated with various systemic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cardiovascular disease.

Causes

Red lunulae can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
• Lupus: Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs.
• Cardiovascular disease: This term refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of red lunulae is the red discoloration of the lunulae. This can occur on one or more nails and can vary in intensity. Other symptoms may be present depending on the underlying cause of the red lunulae.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of red lunulae is primarily based on the visual examination of the nails. Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for red lunulae primarily involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or other treatments depending on the specific cause.

See also

• Nail anatomy
• Nail disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Cardiovascular disease