What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health

You’ll be amazed to know that you can find a lot about your health through your fingernails. John Anthony. MD, a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist and Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York, who authored Skin Rules, say that our nails give us enough clues about our health condition that we must pay attention to.

We have listed the most important signs that our fingernails show that we should notice:

Yellow Nails

It’s very common to have yellow nails and it hints at fungi caused infection. However, it might even be due to diabetes, thyroid troubles or lung problems. Dr. Anthony says that smoking might even cause staining of nails, so it’s best to stop smoking if you see your nails getting yellow.

Cracked Nails

Dry nail plate might be a cause of brittle nails. WebMD also suggests that thyroid problems might also lead to cracked nails. Hypothyroidism, where thyroid doesn’t produce sufficient hormones, can lead to brittle nails as well.

Pitted Nails

MedicineNet says that those who have pitted nails, probably have bad and damaged nail plate layers. This can be caused by psoriasis. 50% people suffering from psoriasis can have this type of nails. Dr. Jailman advises you to consult a doctor if you are suffering from this condition.

Ridged Nails

Direct and severe blow or damage to the nails can lead to horizontal ridges appearing on the nails. If you find it happening on not just one nail then it might be more critical illness. Dr. Anthony says that this occurs when our body is fighting hard to protect us from a disease and therefore saves energy for those parts of the body that require it more. It’s the body’s way of saying that the nails do not require so much energy right now.

Discolored or Dark Lines Below

A severe kind of skin cancer called Melanoma might be the cause behind discoloration or dark lines on the nails. Melanoma arising from the nail area is very dangerous and often it creates a black line on the nail. One should consult a doctor without delay if and when it happens.

Bitten Nails

Nail biting has been labeled as a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder by Medical Daily, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Although not everyone biting their nails is a victim of this mental problem, if it gets excess then it’s best to see a doctor.

Bluish Nails

If your body lacks oxygen then your nails turn bluish, says WebMD. Lung diseases or heart issues might cause this problem. If this keeps on happening quite regularly you must go to a doctor.

White spots

Most of us know that lack of calcium leads to white spots on the nails. However Dr. Anthony says that might not be always true or a correct diagnosis. It might also be caused by sudden injuries to the nail such as a sudden blow or hit to it.