Eyes may be the windows to the soul likewise the shape, texture, and color of your natural nails act as a window into your health. They can show if you have an infection, a serious disease, or even how well you’re eating. Some nail symptoms are harmless, others can be indicative of chronic diseases, including cancer.
Here are some signs that your nails tell about your health:
PALE NAILS – Very pale nails can sometimes be a sign of serious illness, such as:
• Anemia
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition
WHITE NAILS– If the nails are mostly white this can indicate:
• Liver problems, such as hepatitis.
YELLOW NAILS-One of the most common causes of yellow nails is:
• Fungal Infection
• Psoriasis
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
BLUISH NAILS-A blue nail is a clear indication that you’re not getting enough oxygen to your fingertips. This could be caused by:
• Respiratory disease like emphysema
• Vascular disease like Raynaud’s Phenomena
RIPPLED OR PITTED NAILS – If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of:
• Psoriasis
• Inflammatory arthritis.
CRACKED OR SPLIT NAILS – Cracking and splitting can be caused by:
• Fungal infection
• Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism
• Deficiency of vitamins A, C or B.
DARK LINES UNDER THE NAIL – Black streaks or painful growths on your nail are a warning signs as they may be due to melanoma.
CLUBBING – Clubbing describes when your fingertips become enlarged and the nail becomes curved downward. It can be a sign of low oxygen in your blood showing:
• Lung disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• AIDS.
WHITE SPOTS – Small white spots on your nails are usually the result of nail trauma.
SPOON NAILS – Nails that curve upward at the edges, taking on a spoon-like appearance, may be a sign of
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Hemochromatosis
• Heart disease
• Hypothyroidism.
