Your nails often reveal your overall health status. Your nails act as a mirror into your liver, lungs, and heart, and will indicate if you have a disease. A dull white, a rosy tinge, or rippling and bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. We review several indicators.
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 they are mostly white with darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis.
Yellow Cuticles
One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.
Bluish Nails
Nails with a bluish tint indicates that the body isn’t getting enough oxygen and may indicate emphysema. Some heart problems are also be associated with bluish nails.
Rippled Nails
If it is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common and the skin under the nail will appear reddish-brown.
Cracked or Split
Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.
Puffy Nail Fold
Infected nails may be a sign of lupus or another connective tissue disorder.
Dark Lines Beneath the Nail
Dark lines beneath the nail may indicate melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Get immediate medical attention.
Gnawed Nail
Nail biting usually linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Call your doctor for help.
Conclusion
Your nails can indicate if you are suffering from a disease. Get medical help if the condition persists. Watch this video to learn more about what your nails are telling you.
