Well-groomed fingernails are important for your appearance and your self-image, but they also say something about your health. That is why it is very important that you avoid damage or infections and that you keep a close eye on your nails. Small differences in their structure or color can be a first indication of serious underlying problems such as kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes.
Keep an eye on your nails
Take a good look at your fingernails. Maybe you see subtle changes in texture or color: a white spot here or a pink tint there? Maybe the surface is ribbed or there are bumps on it?
At first glance, these imperfections seem like 'no big deal', but they are interesting sources of information. It is very important to keep your fingernails healthy and take good care of them. Not only for aesthetic and hygienic reasons, but also because you are alert to any changes in the color or texture of your nails.
What do your nails say about your health?
Nail problems are usually linked to external factors: nails are exposed to aggressive cleaning products, or they are damaged by rough activities (construction and painting...) or daily routine jobs. But the American Academy of Dermatology points out that the condition of the nails in certain cases is the result of an underlying health problem elsewhere in the body.
Research in this area has also been carried out in Ireland. In 2005, a group of Irish doctors found that the first symptoms of osteoporosis are visible in the nails.
These are some nail signals that you need to be alert to.
- Extremely pale nails usually occur when the number of red blood cells is not that high, but sometimes they indicate a serious disease such as anemia, liver disease, or heart failure. In heart failure, the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body, causing fluid to accumulate in the legs and lungs.
- White nails can be an indication of diabetes or heart failure. White nails with dark edges can indicate liver problems such as hepatitis. Matte white nails with a pink stripe at the top is called Terry nails. It can be an aging phenomenon, but also a sign of diabetes or a problem with kidneys, liver or heart.
- Yellow nails are mainly the result of a fungal infection. When such an infection worsens, the nail begins to thicken and crumble as the nail bed recedes. Yellowish nails that grow slowly and are thick can also be related to a lung condition, chronic bronchitis for example. In rare cases, yellow nails are a flashing light for a serious problem such as thyroid disease, certain lung diseases or diabetes. Also in someone who suffers from psoriasis, sinusitis, thyroid problems and rheumatoid arthritis, yellow nails are no exception.
- Nails with a blue appearance may indicate a lack of oxygen. A lung problem such as emphysema can be at the root of this. Some heart problems are also associated with bluish nails.
- If pitting or ridges appear on the nails, it may be one of the first symptoms of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Often the nail also discolors and the skin underneath looks reddish brown.
- Dry, brittle nails that easily crack or split are sometimes linked to thyroid disease. If the cracking or breaking is accompanied by a yellowish tint, a fungal infection is probably at the root.
- Swollen cuticles that look red are a result of inflammation of the cuticles. It can indicate an infection but also lupus or another connective tissue disease.
- Red nail beds can be an alarm bell for a heart problem.
- Beau's nails have lines that run horizontally from one side to the other. They are often a symptom or the result of a serious illness. Often they are also linked to stress.
- If your nails are spoon-shaped, thin and deeper in the middle, it may indicate lupus, a heart problem, or an excess or lack of iron.
- Black lines under the nail should be examined by a dermatologist as soon as possible. They can be caused by malignant melanoma, which is a dangerous form of skin cancer.
If you have any questions after reading this article, be sure to contact your doctor.