You can discover a lot about someone just by looking at their fingernails, especially regarding health. Changes in shape and color can show medical issues like psoriasis, heart problems, and even cancer. But don’t panic if your nails are brittle or discolored; this usually happens due to injuries, moisture, bad diet, or aging.
“For most people, nail health often shows poor nutrition or digestion,” says Dr. Sara Norris from Los Angeles. “Brittle and peeling nails are common complaints I see in my practice; these signs usually come from a bad diet rather than serious illness.”
So if your nails fit this description don’t stress too much! But if the problem doesn’t go away on its own or comes with other symptoms (like tiredness, swelling, weight loss), talk to a doctor.
“Deep lines across your fingernails are called Beau’s lines,” explains Dr. Bhavini Shah of Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor. These lines show up when nail growth slows down for a bit. “This temporary stop is often caused by serious illness or infection; some people got Beau’s lines after having COVID-19.” In severe cases, the nail might stop growing enough to create a gap known as onychomadesis which can happen after major stress like chemotherapy or high fevers.
Beau’s lines may appear and disappear without being alarming but if it keeps happening or you have onychomadesis visit your GP to find out what could be wrong.
Clubbed fingernails also affect fingertips as they curve downwards causing swelling and discomfort over time without you noticing it right away. “Usually red or purple spots under your nails come from an injury but if you see them without remembering hurting yourself then it might be wise to see a doctor since they could signal heart disease,” says Shah.
“Clubbing may suggest heart disease which is one of the leading causes of death globally.” This condition makes the nail curve over rounded fingertips creating a bulbous look along with other signs like extreme tiredness and swollen ankles!
“Spoon-shaped nails that dip inward might mean iron-deficiency anemia,” states Dr. Shah. “This issue is common after pregnancy when blood iron levels drop too low.” Other signs include feeling weak, shortness of breath & pale skin! Iron deficiency can also happen due to poor nutrition celiac disease & digestive troubles.
“It’s crucial to find out why you have iron deficiency anemia so make an appointment with your GP for any worries.” Your GP may suggest blood tests for checking red blood cell count thankfully treating anemia is easy through eating iron-rich foods & taking supplements!
“Small dents on the surface of nails often occur in those with skin conditions like psoriasis eczema & alopecia areata (a specific hair loss type),” according to Dr.Shah! You’d likely notice other symptoms too: psoriasis leads to dry scaly patches while eczema makes skin itchy cracked & sore!
A dermatologist can help diagnose these indentations in nails; mild cases usually need no treatment unless there’s discomfort involved some get treated using topical corticosteroids alongside vitamin D3 while addressing underlying issues causing them!
Many know that cancer shows up as odd spots on skin but melanoma—the most dangerous kind—can also appear on fingernails/toenails so consult with a dermatologist if you spot dark streaks down any nail! A dark line isn’t always cancerous but worth checking since melanoma is easier treated when caught early!
“Terry’s Nails named after its discoverer show where more than two-thirds of the nail bed turns white except for pink/red tips indicating liver disease,” says Dr.Shah “Other signs include fatigue yellowing skin & appetite loss.” Terry’s Nails could also result from natural aging processes along with signals pointing towards serious conditions such as diabetes/heart diseases!
Yellowing nails have many causes yet fungal infections top that list leading thickening/crumbling effects over time though treatment takes longer it’s generally not painful however rare cases indicate diabetes thyroid issues lung diseases etc.!
