It's scary to think that your nails can be indicators of other problems with your health, but it's true. If your nails have changed in colour, or have bumps and lines they didn't used to, it can be that you have a bigger problem than just nails. If you have any of the signs that I'm going to list next, don't panic and prepare a funeral! Having yellowish nails doesn't necessarily mean you have any big problems, it can just be because you're a smoker. So, if you see something that raises alarm, please, see a doctor and put your mind at ease.
1. Discoloration of the nails.
Pale or white nails can be the symptom of things like congestive heart failure, liver disease, hepatitis, anemia or malnutrition. Specially if the nails are white, but the rim closest to the free edge is dark, go see a doctor. White nails can also be a sign of fungal infections, especially if the nails are very brittle and crumbly or very soft. If the nails have a few white spots, it can indicate a mineral or vitamin deficiency.
If your nails are yellowish, the most probable cause is a fungal infection. These infections can cause a lot of damage to the nail bed, and the nails can thicken and crumble. Yellow nails can also be a sign of lung or thyroid diseases or diabetes. Smoking and genes can also cause this!
Bluish, red or deep pink nails can indicate bad blood circulation and that your body isn't getting enough oxygen. If the nails are bluish, it can indicate lung infections and heart diseases as well.
Purple or black nails are usually due to trauma but can also signify vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. Ridges, ripples and grooves.
Horizontal ridges in the nail can indicate a fungal infection or malnutrition, which can include iron or zinc insufficiency. They can also appear because of injury, like slamming your finger in a door, as well as some medications.
Vertical ridges are very common, and are caused most commonly by ageing (which we all do...) and dehydration. You can fix this easily enough by rubbing cuticle oil onto your fingernails before you go to sleep. If this doesn't work though, vertical ridges can be a sign of thyroid disease or kidney failure, so see a doctor.
Ripples, also called the oil slick effect, on the nails can be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis. If this is the case, it goes hand in hand with discolouration, the nails will be reddish brown.
1. Discoloration of the nails.
Pale or white nails can be the symptom of things like congestive heart failure, liver disease, hepatitis, anemia or malnutrition. Specially if the nails are white, but the rim closest to the free edge is dark, go see a doctor. White nails can also be a sign of fungal infections, especially if the nails are very brittle and crumbly or very soft. If the nails have a few white spots, it can indicate a mineral or vitamin deficiency.
If your nails are yellowish, the most probable cause is a fungal infection. These infections can cause a lot of damage to the nail bed, and the nails can thicken and crumble. Yellow nails can also be a sign of lung or thyroid diseases or diabetes. Smoking and genes can also cause this!
Bluish, red or deep pink nails can indicate bad blood circulation and that your body isn't getting enough oxygen. If the nails are bluish, it can indicate lung infections and heart diseases as well.
Purple or black nails are usually due to trauma but can also signify vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. Ridges, ripples and grooves.
Horizontal ridges in the nail can indicate a fungal infection or malnutrition, which can include iron or zinc insufficiency. They can also appear because of injury, like slamming your finger in a door, as well as some medications.
Vertical ridges are very common, and are caused most commonly by ageing (which we all do...) and dehydration. You can fix this easily enough by rubbing cuticle oil onto your fingernails before you go to sleep. If this doesn't work though, vertical ridges can be a sign of thyroid disease or kidney failure, so see a doctor.
Ripples, also called the oil slick effect, on the nails can be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis. If this is the case, it goes hand in hand with discolouration, the nails will be reddish brown.
