Your nails can provide essential traces of your overall well-being, which often reflects the basic health conditions that could otherwise be unnoticed. From subtle changes in colors to unusual shapes and combs, these seemingly small changes could tell a much larger story.
Although not every imperfection is a reason for concern, some nail abnormalities can signal problems with nutritional deficiencies after more serious conditions such as heart disease or even cancer.
Understanding what to look for could help you reveal potential health problems in time, so paying attention to tail brands can only be the first step to better care for yourself. Let’s explore some of the most common symptoms of nails and what they could reveal about your health.
Diseases can leave visible features on your nails such as deep combs, unusual colors, and unhealthy shapes.
Your nails can provide a lot of insight into your health. Changes in their shape, color, or texture could signal health problems such as psoriasis, heart disease, or even cancer. But don’t worry immediately if your nails look a little gone because it could also result from something simpler, such as injuries, exposure to moisture, poor nutrition, or a natural aging process. Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic physician based in Los Angeles, explains:
“For most people, nail health usually reflects poor nutrition or digestive problems.” than a serious basic disease. Therefore, if your nails seem abnormal, it is not always the cause of panic, but if the problem persists or is accompanied by other symptoms – such as fatigue, weakness, swelling, heart palpitations, or weight loss – it is best to consult medical professionals.
Beau’s line
Beau lines are deep grooves or lines that are formed through nails. Dr. Bhavini Shah, a doctor in Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, explains that these lines occur when nail growth temporarily slows down or stops. This is often the result of a severe illness or infection. For example, some people developed the Beau line after Covid-19.
In serious cases, the nail can stop growing completely, leading to a gap, which is a condition known as onychomadesis. This can happen after experiencing great stress, such as chemotherapy, injury, or high fever. While Beau lines can come and leave without fear, if they repeat or experience onychomadesis, it is good to consult a doctor.
Club
Club nails cause the fingers to swell, leading to a noticeable change in shape. This can happen gradually and maybe you will not notice it immediately. Dr. Shah advises that if you notice red or purple lines under the nails that you cannot attribute injury, it could indicate heart disease. Clubs – where the nails are rushing down the fingers – can also be a sign of heart disease, the main cause of death around the world. In addition to club nails, symptoms of heart disease may include extreme fatigue, swollen ankles, chest pain, and discomfort in the stomach, legs, arms, jaws, or back. Keep in mind, however, that some people have naturally clubbed nails.
Nails
The nails in the shape of a spoon that curl inside could indicate anemia with iron deficiency, says Dr. Shah. This condition, which is particularly common during pregnancy or after pregnancy, is the result of low iron levels in the blood. Other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and headaches.
This can also happen due to poor nutrition, celiac disease, or digestive problems. It is necessary to determine the cause of iron deficiency, so planning a meeting with a GP is recommended if you suspect anemia. Fortunately, anemia can usually be treated with food and supplements rich in iron.
Pitting or Expressing
In people with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia areata (a form of hair loss), small dents or pits on the nail surface are often seen. Dr. Shah notes that these conditions usually cause other symptoms of external state. For example, psoriasis manifests itself as dry, scaly spots of the skin, eczema leads to dry, itchy, cracked, and painful skin, and alopecia areata causes uneven hair loss.
If you notice that there is a reason for nails, a dermatologist can help identify the cause. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary, but more serious cases may require corticosteroid treatment or vitamin D3 together with the care of the basic condition.
Melanoma
While many are aware that abnormal spots on the skin may indicate cancer, melanoma also appears on the nails – the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If you notice a dark stripe that runs down the nail, it is important to visit a dermatologist for evaluation. Although the dark line is not always a sign of cancer, it is best to have it explored soon, because melanoma is easier to heal if it is caught in early stages.
Terry’s nails
Terry’s nails are characterized by nails, where more than two-thirds of the nail bed color, with only a red or pink strip on the tip of the nails. Dr. Shah explains that this condition is often associated with liver disease. Other symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, yellowing of the skin, and loss of appetite. Terry’s nails can also occur as part of the natural aging process or could indicate other serious conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Yellow nails
Yellow nails can stem from different causes, but fungal infection is the most common. This can cause the nail bed to be inserted when the nails are densified and crumbled, even if it is usually not painful. In rare cases, yellow nails can be associated with conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, thyroid disease, or lung disease.
Resources:
“From the ridges to peeling: What do these 8 nail brands say about your health,” HealthLine, Abigail Rasinsky, 14 July 2023.
“GP warns a symptom in the nail that could be a sign of serious illness,” Wales Online, Neil Shaw, July 19, 2024.
“12 nail changes, a dermatologist should explore,” Aad.
“Common types of nail diseases: how to find and treat them,” Very Well Health, Anna Giorgi, April 3, 2024.
In conclusion, while nail changes can often be associated with harmless factors such as injuries or poor nutrition, they can also serve as important indicators of basic health conditions. From Beau lines to yellow nails, each symptom brings a potential insight into human well-being.
It is necessary to monitor your nails for any unusual changes and seek medical attention if you notice persistent problems or if these changes are accompanied by others regarding symptoms. Early detection and diagnosis can significant difference in the management of many conditions associated with abnormalities of nails, so do not hesitate to consult a health care expert.
