Our nails can reveal a wealth of information about our overall health.
From ridges and discoloration to unusual shapes and textures, our nails can be a window into underlying health issues.
Nail health can be an indicator of our body’s internal state, and changes in our nails can signal potential health problems.
Here are some nail health signs to watch out for:
These nail health signs can indicate diseases
- Clubbing: A rounded shape of the nail, which can be a sign of lung cancer or other respiratory diseases.
- Flat or depressed nails: A sign of iron deficiency.
- Pitting or indentations: A sign of psoriasis or other rheumatological disorders.
- Yellow or whitish discoloration: A sign of jaundice or low albumin levels.
- Blue discoloration: A sign of congenital heart problems.
- Nicotine stains: A sign of smoking and potential lung cancer or COPD.
- Arsenic poisoning: A sign of exposure to toxic substances.
Other nail concerns that may or may not be serious:
Vertical nail lines
Vertical nail ridges are visible lines or dents that run up and down the nail. While they can be a natural part of the aging process, they can also be a sign of underlying health issues.
Some common causes of vertical nail ridges include:
Aging: As we age, our nails naturally develop ridges due to the slowing down of cell growth.
Dry skin conditions: Dry skin can cause ridges to form on the nails, especially if the skin around the nails is dry and brittle.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause changes in the nails, including ridging.
Iron deficiency: A lack of iron in the body can cause ridges to form on the nails, as well as other nail health issues.
Horizontal nails lines
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau’s lines, are visible lines or dents that run across the nail. These ridges can be signs of systemic diseases or conditions, including:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can cause changes in the nails, including horizontal ridging.
Damage caused by artificial or acrylic nails or gel manicures: The use of artificial or acrylic nails or gel manicures can cause damage to the nails, leading to horizontal ridging.
Trauma: Trauma to the nail bed can cause horizontal ridging.
Peripheral vascular disease: This condition can cause changes in the nails, including horizontal ridging.
Severe illnesses: Severe illnesses such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia can cause changes in the nails, including horizontal ridging.
Zinc deficiency: A lack of zinc in the body can cause changes in the nails, including horizontal ridging.
Treating underlying causes to get healthy nails
Treating the underlying cause of nail ridges and other nail health issues is crucial for promoting healthy nail growth. This can include:
- Treating thyroid disorders or iron deficiency with supplements or medication
- Applying moisturizers to dry skin
- Avoiding damage caused by artificial or acrylic nails or gel manicures
- Wearing gloves when doing household chores
- Trimming nails regularly.
