What Do Your Nails Say About Your Health?

Maybe your nails are in bad shape because you don’t take good care of them, but they might be a sign that something is wrong with your health.

Both men and women do their best to keep their nails looking as clean and healthy as possible. However, your nails are not just there to be beautiful. They can also tell you a lot about your health. What do your nails say about your health?

By paying close attention to your nails, you could detect any serious condition before it’s too late.

Be sure to check your nails regularly to see if there are any changes. If this is the case, pay close attention, as this could be an indication that you have health problems. Want to know what warning signs your nails can give you?

discolored nails

What do your nails say when they are discolored

What do your nails say when they discolor? Healthy nails are usually pink in color and the lunula, the light piece of nail near your cuticle, is white.

When nails become paler in color or develop discolored patches, it can indicate certain health problems that you may not be aware of.

Green colored nails: can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
Red lines on the nail bed: this could be a sign of a heart valve infection.
Blue or purplish color: a sign of low oxygen in the blood.
Pale color: a sign of a vitamin deficiency or anemia.
White color: a sign of liver problems.

thick nails

When nails look claw-like, are thick or difficult to cut, this can indicate certain conditions.

If the nails were initially normal, but have become increasingly thickened, this may be an indication of lung problems.
When the nails become not only thicker, but also rougher, this is a clear sign of a fungal infection.
If the nails are thick and the layers are coming apart, it could mean that you have thyroid problems or psoriasis.
An unusual thickening of the nails can also be a sign of circulatory problems.

brittle nails

What do your nails say when they are brittle

However, this is not always the case and sometimes brittle nails can be a sign of a health problem.

Cracked or broken nails can be a sign of a lack of folic acid, vitamin C, or protein.
Broken nails can indicate poor nutrition or anemia.
If your nails are broken and have holes in them, it could mean you have psoriasis.

Spoon Shaped Nails

Hollow nails, also often called spoon-shaped nails, are a clear sign of internal health problems. This type of nail is easy to identify because instead of arching outwards, the nail grows inward toward the skin. What do your nails say in this case?

It could be a sign of anemia.
You may have a liver condition called hemochromatosis. This condition occurs when the body absorbs too much iron.
There may be heart problems.

What do your nails say when they start flaking

The many layers of keratin that make up the nail ensure that the nails shine. When the top layer of the nail peels off, it is often the case that the nail has been exposed to rough conditions.

This can be caused when the nail has been exposed to a very hot, cold or dry environment.
It could be a reaction to certain chemicals in soap or dishwashing liquid.

Holes in the nails

Holes in the nails can occur when you bump your nail against something or if you often bite your nails. Sometimes, however, holes in the nails indicate a serious condition that you should not ignore.

These types of nails are common in people with psoriasis.
Holes can be the result of a connective tissue disorder.
There may also be a zinc deficiency.

Nails with white spots

What do your nails say when there are white spots on them? White spots on the nails often arise when you do not treat your nails properly or if you bump them against something. However, they can also arise as a result of a health problem.

There may be a zinc deficiency.
There may be anemia.

Ribs on the nails

Nails should be smooth and you should not see any lines with the naked eye. When the lines form a kind of ridges, this can be an indication of a health problem

It could be a sign of an iron deficiency.
You may be suffering from inflammatory arthritis.
It can be a sign of lupus.

Remember!

Your nails can tell you more about your health than you might think. If you notice a difference in your nails, it is best to see a doctor to find out the cause and rule out serious health problems.