Little did you know, but your nails could tell your health-related issues that you did not know existed in your body. Fingernails and health are closely linked and can tell issues related to your system or skin.
So, the next time you decide to have your nails done, double-check and see if there are out-of-the-ordinary signs that you can see. Otherwise, unhealthy nails may hint that you have the following health conditions presented in this post. Make sure to read until the end.
Signs Of Healthy and Unhealthy Fingernails
While nails and health are related, there is no need to freak out. The first thing that you need to do is to check if your nails show some normal or abnormal signs.
Some signs would tell you that you have healthy nails. These are the following:
- Little moon-shaped white lunula right above the cuticle
- Identical in color
- Without any pits or grooves
- Connects to the skin
On the other hand, unhealthy fingernails are characterized by the following:
- Discoloration
- Odd shape
- Nail coming apart from the skin
- Thinning or thickening
- Spots
Although these fingernail health signs aren’t typically caused for alarm, a change in appearance may occasionally indicate that it is not a healthy nail. There could be a presence of an illness elsewhere in the body. You should choose the side of caution and schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or podiatrist if you observe any changes in your nails.
5 Fingernail Health Signs
These are some health signs that your fingernails can reveal about your health. If you notice any accompanying symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Melanoma Or Moles
One of the top concerns dermatologists hear is over nail color. Color changes might be harmless moles or dangerous melanomas, and they typically form in lines that extend from the cuticle to the tip. Asians and African-Americans are more prone to go through typical ethnic-related variations in color.
If the skin behind the nail plate, the tough portion of the nail that covers the fingertips, starts to turn dark, you should see a dermatologist. The presence of brown lines that extend into the cuticle can indicate melanoma. However, it is probably caused by moles if it ends at or before the cuticle.
Psoriasis
This typical skin condition can affect the fingernails and toenails in addition to being defined by scaly, red spots on the skin. You should see a dermatologist if you develop a yellow-red discoloration, salmon patch, or “oil drop” on your nail. Other signs of psoriasis include the following:
- Indentation. Scratches or pits on the nail plate, the tough portion of the fingernail that covers the fingertips.
- Beau’s lines: Slanting lines that intersect the nail.
- Skin thickening or loosening of the nail. Thickening of the skin beneath the nail may cause the nail to come off its bed. Usually, they start at the tip and move toward the cuticle.
- White areas. Also known as leukonychia are distinct foggy white spots on the nails.
- Black lines. Black lines extending from the tip to the cuticle may represent dilated and ruptured capillaries or microscopic clots. These are known as splinter hemorrhages, which are possible signs of psoriasis.
- Redness. It is another potential psoriasis symptom that occurs when the normally pale areas close to the cuticle turn red.
Darier Disease
This rare hereditary condition usually affects adolescents and creates a skin rash. It appears as broad, white, or red stripes extending from the cuticle to the fingernail or toenail. Another sign of this illness is a V-shaped nick close to the fingertip.
Stress
Toenails and fingernails share a tight relationship with hair. In the same way, hair may fall out during an illness or a protracted period of stress, and so too can nails. Stress is often to blame for the side-to-side lines on your nails.
Kidney Disease
Multiple nail alterations may be a sign of acute or chronic kidney illness.
- Beau’s lines can be seen in patients with acute renal illness indicated by side-to-side lines.
- Rough nails with ridges, also known as koilonychia, can exist in people with kidney illnesses. These nails can indicate iron-deficiency anemia because they are typically spoon-shaped and concave.
- Identifiable white streaks and spots on the nails can indicate chronic renal illness, just like in psoriasis patients.
Conclusion
It’s not always possible to prevent underlying diseases that affect your nails, but you can take care of your fingernails by drinking more water and eating a healthy diet. Make sure you’re getting enough zinc and vitamin B because they both help to strengthen your nails.
Nail changes are frequently typical and don’t indicate any unrecognized health issues. However, you should always speak with your doctor if you have any questions.
Did you notice any unusual signs in your fingernails? Share it in the comments.
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