16 Disturbing Things Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

Healthy nails typically exhibit a smooth texture and consistent coloration. Nevertheless, deviations in shape, color, or texture frequently occur, with most individuals encountering a nail anomaly during their lifetime, commonly attributable to environmental influences or infectious agents. Importantly, alterations in nail appearance can sometimes signal broader health issues, rendering these keratin structures as meaningful indicators of our general well-being.

Thick Nails

Nail thickening can result from various factors including the natural aging process, physical injury, impaired blood flow, and fungal infections. Additionally, it is not uncommon for thicker nails to indicate underlying health conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. External factors, like constant pressure from poorly fitting footwear, can also contribute to the thickening of toenails.

Yellow Nails

Yellow nail discoloration is typically attributed to frequent nail polish use or fungal infections. Additionally, several health conditions can present with yellow nails, including inflammatory thyroid conditions, liver disease, and respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis and sinusitis. Certain medications, for instance, mepacrine, an antimalarial, are known to induce a yellowish tint in nails. While rare, the concurrent appearance of yellow nails, swelling in the lower legs, and respiratory difficulties may be indicative of Yellow Nail Syndrome.

White Spots

Leukonychia, commonly manifested as white spot discoloration on the nails, is the most prevalent form of nail abnormality. This condition typically arises from either keratin layer separation or injury, which may trap air between the layers. It is often a consequence of minor trauma. Fungal infections are another notable cause. Additionally, the presentation of white bands across the nails may suggest underlying health issues such as vitamin deficiencies, liver or heart disease, diabetes, or could potentially be a side effect of chemotherapy treatments.

Darkened Nails

Nail discoloration can stem from a variety of causes. Bacteria overgrowth, often occurring beneath nails that have lifted, may lead to a greenish-black coloration. While nail polish or pregnancy can result in brown nails, this could also signify potential thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies. A notable condition known as Lindsay's nails, characterized by a demarcation where the nail is half-white and half-brown, typically presents in individuals with renal impairment and can also affect those with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Importantly, the presence of a solitary dark streak on a nail necessitates immediate medical attention as it may be indicative of melanoma.

Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are frequently encountered and often result from natural aging or daily activities such as repeated contact with water or exposure to chemicals, such as those found in nail polish. Other possible causes for brittle nails include fungal infections, lichen planus, anemia, Raynaud's syndrome, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders. While less common, nutritional deficiencies may also be a contributing factor to nail brittleness.

Pale or White Nails

White discoloration of the nails is commonly caused by onycholysis, where the nail separates from the underlying nail bed due to trauma. Other prevalent reasons for this condition include fungal infections and Terry's nails, a medical issue marked by white nail plates with darker tips often associated with diminished blood flow, and which may develop with advancing age. Additional medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia, and thyroid disorders can also lead to white nails.

Lumpy or Pitted Nails

Pitted or dented nail surfaces are often indicative of psoriasis, with studies indicating that around half of individuals with psoriasis may also develop nail disorders. Other conditions contributing to such nail issues include psoriatic arthritis, eczema, lichen planus, and reactive arthritis. Furthermore, fine nail pitting can be a symptom of alopecia areata. While uncommon, the inflammatory disease sarcoidosis has also been identified as a potential cause of nail pitting.

Abnormal Edges

The skin bordering the nail, known as the lateral nail folds, often becomes dry and may experience irritation or pain. Such conditions are typically not alarming and can result from various factors such as nail-biting, exposure to harsh climates, frequent contact with water or chemicals, and infections. Additionally, skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis may also contribute to discomfort around the nail edges. Effective management of these factors can alleviate symptoms and prevent further irritation. For further guidance on nail care or persistent concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Red Streaks

Tiny reddish or brownish streaks underneath the fingernails are typically indicative of subungual hemorrhages, which often result from minor nail trauma. When multiple nails present these streaks without a clear history of injury, further evaluation may be necessary as this could signal underlying health conditions such as lupus, endocarditis, or psoriasis. Individuals with darker skin may naturally exhibit dark lines across their nails, which is generally not concerning. However, a singular, dark streak under only one nail that progressively worsens or impacts the tissue around it warrants prompt medical assessment, as it could potentially be indicative of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Concave Nails

Koilonychia, commonly referred to as spoon nails or concave nails, is often indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, such nail deformities may be symptoms of a fungal infection, psoriasis, or lichen planus, and could be influenced by hereditary factors, physical trauma, or environmental conditions like prolonged exposure to petroleum products or the wearing of overly tight footwear. In infants and young children, habitual thumb sucking has been known to lead to concave nails. Notably, concave nails may also signal systemic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypothyroidism, or lupus.

Bluish Nails

It is common for fingernails to exhibit a bluish tint in response to cold temperatures, due to the constriction of blood vessels that prioritize the flow of blood to essential organs, thus reducing circulation to extremities like fingernails. This condition is typically transient, and nails should regain their normal coloring once warmth is restored. However, should the discoloration persist, it might indicate an underlying issue with blood circulation. Possible causes of persistent blue nails include medical conditions such as Raynaud’s syndrome, carbon monoxide poisoning, heart disease, and lung disorders like emphysema or asthma. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if such symptoms continue.

Rippled or Ridged Nails

Vertical nail ridges are commonly seen and tend to become more prevalent as we age. Conversely, horizontal ridges, referred to as Beau's lines, may develop due to disruptions in nail growth. Such interruptions can be caused by a range of events, including physical trauma, the aftermath of artificial nail application, serious illnesses accompanied by fever, or the effects of chemotherapy treatments. Additionally, a deficiency in zinc can also result in the formation of horizontal ridges on nails. It is important to note that these ridages may not become visible until some time has passed since nails require four to six months for complete regrowth, with toenails taking an additional six to twelve months.

Gnawed Nails

Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the American population engages in nail biting, a common habit typically exacerbated during periods of heightened stress or anxiety. While this behavior often dissipates with age or can be mitigated through the application of bitter-tasting nail polishes, persistent nail biting may be indicative of onychophagia—a disorder categorized as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). Individuals with this condition frequently exhibit other compulsive patterns and may also suffer from conditions such as ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, or separation anxiety.

Puffy Nail Bed

Paronychia, characterized by swelling of the nail bed, typically arises from either trauma, persistent irritation, or infection. This condition occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin at the junction of the nail and skin, often due to a breach in the skin's integrity. Common risk factors include nail biting, the occurrence of ingrown nails, frequent exposure to water, and continual contact with irritants. While mild cases of paronychia may be managed with home care, professional medical treatment should be sought for severe or recurrent instances.

Clubbed Nails

Nail clubbing occurs when there is increased blood circulation to the fingertips, leading to tissue expansion beneath the nails and a subsequent rounding of the fingertips. The nails then grow to conform to this rounded shape. While often genetic and benign, the sudden onset of nail clubbing may indicate underlying medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular or pulmonary issues, liver cirrhosis, or even cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation if nail clubbing appears abruptly.

Separation From The Nail Bed

Nail separation from the nail bed can occur due to various causes, with physical trauma being the foremost among them. Such trauma may stem from either acute injury or persistent strain, such as repetitive tapping, constrictive footwear, or frequent manicures. Other typical etiologies include fungal infections, psoriasis, and adverse reactions to chemicals. While this condition often affects individual nails, the manifestation across all nails could indicate a systemic issue like hyperthyroidism or iron deficiency.