12 Changes In Your Fingernails That Could Signal Other Problems

#1

Nails are often regarded as a purely aesthetic feature. The shape, texture and color of your natural nails act as a window into your body, and while some nail symptoms are harmless, others can be indicative of chronic diseases, including cancer. Even the growth rate of your nails may give clues about your underlying health. If you notice any significant changes in your nails, including swelling, discolorations, or changes in shape or thickness, see a dermatologist right away.

Below are a few nail symptoms you might experience in your lifetime and what they mean for your health.

#2 Upward curving nails

If your nails are curving upwards, it could be a sign of a lack of oxygen in your body. This could be due to a malfunction of the heart and/or lungs.

#3 Brittle nails

This isn't only a problem among women. A lot of times brittle nails are just caused by frequent contact with warm water either from cleaning, washing the dishes, and/or frequent use of nail polish remover. However, brittle nails can also be a sign of a poorly functioning thyroid. Other symptoms of this are fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.

#4 Sideways grooves

Grooves in your nails can be warning signs of serious health problems such as infection or heart attack.

#5 Lengthwise grooves

These usually appear in old age. Thin grooves may be a sign of psoriasis, certain circulatory disorders, and/or a type of alopecia. Seek medical attention if there is just a single wide grove, as this could be a nail tumor.

#6 White spots

Usually these white spots don't have anything to do with nutritional deficiencies, but rather mark former damage to your nail. Don't worry, the white spots will eventually grow out of your nail bed.

#7 Thick, yellow nails

Doctors call this change the "yellow nail syndrome." This often presents with bronchitis and other illnesses that impact the airway. However, yellow nails can also be a sign of water retention and/or a nail fungus.

#8 Pale nails

Have you noticed that your nails are getting more and more pale? This could be a sign of anemia, which oftentimes affects smokers or diabetics.

#9 Brown or black nails

If you didn't paint your nails one of these colors, you probably just have a small wound beneath your nail. But if a brown or black spot appears without any prior injury, seek medical attention, as this could be a sign of a serious skin disease.

#10 Half and half nails

If your nail is light colored, but the tip is reddish or brown, it could be a sign of a serious kidney problem.

#11 Blue nails

If your blood doesn't have enough oxygen, your nails often turn blue. This could be a sign of lung disease or a weak heart.

#12 Nails falling off

This is often cause by inflammation of the nail bed. However, it can also be a sign of diabetes, iron deficiency, or a thyroid problem. In rare cases, this may be caused by a nail tumor.

#13 Dimples

If little slivers of blood appear on a dimpled nail, it could be due to psoriasis. Sometimes the nail is completely destroyed from this. However, the condition doesn't always spread to your nails.