Did you know that your fingernails can tell a lot about your health? Observing changes in their shape, texture, or color can sometimes reveal underlying medical conditions. However, don’t fret if you notice brittle or discolored nails; these can often result from simple factors like minor injuries, exposure to moisture, poor diet, or just getting older.
According to Dr. Sara Norris, a Los Angeles-based naturopathic doctor, “For most people, the condition of their nails usually points towards inadequate nutrition or digestion.” She adds, “Brittle, weak, and peeling nails are common concerns in my practice, and they typically stem from dietary issues rather than systemic illnesses.”
So there’s no need to worry excessively if your nails reflect these minor ailments. Still, if the changes don’t go away on their own or if they occur alongside other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, swelling, heart palpitations, or unexpected weight loss, it might be a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.
Beau’s Lines
Have you noticed some deep lines or grooves across your fingernails? These are known as Beau’s lines, as Dr. Bhavini Shah from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor explains. “These lines usually occur when nail growth has temporarily paused due to severe illness or infection. Some individuals noticed Beau’s lines after recovering from COVID-19, for instance.” In more severe situations, the nail might stop growing long enough to create a full gap, a condition known as onychomadesis. This can happen following major stressors like chemotherapy, injuries, or high fevers.
Typically, Beau’s lines aren’t permanent or concerning. Yet, if you see them often or experience onychomadesis, it’s worthwhile to talk with your GP to identify the underlying causes.
Clubbing
Clubbing of the nails doesn’t just affect the nails themselves but also the fingertips. As the nails curve downward, the fingertips may become swollen and uncomfortable. The change might not be initially noticeable as it develops slowly. “Generally, red or purple lines under your nails are due to injuries,” explains Shah. “However, if these lines appear with no recollection of injuring yourself, it would be wise to consult with a doctor, as they can signal heart disease.”
Clubbing could indeed hint at heart disease, a leading cause of death across the globe. This results in the nail curving over rounded fingertips or the ends of the toes, giving a bulbous appearance. Other hints of heart disease include severe fatigue, ankle swelling, and pain in various parts of the body such as the chest, stomach, legs, arms, jaw, or back. However, some people naturally have clubbed nails, so it’s essential to note other symptoms.
Spooning
When nails take on a spoon-like appearance, curving inward, it may suggest iron-deficiency anemia, according to Dr. Shah. “This condition is not uncommon, especially post-pregnancy, where there is insufficient iron in the blood.” Other signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and headaches. Iron deficiency may also occur due to poor nutrition, celiac disease, or digestive issues.
Determining the cause of anemia is vital, so scheduling an appointment with your GP can be beneficial if you have concerns. They may perform a blood test to assess your red blood cell count. The good news is that anemia is often easily treatable by consuming iron-rich foods and supplements.
Pitting or Denting
Dr. Shah mentions that “small dents or pits on the nails are common in people with skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia areata (a specific type of hair loss).” You might see other symptoms too: psoriasis often causes dry, scaly skin patches, eczema leads to dryness, itching, cracking, and soreness, and alopecia areata results in patchy hair loss.
A dermatologist can help diagnose these nail indentations. In mild cases where there’s no discomfort, treatment might not be necessary. Some situations are managed with topical or injected corticosteroids and vitamin D3, often in conjunction with treatment for the underlying cause.
Melanoma
We all know that abnormal spots on the skin could signal skin cancer, but melanoma—the most severe form—can also appear on nails. If you detect a dark streak down a nail, seeing a dermatologist is advisable. While a dark line under a nail isn’t always cancer, early examination is key since melanoma is easier to treat if detected promptly.
Terry’s Nails
Terry’s nails, as described by Dr. Shah, are named after the doctor who first identified them and indicate a condition where more than two-thirds of the nail bed turns white with a red or pink band at the tip. “Terry’s nails could point to liver disease,” shares Dr. Shah. “Alongside this nail change, one might see fatigue, jaundice, and appetite loss.” However, Terry’s nails might also occur with age or signal other severe conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Yellow Nails
Yellow nails have various causes, yet a fungal infection is the most prevalent. Infected nails may retract from the nail bed, thickening and crumbling over time. Though treating the infection might take a while, it’s not often painful. In rare instances, yellow nails can indicate diabetes, psoriasis, thyroid issues, or lung disease.
