What Your Nails Say About Your Health

February 26, 2025

What Your Nails Say About Your Health

Our nails do much more than simply enhance the beauty of our hands and feet. They serve as indicators of our overall health, reflecting underlying conditions that may require attention. From colour changes to unusual textures, the state of your nails can provide vital clues about your body’s well-being. In this article, we will explore what your nails can reveal about your health, common nail abnormalities, and when to seek medical advice.

The Anatomy of a Nail

Before delving into the health indicators, it’s essential to understand the structure of a nail. Nails are made of keratin, the same protein found in hair and skin. Each nail consists of several parts:

Nail Plate: The visible hard part of the nail.
Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.
Cuticle: The tissue at the base of the nail that protects against infection.
Lunula: The half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail.
Nail Matrix: The area under the skin responsible for nail growth.

Any changes in these structures may indicate underlying health concerns.

Common Nail Abnormalities and Their Health Implications

1. Pale or White Nails

Pale nails may indicate:

Anaemia: A lack of red blood cells due to iron deficiency can lead to pale nails.
Liver Disease: Conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause whitening of the nails.
Heart Failure: Poor circulation and oxygenation of the blood may result in white or pale nails.
Malnutrition: Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as protein, iron, and vitamins, can lead to pale nails.

2. Yellow Nails

Yellowing of the nails can be caused by:

Fungal Infections: The most common cause of yellow nails is a fungal infection, leading to thickened and crumbly nails.
Lung Disease: Chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause yellowing.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels may contribute to fungal growth and nail discolouration.
Psoriasis: This skin condition can also affect the nails, causing yellowing and pitting.

3. Blue or Purple Nails

A bluish tint in the nails may indicate:

Lack of Oxygen: Conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or heart disease can lead to poor oxygenation.
Raynaud’s Disease: This condition causes reduced blood flow to extremities, leading to bluish nails.

4. Ridged Nails

Ridges running along the nail may signify:

Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like B12, iron, and zinc can lead to vertical ridges.
Ageing: Mild ridging is common with age.
Eczema or Psoriasis: These conditions can cause noticeable ridging in the nails.

5. Brittle or Cracked Nails

Brittle nails may be a sign of:

Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid function can cause dryness and brittleness.
Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels weaken the nails.
Frequent Water Exposure: Excessive exposure to water or chemicals weakens the nails over time.
Vitamin Deficiency: Lack of biotin (vitamin B7) contributes to brittle nails.

6. Clubbed Nails

Nail clubbing occurs when the fingertips enlarge, and the nails curve around the fingertips. It may indicate:

Lung Disease: Chronic lung conditions such as emphysema or lung cancer can lead to clubbing.
Heart Disease: Low oxygen levels due to heart disease can cause clubbed nails.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have been linked to nail clubbing.

7. Spoon Nails (Koilonychia)

Nails that curve upwards at the edges like a spoon may be caused by:

Iron Deficiency Anaemia: One of the most common causes of spoon nails.
Heart Disease: Circulatory issues can lead to spoon-shaped nails.
Lupus: Autoimmune diseases may also contribute to nail abnormalities.

8. Dark Streaks or Spots on Nails

Dark lines or streaks under the nail may be a sign of:

Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer can appear as dark streaks.
Injury: Trauma to the nail bed can cause bruising.
Vitamin Deficiency: Deficiencies in folic acid and B12 can lead to discolouration.

9. White Spots (Leukonychia)

Small white spots on the nails are usually harmless but may indicate:

Mineral Deficiencies: Zinc or calcium deficiencies can cause white spots.
Minor Trauma: Banging your nails against a surface can cause temporary white spots.

How to Maintain Healthy Nails

To ensure your nails remain strong and healthy, consider the following tips:

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Include iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E in your diet.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration prevents brittleness and dryness.
Keep Nails Clean and Dry: This prevents infections and fungal growth.
Use Protective Gloves: When handling chemicals or excessive water exposure.
Trim and File Regularly: Keeping nails well-groomed reduces the risk of splitting and breakage.
Moisturise Cuticles: Avoid cutting or aggressively pushing back cuticles to prevent infections.

When to See a Doctor

While minor nail changes are common, some signs warrant medical attention. Seek a healthcare provider if you notice:

Persistent discolouration that doesn’t improve.
Changes in nail shape such as clubbing or spooning.
Pain or swelling around the nails.
Unexplained dark streaks or spots under the nail.
Nail detachment without obvious trauma.

Conclusion

Your nails provide valuable insight into your health. Changes in their colour, texture, or shape should not be ignored, as they can indicate underlying medical conditions. By maintaining good nail care and paying attention to abnormalities, you can detect potential health issues early and seek timely medical intervention. Keeping your nails strong and healthy is not just about aesthetics—it’s about overall well-being. If you ever notice significant or persistent changes, consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.