Nails and Health: Read the Signs
Did you know your nails can reveal clues to
your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some
rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver,
lungs, and heart can show up in your nails. Keep reading to learn what secrets
your nails might reveal.
Pale Nails
Very pale nails can sometimes be a sign of
serious illness, such as:
·
Anemia
·
Congestive heart
failure
·
Liver disease
·
Malnutrition
White Nails
If the nails are mostly white with darker
rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. In this image, you
can see the fingers are also jaundiced, another sign of liver trouble.
Yellow Nails
One of the most common causes of yellow nails
is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and
nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more
serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or
psoriasis.
Bluish Nails
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body
isn't getting enough oxygen. This could indicate a lung problem, such as
emphysema. Some heart problems can be associated with bluish nails.
Rippled Nails
If the nail surface is rippled or pitted,
this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration
of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown.
Cracked or Split
Nails
Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or
split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with
a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.
Puffy Nail Fold
If the skin around the nail appears red and
puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of
lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness
and inflammation of the nail fold.
Dark Lines Beneath
the Nail
Dark lines beneath the nail should be
investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the
most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Gnawed Nails
Biting your nails may be nothing more than an
old habit, but in some cases it's a sign of persistent anxiety that could
benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to
obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can't stop, it's worth discussing with
your doctor
Nails Are Only
Part of the Puzzle
Though nail changes accompany many
conditions, these changes are rarely the first sign. And many nail
abnormalities are harmless -- not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If
you're concerned about the appearance of your nails, see a dermatologist.
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