Our nails are often an indicator of our overall health. There are several warning signs that appear on our nails that could be an indication of an underlying health issue.
In this article, we will look at ten health warning signs that appear on our nails.
Pale Nails
If your nails are pale in color, it could be an indication of anemia. Anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body and can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
If you notice your nails are pale, it is best to consult a doctor and get your blood levels checked.
White Spots
If you notice white spots on your nails, it may not necessarily be a cause for concern. It is often a result of trauma to the nail bed, but in rare cases, it could be an indication of a fungal infection.
If you notice any other symptoms like thickening or discoloration of the nail, it is best to consult a doctor.
Yellow Nails
Yellow nails can be a sign of a fungal infection. The fungal infection can cause the nail to thicken and become discolored. It is essential to maintain good hygiene to prevent fungal infections from spreading.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.
Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are often a result of a lack of moisture. It could also be a result of frequent exposure to harsh chemicals. If you notice your nails are brittle, it is best to moisturize regularly and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.
Clubbing
Clubbing is a condition where the tips of the fingers and toes enlarge, giving them a rounded appearance. It could be an indication of lung, heart, or liver disease.
If you notice your nails are clubbing, it is best to consult a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Spoon Nails
If your nails have a concave shape and are thin, it could be an indication of iron deficiency or anemia. It is best to consult a doctor and get your blood levels checked if you notice spoon nails.
Horizontal Ridges
Horizontal ridges or Beau’s lines are a result of injury or illness. It could also be an indication of malnutrition or kidney disease. If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it is best to consult a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Vertical Ridges
Vertical ridges are a natural part of aging, but in rare cases, it could be an indication of a vitamin deficiency or thyroid disease. If you notice vertical ridges on your nails, it is best to consult a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Dark Lines
If you notice dark lines on your nails, it could be an indication of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is essential to consult a doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Nail Pitting
If you notice small pits on your nails, it could be an indication of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky patches on the skin. It is best to consult a doctor and get a diagnosis if you notice nail pitting.