Have you ever noticed changes in the color, texture, or shape of your nails and wondered if it’s normal? Our nails tell us a lot about our overall health, and sometimes our body needs us to pay attention to the warning signs that our nails are showing. Here are some warning signs your nails may be telling you about your health.

Yellow or Brown Nails

If your nails have turned yellow or brown, it could be a sign of a fungal infection. This type of infection can occur when the fungi in our environment enter our nail beds.

Other potential causes include aging, smoking, or frequently using nail polish on your nails without allowing them to breathe. Sometimes, discolored nails can be a warning sign of other health issues such as thyroid, liver, or heart diseases.

Brittle or Cracked Nails

Brittle, cracked, or split nails can occur as we age, but can also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, particularly if it occurs in younger individuals.

Nails can become brittle due to insufficient levels of biotin, a vitamin that strengthens our nails and hair. Nutrition deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamins C, D, E, and calcium, may also cause brittle nails. Hypothyroidism, a condition affecting the thyroid gland, can also lead to brittle nails.

Spoon-shaped Nails

If your nails have a spoon-shaped indentation, it could be a condition called koilonychia, which is associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is a vital mineral that our body needs to function properly.

Iron deficiency can result in fatigue, paleness, and reduced immunity, in addition to brittle and spoon-shaped nails.

White Spots or Lines

White spots or lines on your nails are usually caused by minor trauma or injury. The small blemishes are not a cause for concern as most disappear on their own.

However, if the spots continue to show up, especially in multiple nails, it could be a sign of a fungal infection or a zinc deficiency. Zinc, along with iron, calcium, and vitamins C, D, and E, is essential for maintaining healthy nails.

Dark Lines or Streaks

Dark lines or streaks that run from the nail bed to the tip are called longitudinal melanonychia. While this is a rare condition, if you have dark lines on your nails, you should consult with a healthcare provider.

Longitudinal melanonychia can sometimes indicate melanoma, skin cancer that affects the pigment-producing cells in your body.

Clubbed Nails

If your nails appear to have a raised bump that forms near the bottom of your nail bed, they may be clubbed. Clubbing is linked to a variety of conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Clubbing can also happen if you have chronic infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV.

Pale Nails

Nails can sometimes look pale when there’s not enough blood circulating in your body. Pale nails can be a sign of malnutrition, liver disease, anemia, or hypothyroidism.

When our nails lose their pinkish color and become very pale, it could be an indicator that blood is not reaching the nail bed.

Thick Nails

If you notice your nails are thicker than usual, it could be due to nail fungus, psoriasis, or a thyroid condition.

Thick nails can also occur when our nails are exposed to constant friction or trauma, such as frequent use of hands or fingernails in work. Thick nails can sometimes make it difficult to engage in certain activities or interfere with daily tasks that require a degree of manual dexterity.

Ridges on Nails

Nails can develop ridges due to a variety of factors, including aging, nutritional deficiencies, and trauma. Vertical ridges that run from the nail bed to the tip are usually a sign that our body isn’t receiving enough vitamins.

Horizontal ridges can occur if you’ve had a previous traumatic injury, an infection, or a medical condition that causes high fever.

Conclusion

It’s important to pay attention to your nails and see if there are any changes in their color, texture, or shape. These changes can indicate underlying health conditions that require attention.

While some nail changes may be harmless, others could be a warning sign of an issue that needs immediate medical attention. Consult with a healthcare provider if you’re worried about any changes in your nails.