Our nails may seem like a small and insignificant part of our body, but they can actually reveal a lot about our overall health.

Nail abnormalities, such as discoloration, ridges, and breakage, can be an indicator of an underlying health issue that should not be ignored. In this article, we will take a closer look at what our nails may be telling us about our health.

Discoloration

If your nails are yellow, it could be a sign of a fungal infection. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, which can be found in shoes, shower stalls, and locker rooms.

Besides the yellowish color, nails infected with fungus may also become thicker and distorted in shape. Blue or purple nails can be indicative of poor circulation or oxygen deprivation.

Ridges

If your nails have vertical ridges running down the length of them, it is typically not a cause for concern. As we age, our nails naturally develop ridges.

However, if the ridges are horizontal or run from side-to-side, known as Beau’s lines, they may be a sign of an underlying health issue such as a serious illness, injury, or malnutrition. Broader horizontal lines across the nail bed could signify a systemic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or could be due to trauma.

Breakage

If you notice that your nails are brittle and prone to breaking, it could indicate that you are lacking certain nutrients, such as biotin, vitamin C, or vitamin E.

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Brittle nails can also be a result of constantly wetting and drying your hands without wearing gloves, such as when washing dishes or doing household chores.

Pitting

Small, shallow dents in the nails, known as pitting, can be a symptom of psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes scaly patches on the skin and nails. It can also be a sign of zinc deficiency.

Clubbing

Clubbing is a condition in which the fingertips become enlarged and the nails curve over the fingertips. It is often a sign of low oxygen in the blood and can be indicative of lung disease or heart disease.

Clubbing can also be caused by liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

White Spots

White spots on the nails are typically not a cause for concern and are usually a result of minor trauma. However, if the white spots are a frequent occurrence, it could indicate a zinc deficiency.

Conclusion

Our nails can provide a telling glimpse into our overall health. Paying attention to the appearance of our nails can help us spot potential health issues before they become more serious.

If you notice any abnormalities with your nails that persist despite taking care of them, such as keeping them clean and dry, or clipping them regularly, consider seeing a doctor or a dermatologist. They can help you determine if there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.