Fingernails and Health Status
Fingernails can reveal important information about a person’s health status. Changes in nail color, texture, thickness, and shape may indicate underlying health conditions. Here are some examples:
- Pale nails: Pale nails may indicate anemia, liver disease, malnutrition, or a zinc deficiency.
- Yellow nails: Yellow nails may indicate a fungal infection or psoriasis.
- Blue nails: Blue nails may indicate poor circulation or a lung problem.
- White nails: White nails with a strip of pink at the top may indicate liver disease. Completely white nails may indicate kidney failure or anemia.
- Spoon-shaped nails: Nails that are scooped out or curved inward may indicate iron-deficiency anemia or a heart condition.
- Beau’s lines: Beau’s lines are horizontal depressions that run across the nail. They may indicate a severe illness or injury.
- Brittle nails: Brittle nails may indicate a thyroid disorder or fungal infection.
It’s important to note that changes in nail appearance may also be caused by trauma, use of nail products, and aging. If you notice any changes in your nails that persist, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.