Nail abnormalities can serve as indicators of various health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, and hypothyroidism.
Learn about 10 fingernail issues you shouldn’t overlook, as they could signal underlying health conditions ranging from anemia to kidney problems. In fact, changes in your nails can often reveal systemic diseases before other symptoms manifest.
10 Nail Problems You Mustn’t Overlook
1) Spoon Nails
Spoon nails, medically termed koilonychia, may signal iron deficiency anemia, liver issues, or low oxygen levels. Characterized by nails that appear scooped out and soft, this condition can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism.
2) Clubbed Nails
Clubbed nails are characterized by outward curving of the nails and enlargement of the fingertips. This condition can signal serious underlying health issues such as lung disease, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or AIDS. Additionally, low blood oxygen levels can alter fingertip shape and impact nail growth.
3) Nail Pitting
Nail pitting refers to depressions in the nails resembling ice picks, often associated with psoriasis. This condition may manifest as itchy, silvery, or red scaly patches on elbows, knees, and other body parts. Nail pitting can also be linked with connective tissue disorders or autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, which causes hair loss.
4) Beau’s Nails
A Beau’s line presents as an indentation across the nail, typically caused by injury or illness interrupting growth beneath the cuticle. This condition may indicate a zinc deficiency, uncontrolled diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease.
5) Nail Separation
This condition, characterized by nails becoming loose and separating from the nail bed or underlying skin, can occur due to injury, reaction to cosmetic products or drugs, or an overactive thyroid gland.
6) Yellow Nail Syndrome
Yellow Nail Syndrome is characterized by thickened nails and slowed nail growth, leading to nail discoloration. This condition may indicate respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis among other potential underlying health issues.
7) Terry’s Nails
Terry’s nails present as nails predominantly white with a narrow band of pink at the tip. This condition can be indicative of underlying health issues such as liver disease, kidney failure, or diabetes. Additionally, it may also be associated with aging in some cases.
8) Infections of the nails caused by fungi
Fungal nail infections result in thickening of the nail, leading to brittleness, crumbliness, or raggedness. Seeking advice and treatment from a dermatologist is advisable. Treatment options may involve regular nail filing and the application of antifungal medications.
9) White Spots
To check for leukonychia, press the portion of your nails that appears white; if the color doesn’t fade, you may have leukonychia. This condition involves white discoloration of the nail, often caused by injury or nail infection.
10) Vertical brown stripe on the nail
The presence of a brown vertical stripe on the nail could indicate melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can develop under the nail. However, if the brown discoloration on your nail appears to be round rather than a straight line, it may suggest a different condition. For example, brown spots on the nails could be indicative of nail psoriasis.
Bottomline
If you observe these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor promptly and follow their recommended course of treatment. Paying attention to changes in your nails can be a valuable indicator of underlying health conditions.