If you believe that tests for blood, urine, or faeces are the only way to learn about your health, then you might be mistaken. Your body can reveal a lot about your health with more indicators. Just like your forehead can show signs of intestinal issues and the chin can indicate hormonal problems, the nails can also provide important clues about your overall health. Strong, healthy nails colour isn’t simply wonderful for your manicure; undesirable nail symptoms may suggest more serious health issues.
Fingernails and Health: What Your Nails Reveal About Your Well-Being
Did you realise that your nails might provide information about your general health? A touch of white here, a pink shade there, or some rippling or lumps could indicate sickness in the body. Your nails can indicate problems with your liver, lungs, or heart. Continue reading to see what truths your fingernails and health tell you about.
Pale Nails
Pale nails, sometimes called leukonychia, are partially or entirely white fingernails or toenails. Trauma, anaemia, dietary deficits, heart or renal problems, or poisoning could cause the white colour.
White Nails
If the nails are predominantly white with darker rims, it may indicate liver disorders, such as hepatitis. The fingers can also be jaundiced, indicating liver disease. Nails that are either totally or partially white, with a pink band at the top of the nail bed, may be a sign of a serious health issue such as cirrhosis or diabetes.
The white half-moon at the base of the nail is commonly referred to as the lunula. Nails can also have a lunula that blends in with the rest of them. This indicates that the vessels beneath your nails have changed, so there is a relation between your fingernails and health.
Yellow Nails
The most prevalent cause of yellow nails is a fungal infection. With the progression of the infection, the nail bed may pull back and the nails become thicker and brittle. Yellow nails could also indicate a serious condition like severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
Fungal infection is one of the major contributors to yellow nails. If the infection progresses without treatment, the nail bed may retract and the nails will thicken and crumble over time. This colour may also signal lymphatic system difficulties, respiratory issues, diabetes, or liver abnormalities. So you must learn about healthy nails colours.
Blue Nails
Blue-tinted nails may indicate that the body is not obtaining enough oxygen. This could point to a lung condition, such as emphysema. Bluish nails may be connected with certain cardiac conditions. Nails having a bluish colouring or with a purplish undertone usually signify that the body isn’t getting enough oxygen and may indicate a condition known as cyanosis. When bluish discoloration occurs in the lanula, the disorder is called ‘azure lunula’.
Puffy Nail Folds
Chronic paronychia produces inflammation, redness, soreness, and swelling in the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. Although allergies or irritations are often the cause, other possible causes include psoriasis, other infections, or the fungus Candida Albicans. It is commonly treated with topical steroids.
Dark Lines Under the Nail
This nail darkening is known as melanonychia, and the pigment melanin produces it. There are various probable reasons, including skin cancer, infection, and traumatic damage. There are several reasons for the appearance of a vertical brown or black streak stretching from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. It could be a sign of kidney disease or melanoma.
Changes in nail colour are only a minor sign of underlying health issues, but they should not be overlooked. If you notice any of the changes listed above in your nails, see a doctor as soon as possible to have them diagnosed.
Gnawed Nails
Biting your nails may be a simple habit, but in certain situations, it is a symptom of chronic worry that can be treated. Nail biting and picking have been connected to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you find yourself unable to stop, consult your doctor.
Conclusion
Although nail variations are common in many illnesses, they are rarely the initial indicator. Many nail anomalies are not harmful; not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If you are concerned about the appearance of your fingernails and health, consult your doctor or dermatologist. Your nails can reveal a lot about your health and your lifestyle might sometimes cause your nails’ state, or they can be a sign of something more serious. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the appearance or feel of your nails, you should consult with a healthcare specialist to understand better about healthy nails colour.
Overall, hundreds of medical ailments, syndromes, and diseases can induce nail colour change disease. So, if your nails change or seem odd, talk to your doctor or consult a dermatologist to evaluate the underlying problem and determine whether any treatment is required. While it is not always feasible to prevent underlying diseases that affect your nails, you can take care of them by staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet. Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin B and zinc, as these nutrients help you have strong nails.
