When most people look at their fingernails, they think about what color they should be painted or whether or not they need a little trim. Most people never think about what their nails have to say about their health.
More often than not, serious conditions or diseases make an appearance in the nails before they do in any other part of the body. Fingernails are made of keratin, a hardened protein that is also found in skin and hair. This is the reason why they will change if their is a change in the body.
Thick or yellow nails could indicate a fungal infection. This is more commonly found in toenails but can be found in fingernails as well. The worst thing about fungal infections is that they tend to bounce back. Here is a great home treatment that will help!
Dark lines in nails are just like moles on the body. It means that there is extra melanoma in that area. However, like moles, they need to be watched for sudden changes as this could signify a form of cancer.
Pale nails, that are almost white in color, could be a sign of anemia, malnutrition, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. This is because the body is lacking the protein to make strong nails.
Small cracks or grooves in the nails could be a sign of psoriasis. This is not only a cosmetic issue. Nail psoriasis can cause a person a great amount of pain and doctors are not sure why it happens.
Cracking or brittle nails, that are not yellow, have been linked to thyroid problems. This is because the thyroid is responsible for many different functions of the body including nail growth.
Blue nails are where the skin under the nail is blue in color. This means the body is not getting enough oxygen. Lung problems like emphysema and heart problems cause this.
Horizontal white lines that run across the nails are called Muehrcke's lines. They could be an indicator of kidney or liver disease because their appearance can indicate a lack of albumin, which is made in the liver.
It is important to remember that all these signs are not confirmation of any disease. However, if your nails change drastically, you should seek medical attention. It could be a warning sign of a more serious health problem.
Let’s take a look at these 7 warning signs and see what they mean!
1. Yellow or Thick Nails
Thick or yellow nails could indicate a fungal infection. This is more commonly found in toenails but can be found in fingernails as well. The worst thing about fungal infections is that they tend to bounce back. Here is a great home treatment that will help!
2. Dark Lines
Dark lines in nails are just like moles on the body. It means that there is extra melanoma in that area. However, like moles, they need to be watched for sudden changes as this could signify a form of cancer.
3. Pale Nails
Pale nails, that are almost white in color, could be a sign of anemia, malnutrition, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. This is because the body is lacking the protein to make strong nails.
4. Cracks and Grooves
Small cracks or grooves in the nails could be a sign of psoriasis. This is not only a cosmetic issue. Nail psoriasis can cause a person a great amount of pain and doctors are not sure why it happens.
5. Brittle Nails
Cracking or brittle nails, that are not yellow, have been linked to thyroid problems. This is because the thyroid is responsible for many different functions of the body including nail growth.
6. Bluish Nails
Blue nails are where the skin under the nail is blue in color. This means the body is not getting enough oxygen. Lung problems like emphysema and heart problems cause this.
7. White Lines
Horizontal white lines that run across the nails are called Muehrcke's lines. They could be an indicator of kidney or liver disease because their appearance can indicate a lack of albumin, which is made in the liver.
It is important to remember that all these signs are not confirmation of any disease. However, if your nails change drastically, you should seek medical attention. It could be a warning sign of a more serious health problem.
