Did you know that your fingernails can reveal a lot about the state of your health?
Color changes, small bumps, ridges, and breakage can all point to serious underlying health issues and should be taken seriously.
Healthy nails are generally smooth, strong and consistent in color. Here are indications that there may be underlying health issues that you need to pay attention to.
#1 Rippled nails
Rippled nails
Healthy nails generally do not have contours like these and are smooth in their texture. Ripples on your nails are indicative of an early onset of psoriasis or it may indicate towards inflammatory arthritis. The color may not change but you can observe slightly darker shades of red/brown on the skin below the nails.
#2 Dark lines
Dark lines
Dark lines on the fingernails should get you alarmed and in the office of your doctor. They are definitive indicators of serious health issues and should not be ignored under any circumstances. Melanoma, one of the deadliest types of skin cancer can be one of the primary reasons for the darkness on your nails.
#3 Cracked nails
Cracked nails
Cracked nails are an obvious indicator of health issues. Thyroid diseases are the most common reason behind the cracking of nails but they may happen for other reasons as well. If your fingernails are cracking and also showing a yellow hue, it might easily be a case of fungal infection. Get them checked immediately.
#4 White nails
White nails
Nails are usually not white in color but if you see that they are turning whiter, you’ll need to pay attention. Whitening of nails indicate problems with your liver. They indicate emerging problems like Hepatitis or Jaundice or something else closely related to your liver. Getting a thorough check-up would be a good idea if you see this change.
#5 Bluish nails
Bluish nails
A blue hue to your nails or the emergence of a blue tint on your fingernails indicates problems of oxygen supply to your body. It means that your body parts are not receiving enough oxygen supply. Problems like emphysema could become a concern. It also happens if your lungs are not performing well or if you have heart problems. The emergence of blue color should indicate an immediate lifestyle change and a visit to your physician.
#6 Yellow nails
Yellow nails
Yellow nails are somewhat more common than others. It is usually caused by fungal infections and in some cases, it may lead to your nails thickening and crumbling. But, if it not a fungal infection problem then it might indicate some serious issues like thyroid disease, lung disease, or psoriasis.
#7 Pale nails
Pale nails
Nails are not supposed to look pale. Healthy nails generally have some color to them spread evenly. Paleness of your fingernails may indicate some serious health issues like malnutrition, anemia, liver disease or even heart failure. We suggest wholeheartedly that you do not ignore it if it happens and get a consultation with your physician soon.
#8 Gnawed nails
Gnawed nails
Gnawed nails are usually a result of nail-biting as nails generally don’t degrade this way. If you find yourself gnawing on your nails, it may indicate persistent anxiety issues and may even lead to an obsessive-compulsive situation for you. The problem may be psychological and well worth getting checked out.
#9 Puffy nail fold
Puffy nail fold
The appearance of puffiness around your fingernails is called the inflammation of the nail fold and can indicate the onset of lupus. Besides that, it could also be a result of some infection which you may have contracted from unhealthy sources.
Your nails are a window into your overall health. Ignoring warning signs of an underlying issue is not wise. Keep a watch on them, observe any discoloration, bumps, or marks and make sure you get them checked out.
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