Nails as an indicator of general health

Nails can be helpful in gauging your general health and should be a healthy pink color. However, some signs may indicate problems, and with this in mind we have listed a few general indications, where your nails may show possible problems.

on this page Blue nails Brittle nails Brown spots under nails Cracking of nails Clubbing of fingers and nails Color bands Curving of nails Darkening of nails on the sides Flat nails Red or brown lines Nails separated from the nail bed Nails peeling in layers Ridges Splitting nails Spooning of nails Thick nails White spots White areas under nails Yellow nails

• Blue nails

  • May be indicative of pulmonary obstruction, emphysema or lung disease.

• Brittle nails

  • May be indicative of an iron deficiency, thyroid problems, circulatory problems or poor kidney function, but in general this is due to over exposure to chemicals such as washing powder, dish washing liquid, car washing preparations, as well as harsh chemicals such as paint, turpentine, nail polish remover etc.

• Brown spots under nails

  • May be indicative of psoriasis.

• Cracking

  • May indicate a deficiency of protein or minerals.

• Clubbing of fingers and nails

  • Extreme rounding of the nails is often a sign of pulmonary, lung or intestinal disease.

• Color bands

  • In Caucasian people, color bands under the nail may indicate cancer, while in non-Caucasian people it is usually a normal occurrence.

• Curving

  • May indicate hypo or hyper thyroid, iron deficiency or psoriasis.

• Darkening of nails (on the sides)

  • This may be indicative of kidney disease.

• Flat nails

  • May be indicative of vitamin B 12 deficiency or of Raynaud's disease that affects the circulation.

• Lines (red or brown)

  • Splinter hemorrhage shows up as red or brown lines along the long axis of the nail and may be caused by endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart membranes) or trichinosis (a parasitic infection from undercooked pork).

• Nails separated from the nail bed

  • May be indicative of a bacterial or fungal infection under the nail or could indicate a thyroid problem.

• Peeling of nails (in layers)

  • Could indicate very dry nails and you could do with more moisturizing hand lotion or cuticle massage cream.

• Ridges

  • Vertical lines are considered normal.

• Splitting nails

  • May indicate trauma to the nail or a vitamin deficiency.

• Spooning of nails

  • May be caused by an iron deficiency.

• Thick nails

  • May be indicative of poor blood circulation to the nail.

• White spots

  • In most cases this is due to a zinc deficiency or injuries to the nail bed. It can however also be indicative of certain internal problems such as arthritis, or from poisoning.

• White nails

  • May be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia.

• White areas under nails

  • When there are white areas visible under the nail, normally at the tip of the nail where it joins the nail bed, this normally indicates a fungal infection and must be treated medically.

• Yellow nails

  • Can be indicative of problems with the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetes or liver.

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