Your nails tell you a lot about your health. Of course, Dr.
Carm is talking about your real nails—not the painted or fake ones. Have you ever noticed when you were at the doctor's how he or she either commented on something (like a ring) or examined your hands? This is
because he or she was looking for signs of any problems or illnesses.
So, go clean your nails and removed the artificial gunk off
for this next posting.
When looking at these descriptions you want to look near the
base of the nail for the coloring. A normal nail should be smooth and clear
(meaning you can see the skin underneath the nail—so slightly pinkish.)
Beau's Line Nails
Beau's lines are indentations across the nails. It can be
caused by injury or illness that interrupts the growth of the cuticle. It can
also be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high fever,
measles, mumps, pneumonia, or zinc deficiency.3
Blue Nails
Bluish nails are a sign that the body is not receiving enough
oxygen, which is common in lung infections (pneumonia). In addition, some heart
problems cause the fingernails to become blue.2
Club Nails
Club nails are enlarged fingertips with the nails curved
around it. This may be a result of low oxygen and various types of lung
disease. It is also associated with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease),
cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and AIDS.3
Cracked or Split Nails
Dry, brittle nails that crack or split are often associated
with thyroid disease. If the nails are also yellow, then this is a sign of a
fungal infection.2
Dark Lines Beneath the Nail
Dark lines beneath the nail can be caused by melanoma and
should be seen by a doctor immediately.2
Gnawed Nails
Nail biting is often a sign of an anxiety disorder and has also
been linked to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).2
Pale Nails
Pale nails can be a sign of anemia, congestive heart
failure, liver disease, and malnutrition.2
Pitted Nails
A small depression in the nails is common in people who have psoriasis. It can also be related to connective tissue disorders (i.e.,
Reiter's syndrome), alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease), or inflammatory arthritis.2,3
Puffy Nail Folds
If the skin around the nails is puffy and red, it may be due
to lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infections are also a cause.2
Separated Nails (onycholysis)
Nails that are loose or separated from the nail bed are
sometimes associated with injury or infection. However, it can also be associated
with a reaction to a particular drug or product (such as nail hardeners or
adhesives). In addition, it can be a sign of thyroid disease or psoriasis.3
Spoon Nails (koilonychia)
These are soft nails that scoop out. The middle of the nail
is dented enough to hold a drop of liquid. Spoon nails are a sign of iron
deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis (a liver condition that makes your body
absorb too much iron from food). It can also be a sign of heart disease and
hypothyroidism.3
Terry's Nails
If the tip of each nail has a dark band, it can be due to
aging; but more serious conditions can be liver disease, congestive heart
failure, or diabetes.3
White Nails
White nails with darker rims are a sign of liver problems
(hepatitis). In this case, you might also notice your fingers might also be
jaundiced (yellow).2
Yellow Nails
Yellow can be a sign of a fungal infection. If the infection
is not treated, it may grow worse causing the nail to become thick and then
crumble. Other conditions that cause yellow nails include severe thyroid
disease, lung disease, respiratory disease (chronic bronchitis), diabetes, lymph
edema, or psoriasis.2,3
Some Final Facts1:
- Fingernails
grow an average of only 0.1 millimeter (mm) each day, whereas toenails
grow 1 mm per month. Individual nail growth rates depend on age, time of
year, activity level, and heredity.
- Nails grow
faster on fingers — especially on your dominant hand — than toes.
- Women's
nails grow more slowly than men's, except possibly during pregnancy.
- Nails grow
more rapidly in summer than in winter.
- Nail
growth is affected by disease, nutrition, medications, trauma, chronic
illness, fever, and the aging process.
If you have any concerns about your nails, please see your physician.
1American Academy of Dermatology (2012).
Retrieved from http://www.aad.org
2Martin, L. J. (Sept. 2011). Nail health picture
slideshow: What your nails say about your health. Retrieve from
http://www.medicinenet.com
3Mayo Clinic (Dec 2, 2011). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com
