Nails and Health

Your nails can expose hints to your complete health. A touch of white here, a rosy touch there, or some swelling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can expose in your nails.

Pale Nails

Very pale nails can sometimes be a sign of serious illness, such as anemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease and malnutrition.

White Nails

If the nails are mostly white with darker edges, this can show liver problems, such as hepatitis and jaundiced.

Yellow Nails

One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection gets worse, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can show a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.

Bluish Nails

Nails with a bluish touch can mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This could specify a lung problem, such as emphysema. Some heart problems can be related with bluish nails.

Rippled Nails

If the nail surface is rippled or rough, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown. 

Cracked or Split Nails

Dry, breakable nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish sort is more likely due to a fungal infection.

Puffy Nail Fold

If the skin around the nail seems red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness and inflammation of the nail fold.

Dark Lines beneath the Nail

Dark lines beneath the nail should be examined as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Gnawed Nails

Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it’s a sign of persistent anxiety that could advantage from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can’t stop, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

Though nail changes accompany many conditions, these changes are rarely the first sign. And many nail abnormalities are harmless — not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your nails, see your doctor or a dermatologist.

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