It is important to examine our nails regularly and check for discolorations and changes in the shape and structure of the nails. Our nails are rarely the first clues to a disease, but nonetheless, it is valuable to know that certain diseases manifest in our nails. Being able to discern between serious and less serious signs of our nails will allow us to know when to seek advice and when we can take steps to fix the problem ourselves. Overall, nail health remains an important part of a healthy body.

To notice abnormalities, we must first become familiar with what a normal nail should look like. A healthy nail is semi-transparent, light pink in color, and intact at the nail bed. The white crescent (or lunula) is visible just above the cuticle. Examining your nails may not provide an absolute diagnostic tool, but if you notice the changes below and have any concerns, talk to your doctor.

What do changes in nail color reveal?

• yellow nail syndrome it is a yellow discoloration of the nails and can indicate respiratory and lymphatic conditions. Other features of yellow nail syndrome include thickening of the nails, stunted new growth, and there may even be detachment of the nail bed in some cases.
• terry’s nails It manifests in dull-looking nails with a dark band at the tip of the nail. Although the condition may simply be due to aging, it can also indicate more serious conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, or malnutrition.
• dark spots in the nail can indicate something as serious as skin cancer (melanoma). Get medical advice about this condition as soon as possible.
• Deep Blue Nail Beds or pale blue nails can be indicative of asthma, emphysema, or anemia, as it points to a decrease in oxygen supply.
• green nails may indicate a fungal infection
• white spots in the nails do not point to a deficiency of zinc or calcium, but to an injury. Since the spots appear up to 5 weeks after the injury, it can be difficult to remember the incident that caused the injury. The injury may be minor trauma, such as excessive pressure on the nail, or it may even indicate an allergic reaction to certain nail products, such as nail polishes or nail hardeners. The white spots eventually grow larger and in about 7 months they may disappear.
• white nail color it can possibly reveal liver or kidney disorders. However, when these symptoms appear in the nails, you may have noticed other symptoms.

What do changes in nail structure reveal?

• nail bites they have small depressions in the nail and it is common in psoriasis, which is a skin condition that causes scaly patches. Therefore, the symptoms will also have been seen on the skin. Injuries to the nails can also cause itching, and sometimes the condition can cause the nails to crumble. It is generally associated with conditions that damage the cuticle, such as chronic finger dermatitis or an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
• nail clubs It is characterized by enlargement of the fingertips and the nails curling around the fingertips. It is the result of decreased oxygen levels in the blood and could be a sign of lung disease. It has also been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease.
• In spoon nails the nails are smooth and seem pulled out. The depression in the nail is usually large enough to hold a drop of fluid. This condition points to iron deficiency anemia.
• Beau’s lines They are horizontal notches that can appear when growth under the cuticle is interrupted by injury or diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory diseases, pneumonia or other diseases associated with high fever or malnutrition. Nail growth can also be disrupted by other factors, such as weather, pregnancy, age, and stress. Digestive tract infections can also affect nail growth. In rare cases, the lines may indicate poisoning.
• In onycholysis the nail separates from the underlying nail bed. It can be caused by an injury, thyroid disease, reactions to medications or nail products. The condition has also been associated with psoriasis.
• vertical ridges in the nails it can be both superficial and deep. Shallow grooves may simply be due to lack of moisture or the normal aging process. Deeper ridges may indicate arthritis or decreased circulation to the nail bed.
• split nails dry and brittle have been linked to thyroid conditions. If it is also combined with a yellowish color, it may be due to a fungal infection. Exposure to harsh detergents can also cause nails to split.

Interesting facts about your nails:

• They grow four times faster than toenails.
• The middle finger nail grows faster while the thumb nail grows more slowly.
• Your nails grow at a rate of about 1/8 inch (3 mm) per month
• Nails grow faster during pregnancy
• The nails on your dominant hand (the hand that writes) grow faster as writing stimulates blood flow.
• Nails grow faster in hot weather
• Men have nails that grow faster than women.

To see pictures of what these changes in nail color and structure look like, click here.