What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health
Fingernails can reveal valuable clues about your health. While brittle or discolored nails are often harmless—caused by aging, injury, or poor nutrition—certain changes can point to underlying conditions.
Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, says weak or peeling nails typically reflect poor diet or digestion. However, persistent or unusual nail changes should be checked by a doctor, especially if accompanied by fatigue, swelling, or other symptoms.
Common Nail Conditions:
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Beau’s lines: Horizontal grooves caused by illness or stress, such as infections or chemotherapy.
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Clubbing: Downward-curving nails with swollen fingertips may signal heart or lung disease.
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Spooning: Concave nails can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, often seen post-pregnancy.
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Pitting: Small dents may be linked to skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
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Melanoma: A dark vertical streak could be a sign of nail cancer and requires immediate attention.
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Terry’s nails: Mostly white nails with a reddish tip may suggest liver disease or diabetes.
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Yellow nails: Usually fungal, but in rare cases tied to systemic issues like thyroid or lung disease.
Although not all nail changes are serious, recurring or dramatic alterations warrant a medical evaluation to rule out or manage underlying health conditions.
