What Are Your Nails Telling You?

Nails can often tell us a lot about our health. While many people consider them to be mere accessories for aesthetic purposes, examining our nails can provide us with useful information about our overall physical health. There are a number of different nail conditions or signs which can indicate various issues – from nutritional deficiencies, to disease, to medication side-effects.

To start with, some basic signs of nail health are good to look out for. Generally healthy nails are smooth, consistent in color, and the thickness should be even along the full length of the nail. When the nails become brittle, their edges might break off easily, or they can start to look weak and curved instead of straight. Discoloration in the nails can often indicate an underlying condition, although if it appears on an isolated nail it could simply be due to an injury or the natural color of the nail. In any case, it’s important to pay attention to discoloration and get it checked out with a doctor if it doesn’t resolve on its own.

Other signs of potential health issues can sometimes appear on the nails as well. Many nutritional deficiencies can show themselves as ridges or white spots on the nails, which may indicate a lack of iron, calcium, vitamin B, or zinc. If the entire nail is white, it can indicate a possible illness like a fungal infection. In more severe cases, yellow nails can indicate underlying lung or liver problems, while purple nails can be a sign of a circulatory issue. If a person notices any changes to their nail color or structure, they should visit a doctor to get their symptoms checked out.

In addition to issues related to physical health, nails can also be affected by various types of medication. Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can lead to changes in the nails. Usually these changes will pass once the medication is stopped, but it’s important to tell your doctor if you experience any changes in your nails while taking a new medication.

Overall, our nails can tell us a lot about our health. If any changes are noticed, it’s important to visit a doctor to get it evaluated. In the meantime, the health of our nails can often be maintained by making sure we keep our hands and nails clean and moisturized. With proper care, our nails can remain healthy and provide us with useful information about our physical health.