If your eyes lead us into your soul, your nails are similar to your overall health. Weak, cracked, discolored, or misshapen nails can mean more than that you’re overdue for a manicure.
According to primary care physician Thomas Nguyen, MD, from Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, the state of your nails can tell you a lot about overall well-being, and even be a signifier of serious conditions. This guide tells you what your nails can reveal about your overall health, and when you should see a physician.
Your nails are part of your skin, the largest organ in your body. They protect your fingers and toes from harm.
When your nails don’t look right, they can be a mirror of other problems in your body. These can range from more minor issues, such as stress, to major health conditions.
Any changes in your nails can be a symptom of health problems. In particular, look out for these problems in your finger or toenails:
Clubbed nails are nails that swell and appear to be rounded. You can think of them as looking similar to a spoon when you hold it upside down.
Clubbing can indicate several serious health problems. These include lung cancer, lung infections, kidney disease, heart problems, and celiac disease.
Your nails can turn various colors. Among the most common are yellow, purple, brown, or white streaks or spots on the nails.
These types of discoloration can mean nothing or be easily attributed to aging, trauma to the nail, a smoking habit, or a mole under the nail. However, they can also be caused by fungus, kidney, liver, and thyroid issues, psoriasis, diabetes, and melanoma.
Nails can soften, become brittle, and crack. The most common reasons for nail dryness are frequent exposure to water, regular contact with certain common chemicals, and getting older.
These symptoms can also be less commonly associated with thyroid problems or calcium, iron, or vitamin B deficiencies.
You can develop ridges on your nails that either move horizontally or vertically. Vertical ridges are common in older adults and are not usually a sign of problems unless you have other symptoms.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can be a sign of kidney problems, an illness, or a reaction to medication. You can also develop any kind of ridge from trauma or injury to a nail.
Usually, peeling nails comes from an external issue, like trauma or leaving your nails in water for long periods. If all your nails are peeling at once, you could also have a systemic problem like iron deficiency.
Problems with your nails don’t always mean you have a more serious condition. If the changes are minor or easily attributable to a cause like trauma to the nail, there’s no need to get medical attention.
However, if you notice any unusual changes to your nails, you should contact our team for a preventive health care appointment. We diagnose the underlying cause, begin treatment as needed, and can also help you care for your nails.
We also evaluate your nails as part of your annual physical, a whole-body examination. Contact us today to discuss any concerns you have about your nails and any potentially connected symptoms.
