Nails and Health: Read the Signs




Did you know your nails can reveal
clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or
some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the
liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails. Keep reading to learn what
secrets your nails might reveal.





Pale Nails




Very pale nails can sometimes be a
sign of serious illness, such as:

• Anemia
  
• Congestive heart failure
  
• Liver disease
  
• Malnutrition
  

White Nails




If the nails are mostly white with
darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. In this
image, you can see the fingers are also jaundiced, another sign of liver
trouble.






Yellow Nails




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






Bluish Nails




Nails with a bluish tint can mean
the body isn't getting enough oxygen. This could indicate an infection in the
lungs, such as pneumonia. Some heart problems can be associated with bluish
nails.






Rippled Nails




If the nail surface is rippled or
pitted, 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, brittle nails that frequently
crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting
combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.






Puffy Nail Fold




If the skin around the nail
appears 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 investigated 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 benefit 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.






Nails Are Only Part of the Puzzle




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 a dermatologist.

THANKS TOUTY