Nails can be helpful in gauging your general health and should be a healthy pink color, and some signs may indicate problems, and with this in mind we have listed a few general problems.
Please note - this information regarding your nails mirroring your general health, is provided for information purposes only, and should NOT be used to diagnose or treat any illness. If in doubt regarding your health, please consult your doctor.
Also keep in mind that your nails may look a particular way for another reason totally unrelated to your health, but could be due to mechanical or environmental influences. Your beauty therapist and manicurist should also be able to guide you in this field.
Blue nails
May be indicative of pulmonary obstruction, emphysema or lung disease.
Brittle nails
May be indicative of an iron deficiency, thyroid problems, circulatory problems or kidney functions, but in general this is due to over exposure to chemicals such as washing powder, dish washing liquid, car washing preparations as well as harsh chemicals such as paint, turpentine, nail polish remover etc.
Brown spots under nails
May be indicative of psoriasis.
Cracking
May indicate a deficiency of protein or minerals.
Clubbing of fingers and nails
Extreme rounding of the nails is often a sign of pulmonary, lung or intestinal disease.
Color bands
In Caucasian people, color bands under the nail may indicate cancer, while in non-Caucasian people it is usually a normal occurrence.
Curving
May indicate hypo or hyper thyroid, iron deficiency or psoriasis.
Darkening of nails (on the sides)
This may be indicative of kidney disease.
Flat nails
May be indicative of vitamin B 12 deficiency or of Raynaud's disease that affects the circulation.
Lines (red or brown)
Splinter hemorrhage shows up as red or brown lines along the long axis of the nail and may be caused by endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart membranes) or trichinosis (a parasitic infection from undercooked pork).
Nails separated from the nail bed
May be indicative of a bacterial or fungal infection under the nail or could indicate a thyroid problem.
Peeling of nails (in layers)
Could indicate very dry nails and you could do with more moisturizing hand lotion or cuticle massage cream.
Ridges
Vertical lines are considered normal.
Splitting nails
May indicate trauma to the nail or a vitamin deficiency.
Spooning of nails
May be caused by an iron deficiency.
Thick nails
May be indicative of poor blood circulation to the nail.
White spots
In most cases this is due to a zinc deficiency or injuries to the nail bed. It can however also be indicative of certain internal problems such as arthritis, or from poisoning.
White nails
May be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia.
White areas under nails
When there are white areas visible under the nail, normally at the tip of the nail where it joins the nail bed, this normally indicates a fungal infection and must be treated medically.
Yellow nails
Can be indicative of problems with the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetes or liver.
If you suffer from or what is commonly called nail fungus, you may like to try a simple home remedy that has been very successful in getting rid of nail fungus known as the Vinegar Cure For Toe Nail Fungus method.
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This article is general information ONLY and is NOT a substitute for medical advice or treatment
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