The nails may seem like the least important part of the body, but the truth is that they can convey important messages the body has to give and the do that with the color, texture and shape.
Some of the times they can inform you of some less serious issues that may happen but in some cases, they can give off signs of a severe disease going on and even cancer.
Discoloration or thickening of the nails can be one other way of manifesting certain issues like lung disease, anemia or diabetes. Here are some common symptoms and signs that the nails give off and what they could mean for your health:
Yellow Nails:
Not groomed and yellow nails can mean frequent use of nail polish, ageing or smoking. These are the harmless symptoms that mean you have to take better care of the nail. Yellow nails can also mean respiratory issues, diabetes, psoriasis and thyroid issues.
Brittle and Cracked Nails:
Cracking and splitting nails can be a sign of a thyroid imbalance and fungus. Other than that, it can mean that you have your hands in water too often and use polish cleaner.
Clubbing:
Clubbing is enlargement of the nail and that may mean that the blood flow and thus the oxygen flow is interrupted and a heart attack might occur as well as kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
White Spots:
This is the most harmless sign there is and it indicated nail trauma. That means that they are too tired from having work done on them and with them. Relax them and nourish them with some extra vitamins.
Vertical Ridges:
This type of pattern and texture mean ageing. This usually happens to elderly people as they grow old and it is nothing to be concerned about.
Horizontal Ridges:
This can mean zinc deficit, diabetes, psoriasis and trouble with the blood circulation. It is also called Beau’s lines and they can sometimes indicate a pause in nail growth.
Pitting:
Nail pitting can be caused by tissue conditions but more often it is a clear-cut sign of psoriasis.
Spoon Nails:
When your nails tend to curve like a spoon at the ends that means that you have a deficit of some mineral or vitamin and maybe suffer from hypothyroidism or a heart disease.
Dark Discolorations:
If you suddenly discover some dark patches or discolorations on the nails consult the doctor immediately because it may be a sign of melanoma.
A Strip of Pink:
This can mean diabetes, heart issues, kidney failure and liver illness.
