6 things your nails reveal about your health
The body has a unique way of giving hints about your health. According to dermatologist John Anthony, a quick glance at your nails can tell you volumes about your whole-body health.
Anthony and Bebra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules, spoke to Health.com about the top seven nail symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Clubbing
“Clubbing of the nails—when the ends of your fingers swell and the nail becomes curved and rounded—can sometimes be a sign of liver or kidney disease,” says Dr Anthony. Chat to your doctor if you experience this.
White spots
It’s often said that small white spots on the nails are an indication of calcium deficiency, but Dr Anthony says that’s not always the case. “They’re often the result of minor trauma, such as if you whack your finger against something, and aren’t generally to do with calcium.”
Yellow nails
Nails can naturally turn a yellow tinge with age, “But it’s also sometimes due to nail lacquers or acrylic nails,” says Dr Anthony. If your nails are usually covered in a thick layer of gloss, try giving them a few days off to recover.
Dents
If your nails are covered with small dents or pits, speak to a health professional Dr Jaliman says it could be a sign of psoriasis.
Dry, cracked or brittle nails
According to Dr Jaliman, this is a common problem and there are a few possible causes. “Soft, brittle nails can occur from dryness on the nail plate,” she explains. This could be from swimming, using nail polish remover too often or frequently dishwashing without gloves.
Horizontal ridges
Bumps or consistent ridges from side-to-side on a nail can be a sign of trauma to the nail. When your body is busy fighting an illness, it tends to allocate energy to the important parts, rather than nail repair. “Your body is literally saying, ‘I’ve got better things to do than make nails’ and pauses their growth,” Dr Anthony tells Health.
Concave nails
“Spoon nails” are very thin and form a concave shape. Dr Jalimen says if you have this issue, it’s worth consulting a doctor. “This is usually a sign of iron deficiency anaemia,” she explains, which can be treated with iron supplements.
Image: Getty