Take a moment to examine your fingernails. If they’re free from polish (which is likely during these pandemic times), you might notice various characteristics. Are they long, strong, and resilient? Or perhaps they’re thin and bendable? Do they peel easily? Some individuals may notice vertical or horizontal ridges, while others might see small white spots on their nails. Variations in color, puffiness, thickness, or lifting from the nail bed can all provide clues about your overall health.
Your nails are primarily composed of keratin, the same protein found in hair and the outer layer of skin cells, as reported by Healthline. The visible part of the nail is dead tissue, making nail trimming a painless process (a great fact to share with kids, right?). Nails grow from the cuticle at a rate of about 3.5 millimeters each month, which is roughly a tenth of a millimeter daily. If you lose a nail, it could take up to six months to fully regrow, and even longer for thumbs. Healthline notes that nails tend to grow faster on your dominant hand, in the summertime, and during the day. Pregnancy can speed up growth, while nursing may slow it down.
Given that nails grow rapidly and renew visibly, they can reveal a lot about your health status. Conditions like thyroid issues or malnutrition may show through your nails. Here’s a breakdown of common nail conditions and what they signify.
Vertical Lines on Fingernails
One prevalent issue is the appearance of vertical lines on nails. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, similar to hair loss during stressful times, stress can manifest as lines on your fingernails. And let’s be honest, who isn’t feeling stressed these days?
Brittle, Cracking, or Splitting Nails
Nails that crack or split are often a sign of malnutrition, according to Medical News Today. Aging and lifestyle choices also play a role, as do thyroid disease and anemia, as noted by Penn Medicine. A low thyroid means your gland isn’t producing enough hormones, which can be confirmed through a blood test. Anemia occurs when red blood cells lack sufficient hemoglobin to transport oxygen, which can also be diagnosed with blood tests.
Spots on Your Nails
There are various types of spots that can appear on nails—some harmless, some potentially serious. Random white spots are known as leukonychia, indicating possible malnutrition or infections during nail growth, according to Medical News Today. Changes in nail color are common complaints among dermatologists, and discolorations could signify benign moles or even cancerous melanomas. If you notice discoloration under your nailbed, consult your doctor.
Nail Color Changes
Pale nails may indicate malnutrition, anemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease, according to Aurora Healthcare. Yellow nails could point to fungal infections, chronic bronchitis, or, in rare cases, lung disease or diabetes. Blue nails suggest a lack of oxygen, raising concerns about heart or lung health, or possibly a reaction to cold or excessive silver intake. If discoloration is due to a bacterial infection, expect additional symptoms such as redness or swelling.
Ridges on Your Nails
Beau’s Lines, which are horizontal lines across the nail, can signal malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, or diabetes. They may also appear after illnesses like scarlet fever or pneumonia during nail growth.
Lifting Nails
When a nail begins to lift from the nail bed, it can indicate various issues, including medication side effects, thyroid disease, fungal infections, or trauma. It’s wise to have this checked by a healthcare professional.
Fungal Infections
Although fungal infections are more frequently associated with toenails, they can occur in fingernails too. Symptoms include yellowing, brittleness, thickening, or distortion in shape.
So, keep an eye on your nails; they can provide vital information about your health. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t resort to self-diagnosis. Instead, consult your healthcare provider for peace of mind.
For further reading, check out this blog post for more insights on health and wellness. Additionally, Make A Mom offers valuable resources on insemination-related topics. For pregnancy advice, visit Kindbody, which provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Your fingernails are a window into your health, revealing signs of stress, malnutrition, or other health issues. Observing changes in color, texture, or shape can help you identify potential health concerns. Always consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and advice.