Your nails and Your Health
The nail is composed of a hardened protein called keratin. It protects the tissue of your toes and fingers. But what you might not know is that your nails also reflect your health. Healthy nails are pink, smooth, have even shape, and are often a sign of good health; however, they may change in texture and color, signifying poor health.
A person should be observant with the color and texture of their nails. Nail abnormalities are also an indication of serious medical conditions. They are often a result of bacterial and fungal infections, ingrown nails, tumors and warts, injuries, and certain diseases.
Certain medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and heart disease may manifest themselves through the nails. Nails that are discolored, brittle, dry, pitted, opaque, curled, thickened, separated from the nail beds, or have horizontal ridges are apparent signs of a health problem.
Here is a list of the common nail abnormalities and their associated diseases:
- Brittle nails signify iron deficiency. They may also be caused by other medical conditions.
- Discolored nails: [1]
- White nails are associated with liver diseases such as hepatitis.
- Yellow nails are associated with lung diseases, and diabetes.
- Half white and half pink nails are a symptom of kidney diseases.
- Red nail beds are a sign of heart diseases.
- Pale or white nails may signify anemia.
- Dark lines beneath the nail are symbolic of melanoma.
- Ridges. Horizontal ridges called beau’s lines may be caused by an illness, an injury, or malnutrition. [2] Vertical ridges are a sign of aging and are not a health concern.
- Pitted nails are one of the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Nails that are separated from the nail beds may indicate thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and also psoriasis.
- Irregular shaped nails may be caused by ingrown nails, or warts.
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