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Most of us don’t pay that much attention to our fingernail health. Oh, we’ll trim or file them to keep them looking neat, but that’s about it. But did you know that your fingernail health can actually tell you a lot about your overall health?
If you see abnormalities in your fingernails – or your toenails, for that matter – that could be a sign something is wrong. These are just a few examples. Read on for tips on maintaining healthy nails, too.
Fingernail Ridges
If you see horizontal indentations on your fingernails (also known as “Beau’s lines”), these fingernail ridges could be a sign that you have some sort of illness. You could have a fever, or even a problem with your vascular system.
Ridges on fingernails could also mean you’re deficient in zinc, a mineral that is important not just to your nail health, but your overall health as well.1
Discolored Nails
Now, the type of potential health problem associated with discolored nails depends on the type of discoloration.
For example, if your nails are blue, that could be a sign of a blood vessel disorder that makes it hard for blood to get to the surface of the skin. As a result, areas like your fingernails can take on a bluish tint.2
If you notice brown discoloration under a nail, especially a brown line that extends to your cuticle, that could be a warning sign of serious problems.3 Get to a dermatologist as soon as you can to get it checked out – even if you have otherwise healthy nails.
Club-Shaped Nails
If your fingernails appear curved, or the tips of your fingers look somewhat like a club, that could be a cause for concern. This shape can sometimes develop quickly – in as little as a few weeks – and it could be a sign that you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood.
Nail clubbing can also be a sign of other problems, such as heart, lung, or liver issues.4
Spoon Nails
Also known as koilonychia, spoon nails take on the shape of a scoop. This can be an indication of heart problems, liver disease, or thyroid issues.5
White Nails
Many people associate white nails, or white spots on nails, with problems such as a zinc or calcium deficiency. But the truth is that if you have white nails, or white spots on your nails, you don’t have to worry. The chances are good you have healthy nails.
White nails or nail spots could be due to a previous injury to your fingernails or toenails, or you might simply be having some sort of reaction to nail polish.6
Yellow Nails
Yellow fingernails or toenails are often thick. This is because the growth of the nail has slowed for some reason. This can sometimes be a sign of a respiratory problem.7
If you are a smoker, and you have yellow nails, that is probably due to nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. It may indicate you are at a higher risk for diseases affecting the lungs – especially if your nails are curved in a club-like shape.8
Terry’s Nails
This condition is characterized by a pink band on the plate of the nail. Most of the time, this occurs due to some sort of liver problem. Terry’s Nails can also appear on the fingernails and toenails of people who have had a kidney transplant.9
By the way, the condition is named after Richard Terry. He’s the researcher who first described the abnormality.10
Vertical Lines on Nails
Vertical lines on your fingernails could merely indicate a previous injury. But in most instances, it is simply a sign of age. Many people develop vertical lines on nails as they get older.11
How to Keep Healthy Nails
Even if you don’t notice anything odd with your fingernails or toenails, you might want to know how to keep your nails looking their best. There are several things you can do to ensure your nail health. Here are just a few.
→ Don’t bite – If you want the best fingernail health possible, don’t bite them. More on how to keep from doing this in a bit.
→ Cut correctly – Always keep your clippers or nail scissors sharp. For optimum nail health and strength, round your nails a bit at the tip.
→ Keep ’em clean – One of the best things you can do for your fingernail health is to keep them as clean and dry as possible.
→ They’re not tools – Avoid using your fingernails to open soda cans, or to dig things out of tight spaces.
→ Don’t forget your toenails – When you cut your fingernails, remember to keep your toenails trimmed as well.
→ Wear the right shoes – Shoes that fit correctly will help your toenails stay healthy.12
Are You a Nail-Biter? Here’s How to Quit
If you bite your nails, there are a few things you can try if you are looking to kick the habit and boost your fingernail health.
One thing you can do is to replace biting your nails with another habit. Try chewing gum when you get the urge to bite, or put your hands in your pockets. Some people twiddle their thumbs or clasp their hands together until the urge to bite their nails passes.13
Also, try to determine what makes you want to bite your nails in the first place. Is it anxiety, or stress? Are you bored? Once you identify the trigger, that might help make it easier for you to stop.14
Pay Attention to Your Fingernail Health
As you can see, your fingernail health can paint a revealing picture when it comes to your overall health. If your fingernails or toenails look discolored, have strange lines, or look odd in any other way, you might want to see your doctor.
And if it looks like your fingernail health is fine, you’ll want to take steps to keep it that way. Trim them on a regular basis and keep them clean. Even more importantly, don’t bite them. The steps you take to keep healthy nails will be worth it in the long run.
Learn More:
14 Healthy Habits for Better Sleep: A How-To Guide
8 Home Remedies To Soothe That Dreadful Cough
5 Simple Lunchtime Workout Ideas (When The Gym Isn’t An Option)
Sources
1.http://news.bswhealth.com/media_storage/Pages_from_HA50_Summer_2016.pdf
2.https://medlineplus.gov/raynaudsdisease.html
3.https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-things-your-nails-can-say-about-your-health/
4.http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=003282
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375768/
6.https://share.upmc.com/2016/12/fingernails-and-health-problems/
7.https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/184/yellow-nail-syndrome
8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2295246
9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448267/
10.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446927/
11.https://www.medicinenet.com/vertical_ridges_on_the_fingernails/symptoms.htm
12.https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/nail-care/healthy-nails
13.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-habits-breaking-habits/201301/how-stop-biting-your-nails
14.https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/nail-care/nail-biting
