The Shocking Truth Fingernails Reveal About Your Health

May 07, 2018

You'd be surprised to know how expressive our fingernails really are. Maybe you can see someone's soul by looking into their eyes, but you can also look inside their bodies just by peeking at their hands. The trick is to learn how your fingernails communicate so you can decode their signals.

Dermatologists and doctors have listed common fingernail symptoms that you shouldn't overlook. Read on to learn about your health by looking at the quality of your fingernails. Some of these symptoms are common and easily treated, but others are more dangerous and you need to be educated.

WebMD lists yellow nails as the most common fingernail ailment. So what does it mean exactly? Chances are your body might be fighting a nasty fungus. Although rarer, yellow nails can also indicate undiagnosed diabetes, thyroid issues, or lung disease. If you're a smoker, your yellow nails are a result of holding your cigarettes. This discoloration won't go away until you quit.

Brittle nails simply mean that your nail bed is dry and you could benefit from some moisturizer. However, in more serious conditions, fragile nails could also mean you have a thyroid disease.

This condition is common in those who have psoriasis with as many as half of those people suffering from pitted nails. What this means is that your nail plate isn't growing correctly. You should definitely consult a medical professional if you notice this symptom.

The most likely cause here is that you experienced a direct trauma to the nail. However, if you chronically have ridged nails on all fingers, your body could be fighting off a big illness. Whenever there is a big task to handle, the body knows to direct all of its power to conquer the problem. This means that nails are no longer a priority.

If you see a strange dark line underneath your nail, this could be a symptom of melanoma. Melanoma on the nail is extremely dangerous and you should not delay seeing a dermatologist. Although skin cancer is very common, it is easily treated when caught early.

People who bite their nails usually suffer from some kind of mental distress. The causes could be a small case of nerves before a serious presentation or range to severe anxiety or OCD. If you constantly bite your nails, you might want to see a psychologist.

When our bodies don't get enough oxygen, we turn blue. Although it takes a lot of deprivation for our faces to turn blue, nails can develop a bluish tint easier. If you notice blue nails frequently, however, this is a chronic condition that could mean an underlying heart or lung issue.

Have you ever heard that white spots on your nails mean that you're not getting enough calcium in your diet? As it turns out, that's just a popular myth. Usually, people develop white spots on their nails because of a direct trauma, and it should resolve within a few days.

Are your nails healthy? Make sure you spread the word to your friends so they can learn more about their inner health!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!