5 Serious Health Issues Your Nails Might Be Warning You About

Most people think of nails as something to paint, trim, or show off, but they’re much more than that — they’re tiny health reporters. The shape, color, and growth of your nails can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your body, sometimes even before you notice any symptoms. Once you start paying attention, it’s hard not to get curious about what your nails might be trying to tell you.

The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How to spot unhealthy nails.

Your nails can provide clues about your overall health. Signs of unhealthy nails include discoloration, ridges, peeling, and excessive brittleness. If you notice persistent changes, consult a dermatologist, as they could indicate underlying health issues such as nutrient deficiencies or infections. Early detection and proper care can prevent more serious problems.

By incorporating the simple and affordable habits listed below, you can enjoy strong, shiny, and healthy nails. Remember, consistent care is key to achieving long-lasting results. Start small today, and your nails will thank you!

1. Lines.

Horizontal ridges, though (often called Beau’s lines), tell a different story. These can appear when something temporarily disrupts nail growth, like a major illness, high stress, or another systemic issue your body has dealt with. They’re basically timestamps your nails leave behind, marking moments when your body was under pressure. If you spot new or repeating horizontal ridges, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional to understand what might be going on underneath.

2. Dark lines.

If you’ve ever spotted a dark brown or black line running down your fingernail or toenail and thought, “Is this normal?” that streak is called melanonychia. It usually shows up as a vertical stripe starting near the base of the nail and stretching to the tip, and it can appear on one nail or several. For people with naturally darker skin, these lines can be completely normal.

But melanonychia can also pop up for many other reasons: anything from trauma, friction, and nutritional gaps to hormonal changes, infections, or certain medications. In some cases, it’s caused by pigment cells simply becoming more active; in others, the number of pigment cells actually increases, which can be harmless or, rarely, a sign of something more serious.

3. White spots.

Ever notice tiny white specks on your nails and wonder what they’re trying to tell you? Those little marks (called leukonychia) are usually nothing to stress about. Most of the time, they pop up after you accidentally bump or press your nail without even realizing it.

But here’s the interesting part: in some cases, those white spots can be your body waving a small flag. They might hint at a zinc deficiency or other nutritional gaps, especially if you’re seeing them over and over again. And if they show up alongside other symptoms (like fatigue, hair changes, or brittle nails), it’s worth getting things checked out just to be sure.

4. Hangnail.

A hangnail might look tiny, but it can be surprisingly annoying. It’s that little flap of skin that sticks out near the side of your nail (most often on your fingers), and it can sting, snag on things, or turn red and sore. Dry air, frequent handwashing, and habits like biting your nails or trimming your cuticles too aggressively all make hangnails more likely. And while they seem harmless, they can become a problem if bacteria or fungi slip into the torn skin, leading to an infection called paronychia.

The good news is that most hangnails are easy to deal with at home. The safest approach is simple: wash your hands, sanitize your nail clippers, and gently trim off the loose skin, but never bite or rip it. Warm-water soaks and a little antibacterial ointment can help calm swelling or irritation. But if the area becomes very painful, swollen, or just isn’t healing, it’s worth having a doctor take a look. A quick treatment can prevent complications and help your nail get back to normal.

5. Yellow nails.

If you notice your nails turning yellow, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue. It can be a signal from your body. Yellowing nails can happen for several reasons, from fungal infections and yellow nail syndrome to underlying health issues like thyroid problems or respiratory conditions. Along with the color change, your nails might grow slower than usual or become thicker and harder to manage.

Here you can find out about other, less obvious signs that may indicate health problems.