These Nail Changes May Be Early Signs of Serious Diseases

Your nails do much more than complete your look — they can offer valuable clues about what’s going on inside your body. Paying attention to these signs can help you spot potential problems early and take better care of your health.

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.

The color of your nails

1. In most cases, yellow nails indicate a fungal infection. If not treated in time, this condition may worsen, and your nails may even acquire a greenish tint and become crumbly. Other possible causes of the yellow color include aging, lung issues caused by smoking, and frequent usage of low-quality acrylic nails.
2. White nails with a strip of pink at the top (or Terry’s nails) can be a sign of congestive heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and some liver problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Sometimes Terry’s nails may also be caused by aging.
3. If your nails are extremely pale, you probably have a nutritional deficiency or a circulation problem that prevents the blood from reaching your fingertips. In severe cases, this may even lead to anemia or an iron deficiency in your blood.
4. Dark red nails may indicate that you have heart disease. If the redness extends to the sides of your nails and cuticle, this might be a sign of an autoimmune disease called lupus.
5. Bluish or purple nails usually mean that your body doesn’t get enough oxygen. Among other possible causes are heart issues and lung problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The texture of your nails

1. Brittle, split nails are usually linked to hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid works too slowly. Dry and crumbly nails also may indicate a deficiency in vitamins A, C, and vitamin B7, also known as biotin. Another possible reason for this nail problem is the overuse of nail polish remover.
2. Vertical ridges are usually a normal sign of aging, just like wrinkles on your face. But if they become more prominent at a young age, this may mean that you suffer from a vitamin B12 or magnesium deficiency.
3. Horizontal ridges (or Beau’s lines) are typically the result of direct trauma to your nail. However, if you see them on more than one nail at a time, they may also be a sign of a serious illness with a high fever, such as scarlet fever or pneumonia.
4. Nail pitting may indicate skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It may also be an early sign of connective tissue disorders, including inflammatory arthritis, a disease that affects your joints.

Nail growth

1. Spoon nails (or koilonychia), a phenomenon when your nails look like a spoon with raised ridges and a scooped-out depression, may be a sign of hemochromatosis, a disorder that occurs when your body produces too much iron. They’re also associated with iron-deficiency anemia, heart disease, and poor blood circulation.

2. Nails that are detached from their beds usually indicate hyperthyroidism, a condition when your thyroid gland is releasing too many hormones into your body. Loose nails can also signify a fungal infection, psoriasis, poor blood circulation, or amyloidosis, or an excess amount of the protein amyloid in your organs and tissues.

3. Curved nails that grow inward (pincer nails). Excessive inward curvature of the nails may be associated with genetic factors, aging, or long-term pressure on the nail bed. In some cases, pincer nails can also be linked to autoimmune diseases, kidney problems, or prolonged use of certain medications like beta blockers.

Other nail features

1. Dark vertical lines extending from the cuticle to the tip of your nail may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a really dangerous type of skin cancer. So even if those lines don’t cause any pain in your nails, it’s better to make an immediate trip to your doctor once you’ve noticed them.

2. White spots on your nails (leukonychia). Small white spots are often harmless and usually caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix that you may not even remember. However, if white spots appear frequently or cover large areas of the nail, they may be linked to zinc or calcium deficiency, allergic reactions, or excessive exposure to chemicals.

3. Yellowish half-moons (lunula changes). The lunula is the pale crescent at the base of your nail. If it turns yellow or becomes unusually large or small, it may point to metabolic issues, thyroid disorders, or circulation problems. In some cases, missing lunulae have been associated with fatigue, malnutrition, or chronic illnesses.

Bonus: How to make your own nail remedy at home

Take 4 oz of jojoba oil, 4 oz of vitamin E oil, 3 oz of avocado oil, 2 oz of grapeseed oil, and 2 oz of sweet almond oil, and mix them well in a nail polish bottle. Apply this mixture to the entire cuticle area and massage it into the skin around your nails. Then rub excess oil into your hands as if it was hand lotion. Repeat the procedure as often as you wish, especially after any contact with water.

This home remedy will help you properly hydrate your nails and cuticle so that the skin around your nails will become much healthier and softer.

The details shared in this article are meant to raise awareness, not to replace professional medical advice. If you notice persistent, unusual, or worrying changes in your nails, it’s always best to speak with a qualified healthcare provider who can properly evaluate your symptoms and determine whether treatment is necessary.