What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

White Nails and Health Indicators

• White nails, also known as leukonychia, can signal a variety of health issues, ranging from minor damage to more serious diseases such as anemia, heart or renal disease, or even poisoning. If your nails are primarily white with darker rims, you may have liver disorders such as hepatitis. This symptom may be followed with jaundice, or a yellow color in the skin surrounding the nails. Observing changes in nail color and visiting a healthcare practitioner can be a preventative measure for people concerned about underlying health issues.

Yellow nails and potential fungal infections.

• Yellow nails are often indicative of a fungal infection, which can cause thickness and cracking as it proceeds. In rare situations, yellow nails may indicate severe thyroid disease, lung disease, or psoriasis. Yellowing nails, along with symptoms such as cracking and breaking, may suggest a fungal infection or thyroid problems. Proper treatment, including antifungal drugs and medical advice, can frequently restore nail health.

Bluish Nails and Oxygen Levels

• A bluish tinge to the nails may indicate low oxygen levels in the body, maybe due to lung disorders such as emphysema or cardiac problems. This discoloration indicates that the body may not be properly circulating oxygen. If your nails are consistently bluish, you should see a doctor because this could indicate underlying respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

Rippled or cracked nails: Symptoms of Inflammation

• Rippled or pitted nails can be an early indicator of inflammatory disorders like psoriasis or arthritis, with discoloration apparent beneath the nail. Brittle, dry nails that crack or split regularly are connected with thyroid dysfunction, especially when paired with a yellow color, which could also indicate a fungal infection. Regular nail care and a dermatologist’s examination can assist address any issues and guide appropriate therapy if necessary.