Isla Bennett
Your nails can reveal a lot about your health. Changes in nail colour, shape, and texture can be indicative of underlying health issues. For example, bluish nails can indicate a lack of oxygen in the body, possibly due to a lung problem, while curved or clubbed nails may be associated with lung, cardiovascular, or inflammatory bowel disease. Horizontal ridges on nails, also called Beau's lines, can indicate a pause in nail growth due to a high fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, or diabetes. Additionally, nail abnormalities such as softness, brittleness, and frequent cracking or splitting can be linked to nutrient deficiencies or overexposure to moisture and chemicals. While many nail changes are harmless, it is important to monitor your nail health and consult a doctor if you notice any concerning changes that could indicate a more serious condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Horizontal nail ridges | Could indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition |
| Vertical nail ridges | Usually harmless and appear later in life |
| Yellow nails | Usually caused by an infection or reaction to a product; in rare cases, could indicate a larger issue |
| Black lines on nails | Could be caused by trauma to the nail; in rare cases, could indicate underlying issues such as psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma |
| White spots on nails | Could indicate a zinc deficiency |
| White nails | Could be caused by trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning |
| Nails with bluish tint | Could indicate the body isn't getting enough oxygen, possibly due to a lung or heart problem |
| Rippling or pitted nails | Could be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis |
| Dry, brittle nails | Could be linked to thyroid disease |
| Spoon-shaped nails | Could indicate anemia, hypothyroidism, or liver problems |
| Curved or "clubbed" nails | Could be associated with lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease |
| Pale nails | Could indicate illnesses such as anemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease, or poor nutrition |
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Horizontal nail ridges
Beau's lines can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical trauma, such as slamming your finger in a door, or a severe illness with a high fever, like COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. Chronic conditions that interfere with blood flow to the nail matrix, such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or Raynaud's phenomenon, can also lead to Beau's lines. Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc or protein, can be a contributing factor. Mental and emotional stress, severe anxiety, or significant life events can also play a role in the development of Beau's lines.
To treat Beau's lines, it is essential to address the underlying cause. Once the underlying condition is resolved or treated, smooth nails will typically grow back within about six months. In the meantime, you can temporarily hide the ridges by applying a nail ridge filler and nail polish. However, use nail products with caution, as some can weaken or damage your nails. Maintaining proper nutrition and a balanced diet that includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support nail health. Additionally, supplements like biotin and horsetail can promote nail growth and overall nail health.
While horizontal nail ridges are often associated with Beau's lines, there are other possible causes to consider. For instance, horizontal ridges can be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail, such as yellowing, may accompany these conditions. Therefore, if you notice any colour changes or other symptoms accompanying the horizontal ridges, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Yellow nails
Possible Causes of Yellow Nails
- Nail polish, especially dark nail polish, or nail polish left on for more than a week
- Using yellow-colored spices, such as turmeric
- Dyes or harsh products
- Yeast
- Bacteria
- Smoking
Underlying Health Conditions
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
- Thyroid conditions
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Skin cancer
- Chronic lung conditions
- Internal malignancies
- Lymphatic obstructions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Yellow nail syndrome (YNS)
Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS)
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition that affects your nails, lungs, and limbs. The most common sign of this syndrome is thick, yellow nails that may curve and can separate from the nail bed. People with YNS may also experience respiratory symptoms, such as a chronic cough, and usually have swollen lower legs or ankles.
Treatment
If you are concerned about yellow nails, there are several treatment options available. You can try at-home remedies such as:
- Soaking your nails in a mixture of baking soda and warm water
- Using hydrogen peroxide to remove nail stains
- Applying tea tree oil or oregano oil mixed with a carrier oil to the affected nail or nails
If at-home remedies do not improve your condition within 10 days to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your yellow nails, your doctor may prescribe:
- Antifungal medications, such as antifungal creams or ointments
- Oral vitamin E supplements
- Treatment for the underlying condition, such as psoriasis or hypothyroidism
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Black lines on nails
Thin lines often result from minor injuries, such as accidentally slamming a door on your finger or micro-injuries caused by manicures or artificial nails. They can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, especially low levels of vitamin B12 or iron, which can weaken nails and make them more prone to damage and bleeding.
Thicker lines can be linked to more severe health issues, such as melanoma, psoriasis, endocarditis, and diabetes. If the lines are due to an injury, they should disappear as your nail grows. However, if you don't notice any change over a few weeks, or if the lines are accompanied by other symptoms such as inflamed skin, night sweats, pain, swelling, or bleeding in the nail, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
In some cases, black lines on nails can be a normal variant, similar to moles on the body. These lines, known as longitudinal melanonychia, are commonly seen in people with more melanated skin and can appear on multiple nails. However, if they occur on a single nail and are new, it is recommended to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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Spoon-shaped nails
In some cases, spoon nails can be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. For example, people living at high altitudes or those who work with petroleum products are more likely to develop spoon nails. Additionally, manual labor and walking barefoot have been linked to a higher risk of developing this condition.
If you notice that your nails are spoon-shaped, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment. Anemia, the most frequent cause of spoon nails, can often be treated with iron supplements and dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods. For vegetarians, good sources of iron include beans, leafy greens, and fortified grain products. Combining these sources with citrus fruits and vitamin C can help increase iron absorption. With proper treatment, the nail abnormality usually returns to normal within 4 to 6 months.
While nail changes can accompany many conditions, they are rarely the first sign. Many nail abnormalities are harmless, and not everyone with white nails, for example, has hepatitis. However, it is always a good idea to pay attention to any changes in your nails and consult a doctor or dermatologist if you have concerns.
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Pale nails
While healthy nails are considered to be smooth with no discolouration, changes in the texture and colour of your nails can indicate underlying health issues. One type of nail discolouration is Terry's nails, where the nail beds look "washed out" and are accompanied by a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Terry's nails may develop as part of the normal ageing process or as a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as liver failure, diabetes, or chronic conditions.
Pale or white nails, also known as leukonychia, can be caused by several factors, including trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning. If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this can be indicative of liver problems such as hepatitis. However, it is important to note that not all white nails are a sign of hepatitis. In some cases, white spots on the nails can signify a zinc deficiency.
Additionally, horizontal ridges on the nails, also called Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition. It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of horizontal ridges. While vertical ridges are generally not a cause for concern, horizontal lines accompanied by other symptoms such as colour changes may require medical attention.
Nail health is closely associated with overall body functioning. Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, explains, "For the general population, nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion." Weak, brittle, and peeling nails are often a result of a poor diet rather than a systemic disease. Eating a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for nail health. Additionally, taking a multivitamin that includes calcium and B vitamins can help address nutritional deficiencies.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on various factors, including the specific health problem, the individual's overall health, and the rate of nail growth. However, some general observations can be made. For example, changes in nail colour, such as whitening or yellowing, can occur gradually over time and may indicate underlying health issues. Similarly, nail ridges and pits can take time to form and may signify age-related changes or health conditions.
Some common nail abnormalities that could be indicative of health issues include:
- Vertical/horizontal ridges: Vertical ridges are usually harmless and related to ageing, while horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) indicate a pause in nail growth and could be linked to fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, or underlying health issues.
- Colour changes: White nails (leukonychia) may indicate trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning. Yellow nails commonly indicate a fungal infection, while bluish nails can signify oxygen deprivation, suggesting lung or heart problems.
- Soft/brittle nails: Soft nails that break easily can be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals, while brittle nails that crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease and fungal infections.
To improve nail health, it is recommended to:
- Eat a nutritious diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake.
- Consider taking a multivitamin that includes calcium and B vitamins, preferably in soft gel capsules for better absorption.
- Avoid overexposure to moisture and harsh chemicals found in detergents, nail polish, and nail polish remover, which can contribute to nail softness and brittleness.
- Limit nail biting or picking, as it can be a sign of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Consult a doctor or dermatologist if you have persistent nail abnormalities or concerns about your nail health.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent nail abnormalities, such as discolouration, ridges, pits, or changes in nail shape, that do not resolve over time.
- Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) that persist and are accompanied by other symptoms, as they may indicate underlying health issues.
- Black lines or splinter haemorrhages that do not disappear within a few weeks and are accompanied by symptoms like inflamed skin, night sweats, or bleeding.
- Pale nails that may indicate illnesses such as anaemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease.
- Chronic paronychia, characterised by inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin around the nails, which can be treated with topical steroids.
