Caleb Foster
Healthy fingernails can say a lot about a person's overall health. They should be convex, curving slightly outwards, without any dips or craters. Nails should also be free of any discolouration, such as yellowing, which could indicate a fungal infection, or in rare cases, severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis. Horizontal ridges, or 'Beau's lines', may be a sign of kidney disease, while black lines could indicate a trauma to the nail, or, in rare cases, an underlying issue such as psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma. White marks could be a sign of heavy metal poisoning, while pitted nails could indicate a disease that affects the entire body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | The underlying nail bed should be pink except for the white tips. |
| Discolouration can be indicative of various health issues. For instance, white marks can suggest heavy metal poisoning, yellow nails can indicate a fungal infection, and bluish nails can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen. | |
| Black lines (which can appear brown or dark red) can be caused by trauma to the nail, but in rare cases, they could indicate underlying issues like psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma. | |
| Shape | Healthy nails should be convex, curving slightly outwards, without any dips or craters. |
| Curved nails can be harmless and run in the family, but they can also indicate diseases like koilonychia, where the nail curves inwards and appears thin and brittle. | |
| Spoon nails, which are concave, can be associated with anaemia or iron deficiency. | |
| Texture | Ridges or grooves in the center of the nail can be caused by picking or pushing back the cuticles. |
| Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) may indicate kidney disease or other underlying conditions. | |
| Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. | |
| Pitted nails with dents can be a sign of a disease that affects the entire body. |
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What You'll Learn
Horizontal or vertical ridges
While ridges on the nails are a common occurrence, other nail abnormalities can signify underlying health issues. For instance, white marks or discolouration on the nails could suggest heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic, or indicate a chronic skin condition like psoriasis. In some cases, an entirely white nail could be a sign of protein deficiency in the bloodstream, which is often associated with liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver. Additionally, yellowish nails are commonly linked to a fungal infection, but they may also be indicative of severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis in rare instances.
The shape of the nail can also provide insights into potential health concerns. Healthy nails should be slightly convex, curving gently outwards. Nails that curve inwards, known as 'spoon nails', could be a sign of anaemia or iron deficiency. In certain cases, spoon nails may also be indicative of coeliac disease or other conditions. Curved nails, or 'clubbing', can be harmless and result from genetic factors. However, they could also signify underlying diseases, especially when accompanied by swollen fingertips and a spongy texture to the nail.
It is important to remember that while nail abnormalities can indicate potential health issues, they are rarely the first sign of a problem. Many changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can be harmless and are not always cause for concern. Nevertheless, if you notice persistent or concerning changes to your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or your doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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White spots or discolouration
One potential cause of white spots is a zinc deficiency, which usually starts to appear around middle school age. In addition, scattered white marks on the nails can be a sign of heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic. White discolouration could also indicate psoriasis, a chronic skin condition causing raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin.
If your nails are entirely white, this could suggest a deficiency of protein in the bloodstream, which may indicate kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. If people have low protein levels in their bloodstream, it often causes the whole nail to go white. This is often associated with people who have liver disease, such as cirrhosis of the liver, which may be a result of alcoholism.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended that you see your doctor or a dermatologist. They will be able to examine your nails and provide advice or treatment options.
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Curved nails
Normal fingernails can vary in shape and size, and some people naturally have curved nails. Curved nails can be desirable as they are generally stronger and less likely to break than flatter nails. However, in some cases, curved nails can indicate an underlying health condition.
In some cases, curving of the nails can be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as a fungal infection, psoriasis, or Raynaud's disease. Additionally, iron deficiency has been linked to curved nails and can be caused by hemochromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that results in the body absorbing too much iron from the diet.
While curved nails can be natural and harmless, it is important to monitor any changes in nail appearance and consult a doctor if curving occurs alongside other symptoms, as it may indicate a more serious condition.
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Dry, brittle nails
To prevent and treat dry, brittle nails, it is recommended to keep nails moisturized by applying lotion or cream directly to the nails and cuticles. Moisturizing products that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids are recommended. It is also beneficial to wear gloves when doing household chores to protect the nails from harsh chemicals and keep them dry. Additionally, keeping nails short minimizes the nail surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed.
Proper nail care and nutrition can also help strengthen nails. This includes drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet with enough protein, and avoiding certain nail products. Taking biotin vitamin supplements is also recommended to increase nail strength, although it may take up to six months to see results.
If home remedies and proper nail care do not improve the condition of dry, brittle nails, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can suggest additional treatments or determine if there is an underlying cause contributing to the issue.
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Dark streaks
Healthy nails are usually translucent and non-pigmented, with small vertical ridges, curved downward, and they do not crack or break easily. However, dark streaks or stripes on the nails, known as melanonychia, can occur due to various reasons and are usually a cause for concern.
Melanonychia is characterised by black or brown lines on the fingernails or toenails, which typically appear as stripes running from the bottom of the nail bed to the top. These lines can vary in colour, ranging from black to deep brown or grey, and can occur on one or multiple nails. This condition is more common in people with darker skin tones, and nearly all Afro-Caribbean people develop these pigmentations by the age of 50.
The occurrence of melanonychia is associated with the pigment cells, called melanocytes, depositing melanin, which gives skin its colour. This results in the nail bed darkening as the nail grows. There are two primary processes that cause melanin deposits. One is melanocytic activation, which involves an increase in melanin deposits without a corresponding increase in pigment cells. Causes of melanocytic activation include trauma, nutritional deficiencies (such as low levels of protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or folate), and certain medications. The other process is melanocytic hyperplasia, which is an increase in pigment cells in the nail bed, and this growth can be benign or malignant.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your nails, such as dark streaks, that cannot be attributed to a specific cause. A doctor can perform examinations and review your medical history to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The underlying nail bed should be pink, with white tips. However, discolouration of the nail is common, and the skin under the nail can often seem reddish-brown.
Healthy fingernails should be convex, which means they curve slightly outwards. They should not contain any dips or craters. Curved nails can be a harmless trait that runs in the family.
Vertical ridges generally appear later in life and run from the tip of the fingernail to the cuticle. They are not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as colour changes. Horizontal ridges, or 'Beau's lines', may be a sign of kidney disease or another underlying condition.
White spots on the nails, which usually start appearing around middle school age, can signify a zinc deficiency. However, white discolouration on the nail could also suggest an underlying health issue, such as heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic, or psoriasis.
