
Changes in nail colour and texture can be a sign of many different diseases, or of none at all. For example, yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis, while white nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet. Nails that are thick, slow-growing, and yellow often point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. If you’re concerned about changes in your nails, it’s best to ask your doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White nails | Trauma, liver disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, lack of nutrients in the diet, or ageing |
| White nails with a narrow pink band at the tip | Terry's nails, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease |
| Yellow nails | Sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, fluid in the lungs, Raynaud's phenomenon, or genetics |
| Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails | Lung diseases, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, fluid in the lungs, or Raynaud's phenomenon |
| Thin nails with raised ridges | Heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or iron problems |
| Nails that aren't smooth or one colour | Psoriasis, thyroid disease, inflammatory arthritis, lupus, liver disease, lung disease, heart disease, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, or fungal infections |
| Nails that crack, peel, or change colour and texture | Bruises, under-the-nail bleeding, or fungal infections |
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What You'll Learn
- White nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet
- Yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails can point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Thin nails that dip down in the middle, sometimes with raised ridges, can be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or a problem with iron
- Psoriasis can make nails split and cause pits on the surface

White nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet
White nails can signal a variety of health issues. If you notice your nails are white, it could be a sign of trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet. Nails that are white with a narrow pink band at the tip are known as Terry's nails and can be a result of ageing, diabetes, or kidney, liver, or heart disease.
If you notice your nails are thick, slow-growing, and yellow, this could be indicative of lung diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Yellow nails can also be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, yellow nails can be genetic and run in families.
Nails that are thin and dip down in the middle, sometimes with raised ridges, can be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or an iron imbalance. Psoriasis can also cause nail abnormalities, including splitting and pitting. Other potential causes of nail changes include inflammatory arthritis, thyroid disease, liver disease, lung disease, heart problems, AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease.
It is important to note that nail changes can be caused by a variety of factors, and only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis. Bruises, under-the-nail bleeding, and fungal infections are common causes of nail cracking, peeling, and colour and texture changes. If you are concerned about any changes in your nails, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis
Changes in nail colour can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails often point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Fluid in your lungs and hands can also lead to yellow nail syndrome.
Yellow nails can also be a symptom of Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose. If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is important to consult a doctor as they will be able to provide a proper diagnosis.
Nail discolouration can be indicative of other health issues. For example, white nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet. If your nails are mostly white with a narrow pink band at the tip, you may have a condition called Terry's nails, which can be a result of ageing or underlying health issues such as diabetes or kidney, liver, or heart disease.
Nails that are thin and dip down in the middle, sometimes with raised ridges, can be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or a problem with iron levels. Psoriasis often starts in the nails and can cause them to split and develop pits on the surface. Other causes of nail abnormalities include inflammatory arthritis, thyroid disease, liver disease, lung disease, heart problems, AIDS, or inflammatory bowel disease.
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Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails can point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis
Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails can be indicative of lung diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Fluid in the lungs and hands can also cause yellow nail syndrome. Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose, can also lead to yellow nails.
Yellow nails can also be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, yellow nails can be genetic and run in families.
Nails that are thick and slow-growing can also be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or a problem with iron levels. If the nails are thin and dip down in the middle, with raised ridges, this could be indicative of heart disease.
It is important to note that only a doctor can determine the exact cause of nail changes. If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.
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Thin nails that dip down in the middle, sometimes with raised ridges, can be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or a problem with iron
Nails can tell us a lot about our health. If you notice your nails are thin and dip down in the middle, sometimes with raised ridges, this could be a sign of heart disease, trauma, lupus, low thyroid, or a problem with iron.
Thin nails can be a sign of heart disease, which can also be indicated by white nails with a narrow pink band at the tip, known as Terry's nails. Terry's nails can also be a sign of ageing, diabetes, or kidney, liver, or heart disease. If you notice your nails are white, this could be a sign of trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet.
Yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be a sign of lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis, fluid in the lungs, or Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose.
If your nails are thick, slow-growing, and yellow, this could be a sign of lung disease. Nails that aren't smooth or are different colours can be a sign of many diseases, including psoriasis, thyroid disease, or other illnesses. If you notice any changes in your nails, don't ignore them, but don't jump to conclusions either. Only a doctor can tell you for sure what they mean, so it's important to talk to your doctor if you're concerned.
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Psoriasis can make nails split and cause pits on the surface
Changes in the appearance of your nails can be a sign of many diseases or of none. Only your doctor can tell for sure. However, if you are concerned, it is important to ask your doctor.
Psoriasis often starts in the nails. It can make nails split and cause pits on the surface. Psoriasis can also cause the ends of your fingers to bulge, with nails curving over them and looking like the bottom part of an upside-down spoon.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can occur on any part of the body but is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and nails. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There are several treatments available for psoriasis, including topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, and oral medications, such as retinoids and methotrexate. In some cases, phototherapy or biologic drugs may be recommended. It is important to see a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes in your nails, as early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
White nails can signal trauma, liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in your diet.
Yellow nails can be a symptom of sinusitis, thyroid problems, lymph accumulation, and rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be a sign of lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Thick, slow-growing, and yellow nails often point to lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. They can also be caused by fluid in your lungs and hands, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is caused by poor circulation to the fingers, toes, and nose.









































