Sophia Delgado
Healthy nails are typically shiny, smooth, and without discolouration. However, changes in nail health can indicate underlying health issues. For example, bluish nails can indicate a lack of oxygen in the body, while dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. In some cases, nail changes may be a sign of ageing, but if you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any potential health concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthy nails | Should be shiny |
| Discolouration | Can be a sign of an underlying disease |
| Bluish tint | Can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen |
| Rippled or pitted nails | Can be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis |
| Dry, brittle nails | Can be linked to thyroid disease |
| Cracking or splitting with a yellowish hue | Likely due to a fungal infection |
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What You'll Learn
- Healthy nails are shiny, smooth and uniform in colour
- Bluish nails can indicate a lung or heart problem
- Rippled or pitted nails may be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis
- Dry, brittle nails that crack or split are linked to thyroid disease
- Yellow nails with cracking or splitting are likely due to a fungal infection
Healthy nails are shiny, smooth and uniform in colour
Discolouration of the nails is common and can be caused by a number of factors. For example, nails with a bluish tint can indicate that the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could be a sign of a lung or heart problem. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease, while cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely to be a fungal infection.
Some people develop white nails as part of the ageing process, but it can also be a sign of an underlying disease. In the 1950s, Richard Terry found that more than 8 out of 10 people with severe liver scarring (cirrhosis) also had white nails.
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Bluish nails can indicate a lung or heart problem
Healthy nails should be smooth and shiny without pits or grooves on the surface. They should be uniform in colour, apart from the lunula, which is the half-moon-shaped part of the nail directly above the cuticle that is slightly lighter in colour.
However, if your nails are bluish, this could indicate that your body isn't getting enough oxygen. Bluish nails can be a sign of a lung problem, such as emphysema, or a heart problem. If you notice a change in the appearance of your nails, it's important to seek medical advice. While it may be nothing serious, some nail changes can indicate a need for medical intervention.
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Rippled or pitted nails may be a sign of psoriasis or arthritis
Healthy nails are usually smooth and shiny, without pits or grooves on the surface. However, if your nails are rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, it's important to see a doctor or dermatologist. While nail changes are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying health condition. For example, spots of colour or overall nail discolouration can be a sign of an underlying disease, such as liver scarring or cirrhosis.
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Dry, brittle nails that crack or split are linked to thyroid disease
Healthy nails are usually smooth and shiny without pits or grooves on the surface. They should be uniform in colour, apart from the lunula, which is the half-moon-shaped part of the nail directly above the cuticle that is slightly lighter in colour.
However, changes in nail health are common warning signs of whole-body health concerns. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. This is typically referred to as Plummer's nails. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause nails to grow slowly and become thin, fragile, and brittle. They may tend to break, split, and peel. Sometimes, they may separate from the skin underneath, a condition known as onycholysis. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can also lead to nail changes. Most commonly, it leads to spoon-shaped nails, known as koilonychia. It can also lead to clubbing, a condition where the fingertips become enlarged and the nails curve around the fingertips, resembling the shape of a club.
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Yellow nails with cracking or splitting are likely due to a fungal infection
Healthy nails are generally shiny, smooth, and uniform in colour. However, if your nails are yellow and cracking or splitting, this is likely due to a fungal infection. Other nail changes that may indicate a need for medical intervention include spots of colour or overall nail discolouration, which can be a sign of an underlying disease. For example, Terry's nails, a type of leukonychia characterised by white nails, can be a sign of severe liver scarring or cirrhosis. Bluish nails can indicate that the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could be a symptom of a lung or heart problem. Rippled or pitted nails may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis, while dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, healthy nails should be shiny and smooth.
Discolouration of the nails is common and can be caused by a number of factors. In most cases, it doesn't indicate anything more serious than an issue with the nails themselves. However, discolouration can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen. This could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema, or a heart problem.
White nails can be a sign of an underlying disease. In the 1950s, Richard Terry found that more than 8 out of 10 people with severe liver scarring (cirrhosis) also had white nails.
