Sophia Delgado
Our nails can give us important clues about our health. Rough nails that are splitting or cracking could be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. They could also be caused by repeated exposure to water or chemicals. If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it may be worth speaking to a doctor as this could be a sign of kidney disease or another underlying condition. Vertical ridges, on the other hand, are a normal sign of aging. White nails, known as leukonychia, could be the result of trauma, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning. Yellow nails are often a sign of a fungal infection, while bluish nails could indicate a problem with the lungs or heart.
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What You'll Learn
- Ridges in nails can indicate aging, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiencies
- White spots or colouration could be a sign of zinc deficiency, trauma, or liver problems
- Black, brown, or red spots may be a result of trauma or a sign of a serious condition
- Spoon nails are associated with anaemia and iron deficiency
- Yellow nails are often a fungal infection but can indicate a more serious issue
Ridges in nails can indicate aging, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of ageing, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiencies. Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal ridges, are typically caused by the ageing process. These ridges are harmless and are a common occurrence in older adults due to a slowing of cell turnover.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can indicate malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies. Beau's lines, for instance, are deep horizontal ridges that may be a sign of serious conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. They can also be caused by chemotherapy or damage from using artificial nails or gel manicures for extended periods.
Zinc deficiency, in particular, can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can lead to vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, commonly known as spoon nails. Spoon nails have a scooped-out appearance, and this condition is also associated with inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and thyroid disorders.
If you notice ridges in your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause can improve nail health and promote the growth of healthy nails. Maintaining a well-rounded diet that includes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help ensure your nails receive the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Additionally, taking supplements like biotin and horsetail can support nail health.
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White spots or colouration could be a sign of zinc deficiency, trauma, or liver problems
Rough nails that are brittle and split easily could be the result of repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. They could also be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals such as detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish or polish remover. In some cases, brittle nails might be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
One of the signs of rough nails to look out for is white spots or discolouration. This could be a sign of zinc deficiency, trauma, or liver problems. White spots on your nails, known as leukonychia, are common and usually do not indicate a serious problem. They are often the result of a nail injury, but can also be caused by allergies, fungal infections, mineral deficiencies, or heavy metal poisoning. In rare cases, white spots could be a sign of more serious liver problems, such as hepatitis, especially if the nails are mostly white with darker rims.
Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of white spots on nails, and it usually starts to appear around middle school age. Dietary deficiencies can also cause white nails, and eating a variety of whole foods—fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—will usually provide all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your nails need. Alternatively, you can take a multivitamin, preferably in soft-gel capsules as they are easier for the body to break down.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended that you see your doctor or a dermatologist.
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Black, brown, or red spots may be a result of trauma or a sign of a serious condition
Rough nails can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. This condition is called onychoschizia and is characterised by brittle nails that crack and split easily. It can also be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
Now, onto the issue of black, brown, or red spots on the nails, which is called splinter haemorrhage. This usually appears as a result of trauma to the nail, such as accidentally slamming a door on your finger. In some cases, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, including bacterial endocarditis, psoriasis, or nail melanoma. It is important to note that these spots may also be caused by fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, or other conditions like nail psoriasis. If you notice any changes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.
Dark stripes on the nails, known as melanonychia, can be caused by increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. This can occur due to various factors, including nail trauma, nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, or protein deficiencies), medication, or other health conditions. Melanonychia can also be a sign of nail cancer, with malignant or cancerous tumours requiring removal of the nail or part of the nail.
Deep grooves or gaps that run the width of the nail, known as Beau's lines, are usually not harmful. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that has caused the nail to stop growing temporarily. Horizontal Beau's lines may be a sign of kidney disease or other health conditions.
Nail discolouration can also be indicative of certain health issues. For example, nails with a bluish tint can suggest a lack of oxygen in the body, indicating potential lung problems or heart issues. Yellow nails could be a sign of lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Chronic paronychia, characterised by redness, swelling, and inflammation of the skin around the nails, can be caused by irritants, allergens, or fungal infections.
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Spoon nails are associated with anaemia and iron deficiency
Spoon nails, also known as koilonychia, are nails that have a concave shape, similar to that of a spoon. This nail abnormality is characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy that can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The condition can be found in newborns, children, and adults.
Spoon nails are often associated with anaemia and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of spoon nails in children. Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. A person with anaemia will experience a lack of oxygen circulation, which can lead to pale skin and nails. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells, and a deficiency in iron can cause nail abnormalities such as spoon nails.
In addition to iron deficiency, spoon nails can also be caused by other factors. These include vitamin B deficiencies, malnutrition, celiac disease, cancer, gastrointestinal blood loss, and hereditary factors. Spoon nails may also be related to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
The treatment for spoon nails typically involves addressing the underlying cause. For iron deficiency, dietary changes or supplements may be recommended to increase iron intake. Fingernails typically return to normal within 4-6 months of increasing iron intake. In the meantime, keeping nails trimmed and clean can help prevent infection in the damaged areas, and regular use of a moisturiser or oil can help maintain nail health.
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Yellow nails are often a fungal infection but can indicate a more serious issue
Yellow nails are usually caused by a fungal infection, which often starts as a small white or yellow spot under the nail. This infection can spread, turning the entire nail yellow, and may cause the nail to thicken, become brittle, and crumble. It can also cause the nail to become distorted, with unusual shapes or textures, and difficult to trim. In some cases, the nail may start to curl up or down, or loosen from the nail bed. Fungal nail infections are typically slow to develop and are usually not serious, but they can be unpleasant and challenging to treat.
Fungal nail infections are commonly caused by the same fungi that cause athlete's foot, and they are often spread in places like gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails because fungi thrive in dark, warm environments. While fungal nail infections are not typically a cause for serious concern, they can lead to pain or discomfort, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected area. In severe cases, it may even become difficult to walk.
To treat a fungal nail infection, antifungal medication is often recommended. This medication can come in the form of tablets or a special paint applied directly to the nail. In more stubborn cases, laser treatment may be an option, although it is not currently a standard treatment method. If the infection is severe, a doctor may surgically remove the nail to allow a healthy new one to grow in its place. While fungal nail infections are usually not a major issue, they can cause problems for people with diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of developing serious skin infections.
Although rare, yellow nails can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. For example, yellow nails can be a sign of psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma. Additionally, horizontal ridges on the nails, known as Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition. If you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in your nails, it is always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Rough nails, also known as onychoschizia, are usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. They could also be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
Vertical ridges are usually a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can indicate malnutrition, serious nail injury, or even a more serious underlying condition such as acute kidney disease.
Dark spots on nails, also known as splinter hemorrhages, are usually caused by trauma to the nail, such as accidentally shutting it in a door. In rare cases, these spots could be a sign of an underlying issue such as endocarditis or melanoma.
Yellow nails are usually caused by a fungal infection. In rare cases, they could be a sign of a larger issue, such as lung disorders or lymphedema.
