Sophia Delgado
Healthy fingernails can tell you a lot about your body and its overall health. Nails are made from a super-tough protein called keratin, which protects your fingers from trauma. While changes in nail colour, texture, or shape may be harmless, they can also be indicative of underlying health issues. For example, horizontal ridges on the nail, also known as Beau's lines, could be a sign of kidney disease. Similarly, spoon-shaped nails could be a sign of anaemia or iron deficiency. In some cases, changes in nail colour can be indicative of lung disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or even psoriasis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what healthy fingernails should look like and to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any abnormalities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Convex, curving slightly outwards |
| Texture | Smooth, without pits or dents |
| Colour | Natural colour, without discolouration |
| Thickness | Consistent thickness, without ridges |
| Nail Bed | Firmly attached to the finger |
| Lunula | Visible half-moon shape at the base of the nail |
| Cuticle | Present and healthy, protecting against bacteria and pathogens |
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What You'll Learn
Yellow nails
Healthy nails are typically smooth, even in texture and shape, and free of discolouration. However, it is not uncommon for nails to turn yellow. In most cases, yellow nails are caused by staining from nail polish or acetone nail polish removers. This type of discolouration is purely cosmetic and can be resolved by giving your nails a break from polish, avoiding acetone nail polish removers, and soaking your nails in diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar, 4 parts water).
In other cases, yellow nails can indicate an underlying infection or medical condition. One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection, which can cause the nail bed to retract and nails to thicken, curve, crumble, and deform. If you suspect that your nails have turned yellow due to a fungal infection, it is recommended that you seek treatment with antifungal medication, which comes in both topical and oral forms. Oral prescriptions such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be effective, but they have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. Alternatively, you can try home remedies such as tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
Additionally, vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause nails to appear yellow. Introducing a multivitamin supplement to your regimen may help address this issue.
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Ridges
In contrast, horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, may indicate underlying health issues such as kidney disease. If you notice horizontal ridges, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify and address the underlying cause.
The presence of ridges in the centre of your thumb, specifically, could be indicative of a habit of picking or pushing back your cuticles, also known as onychotillomania. A dermatologist can help you address this habit and facilitate the growth of healthy nails.
Additionally, ridges on your nails can sometimes be a sign of nail trauma or injury, such as accidentally slamming your finger in a door. In some cases, they could also be a sign of underlying health conditions, including psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma. If the ridges are due to an injury, they should fade as your nail grows. However, if they persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
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Black lines
Healthy nails are typically translucent and non-pigmented. However, the presence of black lines on the nails can be a symptom of an underlying condition and should not be ignored.
Another cause of black lines on the nails is a splinter haemorrhage, which occurs when the small blood vessels underneath the nail are damaged due to trauma or injury. This can result from hitting the nail, prolonged pressure, or habits like nail-biting. Splinter haemorrhages typically appear as small black or deep red lines and usually heal on their own within a few days. However, if they occur alongside other symptoms or appear on multiple nails, it could indicate an underlying condition, such as endocarditis or psoriasis, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
In some cases, black lines on the nails can be a side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, antimalarials, seizure medications, or mood disorders. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins B9, B12, and D, as well as protein deficiency, can also cause dark lines in the nails.
While gradual changes in nail colour are often harmless, it is important to seek medical attention if the changes occur suddenly or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination, review medical history, and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as a nail biopsy or blood tests, to determine the underlying cause of the black lines.
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Spoon nails
Healthy nails are typically smooth and consistent in colour, with no grooves, cracks, spots, or separations from the nail bed. However, in some cases, the appearance of one's nails can indicate an underlying health condition. One such example is spoon nails, also known as koilonychia.
The most common cause of spoon nails is iron deficiency anaemia, which results in lower-than-normal levels of red blood cells. However, spoon nails can also be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. For example, people living at high altitudes, particularly those who perform manual labour, are more likely to have spoon nails. Additionally, certain dietary choices, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet, may increase the risk of spoon nails due to the potential for lower iron intake.
If you notice that your nails have taken on a spoon-like shape, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment. Treating the underlying cause is crucial, as spoon nails are often a symptom of a more serious health condition. In the case of iron deficiency anaemia, increasing iron intake through dietary changes or supplements can help correct the issue. However, it may take several months for the nails to return to normal, as fingernails and toenails regrow slowly.
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Nail shape
The ideal shape for fingernails is for them to be slightly curved outwards in a convex shape. This is a sign of healthy nails. Nails that curve inwards may indicate a condition known as koilonychia, also known as "spoon nails". This condition can be a sign of anaemia, an iron deficiency, or other conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune disorders.
Vertical ridges on the nails are generally harmless and appear as people age. They run from the tip of the nail to the cuticle. Horizontal ridges, or "Beau's lines", may be a sign of kidney disease or another underlying health issue.
Nails that lift up from the nail bed may indicate an injury or infection. A nail infection can cause redness, swelling, and greenish-black discolouration. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can enter through the cuticle and cause infections.
Clubbed nails, where the nail curves downwards and the nail bed softens, can be a sign of extremely low blood oxygen levels and underlying health conditions such as lung cancer, heart infections, or celiac disease.
Changes in nail colour can also be indicative of health issues. Yellow nails can be caused by smoking, nail polish, or a fungal infection. In rare cases, they can indicate a more serious condition such as thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis. Nails with a bluish tint can indicate low oxygen levels in the body, possibly due to lung or heart problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Healthy fingernails should be convex, which means they curve slightly outwards. They should not contain any dips or craters.
If your nails are concave, or spoon-shaped, this could be a sign of anaemia, or an iron deficiency.
A change in colour could be a sign of disease. For example, yellow nails are usually caused by an infection or reaction to a product, but can sometimes indicate a more serious issue. Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen.
Nails that are lifting up, or nails with redness and swelling around them, could be a sign of infection.
