19 Nail Changes That Should Not Be Ignored

A change in color, texture, or shape can indicate a serious medical condition. If you notice any of the following changes in your fingernails or toenails, consult a board-certified dermatologist.

1. Horizontal white streaks over nails: Also known as Muehrcke’s lines, these white lines may be caused by nutritional deficiency such as protein or zinc deficiency. They indicate that a section of the nail did not receive all the nutrients or blood flow it requires. Muehrcke’s lines may also indicate more significant disorders such as kidney disease or liver disorders.
2. Brown vertical stripe on nails: Hormones and certain drugs can cause pigmented bands on the nails. A growing brown or dark stripe from the cuticle to the free edge of the nail may be a symptom of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
3. Ridges on nails: Ridges, vertical lines, or depressions on nails are commonly seen with aging. Deep horizontal ridges known as Beau’s lines imply that the nail stopped growing for a short period due to factors such as high fever, chemotherapy, or major stress.
4. Horizontal depression on the thumb: A horizontal depression on the thumbnail may be a symptom of a habit tic deformity, in which people repeatedly pick the cuticle of their thumb with the index finger.
5. Brittle nails: Brittle nails are fragile and break easily due to dietary issues or exposure to toxins. They can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or dehydration. Overdoing manicures can also weaken nails.
6. Pitted nails: Psoriasis can cause small dents and craters in the nails. Another possible cause is alopecia areata, an autoimmune illness that causes hair loss.
7. Pale nails: Pale nails may indicate anemia or heart or liver disease.
8. Blue nails: Blue nails indicate a lack of oxygen to the fingertips and can be caused by respiratory diseases, heart diseases, or Raynaud’s disease.
9. White spots: White spots on nails, also called punctate leukonychia, may be caused by slight trauma, fungal infection, or allergic reactions.
10. Red streaks: Red streaks on the nail bed can be a sign of splinter hemorrhages, indicating a cardiac infection that affects the valves or the inner lining of the heart.
11. Yellow nails: Yellow nail syndrome is a condition characterized by completely yellow nails that become thick and grow slowly. Causes include pulmonary issues, smoking, fungal infection, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
12. Clubbing of nails: Clubbing of nails occurs when the tips of the fingers grow due to low oxygen blood saturation for an extended period. It can be associated with pulmonary problems, gastrointestinal disorders, liver cirrhosis, or cancers.
13. Severely bitten nails: Persistent biting or picking at the skin surrounding the nails may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nail-biting can be caused by anxiety, and finding alternative stress-relieving activities is recommended.
14. Dull nails: Lack of sleep can affect nail health, resulting in weak and dull nails. It can also indicate a body fighting an infection.
15. Onycholysis: Onycholysis is nail separation or lifting of nails from the pink nail bed. It can be caused by psoriasis, fungal infections, Raynaud’s disease, thyroid disorders, allergic reactions, or drug reactions.
16. Koilonychia: Koilonychia, or spoon nails, is a condition that indicates iron deficiency (anemia) and cardiac diseases.
17. Paronychia: Paronychia is an infection and inflammation of the skin around the nail, usually caused by pushing back cuticles.
18. Cysts on nails: Small cysts near or on the cuticles can indicate arthritis.
19. Darrier disease: Darrier disease is a hereditary condition that presents as a skin rash and can cause broad white or reddish lines on the nails.

If your nails show signs of any of these changes, it is crucial to address the underlying health issue. A balanced diet and proper personal hygiene are important for maintaining strong and healthy nails.

What do your nails do?

Nails reflect your well-being and can indicate underlying health issues.

• Minor changes in nail appearance can reveal important information about your health.
• Nails are made up of cells that grow from the dermis of your skin and protect your fingers and toes.
• Nails enable your fingers to perform various tasks.

6 tips to keep nails healthy

Follow these six tips to maintain healthy nails:

1. Balanced diet: Consume a well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and iron to promote healthy nails.
2. Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your nails to keep them healthy and prevent dryness.
3. Clipping nails: Clip nails after washing when they are moist and flexible, and avoid clipping them too deeply into the skin.
4. Nail polish: Choose high-quality polish and avoid frequent use of nail polish remover, as it can cause dryness and brittleness.
5. Quit biting your nails: Breaking the habit of nail-biting is important to prevent nail abnormalities and infections.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking can negatively impact nail health, so quitting is beneficial for overall health and the well-being of your nails.

Your nails provide valuable information about your general health and should not be overlooked.