13 signs on fingernails warn of serious health problems

Nail color

1. Yellow nails: In most cases, yellow nails are a sign of a fungal infection. In rare cases, yellow nails can be a symptom of thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.

2. White nails with pink streaks on top:This can be a sign of congestive heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and certain liver problems such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

3. Pale nails:If your nails look extremely pale, it could be a sign of a number of serious medical conditions such as anemia, congestive heart failure, malnutrition or liver disease.

4. Dark red nails:Dark red nails can indicate heart disease. If the redness extends to the sides of the nail and cuticles, it could be a sign of the autoimmune disease lupus.

5. Bluish or purple nails:This is often a warning sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen. Other causes can be heart or lung problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

6. Other nail colorscan be a sign of a variety of health problems. For example, if your nails turn brown, you may have thyroid disease or nutritional problems. Gray nails are often caused by certain prescription medications, such as anti-malarials.

Structure of the nail

1. Brittle and split nails:This is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Another cause could be a deficiency of vitamins A, C and biotin. If you paint your nails too often, especially with gel polish, your nails can also wear down, becoming weak and brittle.

2. Nails with vertical stripes:This is a normal sign of aging, just like wrinkles on the face. If you are young, this means your body is lacking vitamin B12 or magnesium.

3. Horizontal striped nails:If they are not due to an injury to your nails, they could be a sign of typhus or pneumonia.

4. Nails with many pits:This is a manifestation of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis. It can also be an early sign of connective tissue disorders including arthritis.

Nail shape

1. Spoon-shaped nails:These can be signs of hemochromatosis, a disorder that occurs when the body produces too much iron. They can also be signs of iron deficiency anemia, heart disease, and poor circulation.

2. Curled nails:This is a sign of low blood oxygen levels, which can be caused by lung disease or a sign of liver, kidney, heart, or inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Separated nails:This is a sign of hyperthyroidism. Split nails can also be a sign of a fungal infection, psoriasis, or poor circulation.

Giang Nguyen