6 medical conditions that can be detected through the shape of your fingernails.
Even seemingly small changes in your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health.
Even seemingly small changes in your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health. Here's how to read your health status through your fingernails, according to the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine:
Circulatory system problems
Changes in the shape, color, and texture of fingernails can be a sign of a serious problem. Some people have arched nails due to genetics.
However, if your nails suddenly change shape and tend to curve inward, it could be a sign of heart or lung-related conditions such as emphysema, lung cancer, congenital heart disease, or cirrhosis.
Anemia
Typical examples of spoon-shaped nails. Photo: Getty
If your nails are concave, have a teardrop shape that doesn't spread out, also known as "spoon nails," it's often due to iron deficiency.
If you notice your nails have this shape, see a doctor to check for anemia.
Hemorrhage
After a strong impact to your fingernail, you may notice a red or black spot forming under the nail. This spot can remain for months.
This is called subungual hemorrhage, and it happens when you bleed under your fingernail and the blood gets trapped. It can be so dark that it looks almost black.
However, in some rare cases, it could be a malignant tumor under the skin. This is a rare type of skin cancer and requires prompt examination and treatment.
Autoimmune diseases
Pitted nails, which look like small indentations running along the surface of the nail, are associated with psoriasis. They can also be a sign of alopecia areata.
Thyroid problems
Nail appearance can be related to thyroid problems. Photo: Getty
Brittle or easily broken nails can be caused by problems such as hypothyroidism, Raynaud's disease, and protein deficiencies. If you normally have strong nails but they suddenly become brittle or easily broken, you should have your thyroid hormones checked.
Metal poisoning
Most white lines on fingernails are normal or may appear after an injury.
However, a crescent-shaped white line appearing at the tip of the fingernail can be a serious problem. It could be a sign of arsenic poisoning or other heavy metals, or it could be a side effect of chemotherapy.
If you experience these symptoms, please see a doctor for a general health check-up.