Things Your Nails Can Tell You About Your Health Pale Nails The problem isn’t so black and white when it comes to white nails. If your fingernail beds are looking a little ghostly, you may have anemia, a blood disorder characterized by a low red blood cell count. “Anemia resulting from low levels of iron can lead to inadequate oxygen in the blood, which causes the skin and tissues to become pale, particularly the tissues under the nails. More seriously, pale nails could also be a sign of early diabetes or liver disease, both of which can lead to impaired blood flow. Dark Lines in Nails Even if you diligently check your skin for questionable moles monthly, you likely overlook your nails, a place where dangerous melanoma often goes unnoticed. “Dark brown or black vertical lines on the nail bed should never be ignored. “These can be a hallmark sign of melanoma, which requires early detection and treatment.” Pitting and Grooving Depressions and small cracks in your nails are known as “pitting” of the nail bed and are often associated with psoriasis. Brittle, Thin, or Lifted Nails Breaking a nail can be a bummer, but if your tips seem to crack at the slightest touch, it could mean your thyroid is amiss. This gland in your neck regulates metabolism, energy, and growth, and too little thyroid hormone often leads to hair loss, brittle and thin nails, and nails that grow slowly. Blue Nails A blue face is a clear indication that someone’s lacking airflow, and blue nails mean the same thing—you’re not getting enough oxygen to your fingertips. This could be caused by respiratory disease or a vascular problem called Raynaud’s Disease. Please see visit your primary care physician should you have any questions.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 05:34:45 +0000
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