How To

How to Read Your Fingernails for Possible Health Issues

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By deepthinkin
eHow Community Member

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(12 Ratings)

Unadorned nails come in a variety of shapes, textures, and color. These imperfections and variances can be hereditary in nature but they can also be a window into your body’s state of health. Below are some nail appearances and the medical conditions that could be associated with it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Your unadorned fingernails
Your attention

Step 1

Brittle nails that have distinct ridges and are concave in appearance can be an indicator of iron deficiency.
Step 2

Nail beds that are red could be an indicator of heart disease
Step 3

Half and half coloring, half pink and half white can be caused by kidney disease.
Step 4

Melanoma can make dark lines appear beneath the nail.
Step 5

Are the nail beds white or pale? This could be a sign of anemia.
Step 6

Thick, yellowish nails that are slow growing, or a painless increase of tissue around the fingers ends, or nail inversion could be an indicator of lung disease.
Step 7

Psoriasis can cause a rippling or pitting of the nail surface.
Step 8

If your nails have a slight blush at the base and are yellowish, this could be an indicator of diabetes.

Tips & Warnings

Your cuticles are what seals out external organisms from entering your body at the nails. Frequent manicures that push back and cut away this seal invite infection.
Many common nail disorders stem from fungal infections, which can cause the nails to crack, peel, and change color and texture. See your doctor or dermatologist for determination.
The appearance indicators cited are in no way intended to diagnose any given health condition. If you have questions or concerns regarding the appearance of your nails, or you suspect you may have a disease associated with said appearance, see your doctor.