Most of us think of nails as just something to trim or paint, but how many of us even think that they can also reveal important clues about our overall health? Doctors often look at a person’s nails to detect early signs of illness. Nails may reflect liver, lung, heart, and even nutritional issues. Nail maintenance and regular health examinations go hand in hand. 6 signs to look out for — if you experience any of these, it could be time to speak with a physician.White or pale nails: Extremely pale nails can be an indication of liver disease, heart failure, or anemia. If the nail bed is white rather than pink, it is also a sign of low blood flow or low iron.
2. Yellow nails:
This occurs in individuals with fungal infections but can also be associated with lung issues or diabetes. If your nails become yellow and thickened, do not neglect it.
3. Blue or purplish nails:
Bluish or purplish-colored nails indicate low blood oxygen levels. This could be due to respiratory conditions such as asthma or cardiovascular disease.
4. Dark spots or lines:
Dark spots or lines underneath the nail may indicate skin cancer known as melanoma.
5. Spooning of nails:
According to Dr. Veena Praveen, dermatologist and head medical advisor (South), Kaya Limited, “If the nails are curved upward in a spoon-like fashion, this might indicate iron deficiency or liver problems. It is also found among individuals suffering from thyroid problems.”
6. Thickened, curved, or chipped nails:
When nails become rounder and the tips of the fingers swell up, it is possibly due to chronic low oxygen levels. They can be frequently associated with lung or heart diseases. Conditions like hypothyroidism or anaemia may also lead to brittle, chipped nailsThough not all changes in the color or texture of the nails indicate something serious, it is always safe to be overly cautious.• Your body tends to send out small messages before more significant health issues develop — and your nails are one such silent messenger.• By listening to them and not dismissing strange changes, we can spot upcoming health concerns early.• Next time you trim or clean your nails, take a closer look — they may be saying more than you realize.