We all want to stay as healthy as possible, and we’ve often taken great pride in our personal grooming, including the smallest of details, such as our nails. But did you know that your nails can tell you a lot more about your health than you may think?

Dr Daniel Sugai, a dermatologist from Seattle, shared some common signals your nails may indicate about your well-being.

'Your nails are the windows into your health,' Dr Sugai told his social media followers. He outlined three main signs to look out for in your fingernails: horizontal ridges, disappearing half-moons, and yellow nails.

The condition of your nails can serve as a reflection of your overall internal health. Credit: Shutterstock.

If you've ever paused to consider the significance of the half-moon (or lunula) at the base of your nails, you may be onto something. While it's perfectly normal for not all your nails to have a lunula, if you notice that yours have vanished entirely, Dr Sugai said it could signal a deficiency in your body.

'I was doing a skin check on a patient, and I was looking at her nails... there was no lunula,' he shared. 'Having the absence of a lunula does suggest anaemia.' As you know, anaemia can result from a lack of iron or other essential nutrients, so attending to this issue is crucial if you suspect it might apply to you.

Next up, Dr Sugai pointed out horizontal ridges on your nails. Although these may look just like minor nail imperfections, they could indicate that you've recently experienced high levels of stress or illness.

'Having a ridge about halfway means that about three months ago, something big happened, like you got hospitalised with a really bad illness or changing jobs that really stressed you out,' Dr Sugai explained.

These horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, will generally grow out within another three months. However, if your nails take an extended period to recover, consider visiting your doctor for a checkup.

Finally, yellow nails should not be overlooked. While it's common for our nails to turn yellow after removing nail polish, this isn't always the cause. Dr Sugai suggested taking breaks between using nail polish, acrylics, or gel nails to avoid excessive dryness and brittleness. However, yellowing could also indicate a fungal infection.

'Clues that tell me this is more likely a nail fungus is that you have thickening of the nail, and also this crumbly debris under the nail,' Dr Sugai said. While unpleasant, the good news is that these nail infections typically don't cause harm internally.

On another note, if your nails have lines or horizontal splitting, it may be a sign that you're over-washing your hands. Pay attention to splinter haemorrhages as well—streaks of blood in the nail plate—which can indicate serious heart conditions like endocarditis.

Key Takeaways

• Dr Daniel Sugai, a dermatologist from Seattle, explains that your nails can reflect your internal health.
• Dr Sugai highlights three tell-tale signs to look out for in your nails: horizontal ridges, no half-moons (lunula), and yellow nails.
• Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, may appear on your nails after a significant stressor or illness, while the absence of the lunula could suggest anaemia.
• Yellowing nails can be caused by nail polish or fungal infection, and it's essential to take breaks between using nail products to maintain nail health.

Next time you're trimming your nails, take a moment to inspect them for any of these signs closely. It's important not to become excessively worried about your nails, but understanding that our bodies communicate with us unexpectedly becomes crucial as we age.

Consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the health warnings mentioned here. Being well-informed and attentive to your health lets you enjoy your life fully.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative, folks! So, have you checked your nails? We hope they're all healthy!

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I’ve never had lunulas on my nails, except for my thumbnails. Never been anaemic either.

 

[ElizaKaye]

what bout verical ridges in your nails?

 

[Cyberchook]

No Luna showing either and I do have to get those stingy iron shot courses now and then. But no anaemia. have had vertical ridges for years starting on one thumb. Nails break always have, but worse with old age. No medical reasons as yet known!

 

[Bullwinkle]

For as long as I can remember I have always had vertical lines on my fingernails- no mention of them!!

 

[Catherines]

I’ve never had lunulas on my nails, except for my thumbnails. Never been anaemic either.

Me too - only have them on my thumb nails.

 

[Jest]

believe this before i believe in climate change, vegans and any half pot ideas.

 

[Mbrand]

I’ve never had lunulas on my nails, except for my thumbnails. Never been anaemic either.

Yes, they are very clear but I only have them on my thumbnails too.

 

[HunterBartlett]

It's remarkable how small changes in our body, even something as trivial as our nails, can give us a heads-up about potential health issues. Speaking of nails, I'd like to highlight a specific issue that many people face but often neglect—nail fungus. This can also be a sign of underlying health conditions and should not be ignored. For those who are dealing with it, you might want to check out this Nail fungus treatment which not only fights against the fungus but also contains antiseptic properties. The idea that nails are the "windows into your health" is something we should all take to heart. It's a good reminder for us to be mindful of the small things, as they can tell us so much about our overall well-being.