What Your Nails Say About You

By Dr. Jean Archer, D.P.M
Podiatrist

The condition of your nails can be an indicator of your general health and well being, however nails that are less than perfect, may be telling you about the state of your health. A perfectly manicured hand or pedicured- foot is one where the nails are strong and smooth, with no discolorations, jagged cuticles or other signs of abuse. Here are a few signs you can look for, that may indicate the state of your health is less than perfect. 

Pits 

When the normally smooth surface of the nail has several small dents or pits in it that can be a signal that something is going on beneath the nail. Most often, the cause of those dents is psoriasis.  Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that may show up as silvery, red, scaly patches on the skin. The nails may take on a pitted appearance. Psoriasis may be associated with arthritis. Once the condition is treated, the nails will return to their normal state. 

Spoon-shaped

Spoon-shaped nails are when the nail curves up at the tip rather than curving down.  This may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.  Iron deficiency anemia manifest itself have many months of anemia. You won’t see this sign right away.  Once the anemia is diagnosed and problem corrected, it will take time for the condition to resolve.

Peeling

Nails that are peeling may be an indication that the nails are exposed to water, cold or dry air a lot. The nail is comprised of several layers or keratin (protein) to form a strong unit. However, the elements of nature can unravel the nail.  Using polish can help seal the layers of the nail. Moisturizing them several times a day will help keep the layers supple. Nutritionally speaking, you can include linoleic acid in your diet. Try drizzling vegetable oil on your salad or adding it to your salad dressing.

Brittleness

Brittle nails are nails that break easily and crack. An under-active thyroid can cause dry skin and brittle nails.  Your doctor can detect this disease by performing a simple blood test. A diet low in iron can cause nails to become thin, brittle and easily broken. Eating green, leafy vegetables, red meat and eggs will boost your iron intake. Biotin supplements (a B-complex vitamin) has been shown to improve the condition of brittle nails as well as strengthen the hair.  Constant washing and drying can make brittleness worse, so remember to moisturize after each washing.

Yellow

Healthy nails have a pinkish hue. Nails that turn yellow may warrant medical attention.

Diabetes, lung disease, fungus infections and psoriasis can cause nails to turn yellow. So see your medical doctor.   Use of dark nail polish or use of nail polish for long periods of time can stain the nail and the color will return to normal if they are left unpolished for a while.

White spots

White spots are generally an indication of some type of trauma to the nail. These white spots do not show up right away after the injury. It usually takes weeks to show up after a trauma. Recurring white spots may be caused by psoriasis, eczema, or a diet that is deficient in mineral zinc (found in whole grains, poultry and seafood).

Turning colors

Fungal infections are the most common cause of nails turning color. Both yeast and bacterial infections can be picked up at an unsanitary nail salon, if equipment is unsterilized or whirlpools are not sanitized between each client. It is best if getting a pedicure or manicure to avoid cutting away the cuticles or pushing pack cuticles too vigorously. This can cause openings or trauma to the nail leaving one susceptible to a bacterial or fungal infection.  If you notice sudden pain or swelling around the nails one or two days after your salon visit or if you notice nails turning colors, see a doctor to get treated. 

Ridges

Ridges are normal and tend to be more apparent as one gets older. Sometimes if someone has been very sick or undergoing a lot of stress, the nail may stop growing. When the nails start growing again, an indentation may occur on the nail at that spot where it stopped growing. Ridges on the nail may be associated with a wart or cyst under the nail that is putting pressure on the nail matrix and affecting the way the new nails grow.