Nails and health: read the signs
Did you know that your nails are an indicator of your health? A white color here, a pink glow there, or some ripples or bumps can be signs of disease in the body. Liver, lung, and heart disease can show up in your nails. Read on to find out what secrets your nails can reveal.
Light nails
White nails are called leukonychia and describe fingernails that are partially or completely white. White color can be the result of a number of things, including trauma, anemia, malnutrition, heart and kidney disease, and even poisoning.
White nails
If the nails are mostly white with a dark border, this indicates inflammation of the liver, for example, liver disease. In this photo, you can see the yellowing of the fingers, which is another sign of liver disease.
Yellow nails
One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection progresses, the nail bed may shrink and the nail may thicken and collapse. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition, such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
Blue nails
Blue nails mean that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This can indicate lung problems such as emphysema. Some heart problems can be associated with bruised nails.