My Nails... Say What?

Do you ever take a close look at your nails? No, I don't mean right after they are perfectly manicured and you're blowing at them to speed drying time. {Speaking of, if you place wet nails in water with ice cubes, for a few minutes they'll dry super fast and be extra shinny ;) and, remember fingernails absorb water 100 times faster than skin, so they lose water just as fast, moisturizing them a bit extra is a good idea}.

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Fingernails have subtle variations in texture or color. A little bit of white here, some rosy hint there, and some rippling or bumps on the surface. While generally these imperfections are nothing to worry about, changes in nails can provide clues about your overall health.

Pitted or Rippled Nails: Small depressions or ripples in the nail bed can be a sign of psoriasis, where scaly patches appear on the skin. It can also be a sign of inflammatory arthritis.

Pale, White or Blue Nails: A sign of aging, very pale nails can also be a sign of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, malnutrition and anemia. White nails with darker rims can be a sign of liver disease like hepatitis. Not enough oxygen is the main cause when nails have a blue tint.

Nails Separating From Nail Bed: Other than nail fungus or injury, nails that have raised can be a reaction to drugs, nail hardeners or acrylic nails.

Dark Lines Beneath The Nail: If you have dark lines under your nails {and you are sure it's not a bruise} have a dermatologist take a look right away. This can be a sign of melanoma.

Yellow Nail Syndrome: The most common cause for yellow nails is fungal infection. Usually accompanied by a thickening of the nail and detachment from the nail bed. While not pretty to look at and difficult to get rid of, it's not a health threat. More serious conditions associated with yellow nails come from a lack of circulation, like chronic bronchitis or lymphedema.

Puffy Nail Fold: Inflammation of the nail fold {red, puffy skin}, can be a sign of lupus or other connective tissue disorder.

Terry Nails: The nail appears opaque but the tip has a dark band. A sign of aging, or more serious conditions that include congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease and malnutrition.

Nail Clubbing: Fingers enlarge and the nail curves around the fingertip. Could be the result of low oxygen levels in the blood or a sign of lung disease, inflammatory bowel, cardiovascular or liver disease.

No need to panic though! Nail conditions associated with serious disease are rarely the first sign. Being a holistically healthy person means paying attention to your entire body, and your nails are another way to do this. If you have any concerns about the appearance of your nails, book a dermo appointment!

Happy Monday! I hope you had a super weekend!