Nail Health – What Does It Say About You?

Your nails do more than scratch that itch or make your hands look nice; they can reveal much about your health. While most changes to your nails are unwarranted, some could indicate vitamin deficiency or diabetes as serious medical conditions.

Blue nails may indicate Raynaud’s disease, which causes poor circulation to the fingers and toes. White or pale nails could indicate low red blood cell count, liver disease, heart failure or diabetes as potential culprits.

Do They Look Pink?

No matter the season or trend, classic pink nail polish never goes out of style. It compliments all skin tones and instantly makes any woman appear polished.

No matter the color you prefer – from subtle baby pink to bolder hues – when selecting the ideal polish, look for one with no discernible glitter particles or shimmer. A formula like OPI’s polish should glide on easily.

Dark blue or purple nails without nail polish may be an indicator of cyanosis, which may be related to circulation issues and other medical conditions. For a definitive diagnosis, visit your physician.

Do They Look White?

White nails are like Meryl Streep of mani colors: effortlessly shifting between classic and contemporary looks like those seen on Hailey Bieber or from glossy salon manicures. Though wavy or smudgy white polish may be harmless, signs that your nails have changed in some other way could indicate serious health concerns.

Miss Yau indicates that white spots, ridges or splotches on your nails could indicate you’re lacking essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, calcium or iron. White patches may also indicate leukonychia caused by nail infections that indicates vitamin deficiency.

If your nails appear blue or purple without being painted with nail polish, this could be an indicator that your red blood cells aren’t carrying enough oxygen through. Your doctor will likely perform tests to evaluate your heart and lungs for this condition.

Do They Look Red?

Red nail polish colors are an effective way to express confidence, and look stunning on all skin tones. However, you should select one that best complements your complexion and skin tone for optimal results.

White spots on your nails could be indicative of trauma–for instance, banging into a car door–or an infection such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Nails with pitted or grooved surfaces or those that appear spoon-shaped can be an indicator of liver, lung or heart diseases as well as thyroid conditions or even lupus.

If you notice changes to your nails, it is vitally important that you visit a physician immediately so they can get you on the path towards recovery quickly.

Do They Look Black?

Black is a favorite among rockers and goth kids alike, adding an edge of rebellious style to any look. Additionally, its sleek appearance creates an eye-catching appearance and slimming effect.

Nails that take on a bluish tint without using nail polish are known as cyanosis, and indicate that blood cells aren’t receiving enough oxygen – an indicator of heart disease, emphysema or other respiratory conditions. If this occurs to you, please visit a physician immediately for treatment.

Nails that are free from pits and grooves usually indicate healthy nails. But random black spots could indicate health problems like iron deficiency or diabetes; or they could indicate psoriasis or lichen planus, skin conditions that cause itchy and dry nails.

Do They Look Spoon-Shaped?

Spoon nails, which resemble indentations in the form of spoons, may begin appearing on your fingernails or toenails gradually over time. Also known as koilonychia, this condition often appears gradually over time in one or more nails and causes them to feel thin, brittle, or weak – it could even be linked with iron deficiency anemia, diabetes lupus or Raynaud’s syndrome as possible causes.

Koilonychia can often be reversed by replenishing your body’s supply of iron through diet or supplements, with infants often born with spoon-shaped nails; most will eventually grow out. If you do develop spoon nails, consult with a medical provider immediately who can identify any causes and prescribe treatments accordingly; they may suggest refraining from nail biting and filing regularly to reduce the development of koilonychia.