Fingernail health can reveal much about a person’s overall health, with changes in shape or color signaling potential medical conditions. Brittle or discolored nails are often linked to poor nutrition, age, or dampness, but they can also point to more serious issues. For example, Beau’s lines, which are grooves across nails, can indicate illness or infection. Clubbed nails may suggest heart disease, while spoon-shaped nails are a common sign of iron-deficiency anemia.
Pitting or denting on nails can be associated with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, while dark streaks on nails could indicate melanoma. Terry’s nails, characterized by a white nail bed, are often linked to liver disease. Yellow nails could signal fungal infections or, in rare cases, conditions like diabetes or lung disease. If nail changes persist or accompany other symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor.
