When something is wrong with your body, there are usually signs long before any serious symptoms show up. The fingernails are one of those places that broadcasts a number of different warning signs-- they can warn you of a number of potential health problems. Between manicures, take some time to examine your nails in their natural state and look for any abnormalities.
White Nails
The tips of your nails (the part that grows past the finger tips) should be a whitish color, but the part that's attached to your fingers should be more of a healthy skin tone. If your nails in this area are pale white, perhaps with pink near the top of the nail, it could indicate a liver problem, such as cirrhosis. An all-white nail may be hinting at kidney disease or moderate to severe anemia.
Yellow Nails
If your nails are a yellowish color, it could indicate one of many different serious conditions. Liver conditions can cause yellowing of the nails. This can also be a sign of diabetes, lymphatic disorders or respiratory diseases. If you do spot yellow nails, don't panic-- it's actually a good thing, as it probably means you're nipping the problem in the bud. It may be months or more before these disorders become full-blown and serious; take the nail color as a warning sign.
The fingernails are one of those places that broadcasts a number of different warning signs-- they can warn you of a number of potential health problems.
Blue Nails
The color blue on the human body (other than eyes and dyed hair of course) is always a bad sign. Blue generally is the warning sign for a lack of oxygen. You may have asthma, emphysema or some type of pulmonary obstruction.
Dark Nails
Do your nails look a little darker than usual? This may point to a deficiency of the vitamin B12. Vegetarians or vegans in particular may think it wise to occasionally examine the nail beds for this discoloration, as it can be difficult to consume enough B12 on these diets without making a concerted effort. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you shouldn’t rule out the problem—meat eaters can suffer from B12 deficiencies as well; for some people, the body doesn’t process and utilize the B12 it does get, and this can result in the problem.
Spotted Nails
A few white spots on the nail are normal-- most often, they're due to nail trauma and they'll grow out. Sometimes they indicate an infection or they are a result of a medication side effect. The occasional spot is not serious. Many spots, repeatedly coming on multiple nails on the other hand is a concern, and it may be related to cardiac, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or anemia. Brown spots could be an indication of psoriasis.
Weak or Irregular Nails
Color is not the only indication of a problem with your nails. Texture can also show problems. If your nails are particularly bendable or soft, brittle, bumpy or ridged, if they lack a natural shine, you may be suffering from hyperthyroidism.
If you notice any problems with your nails, or any changes (either gradual or sudden), it is a message from your body telling you to go to the doctor. Something may be wrong, and the sooner you get an examination the better the chances you’ll be able to stop a new health issue in its tracks.