What are your fingernails telling you?
Nail changes may signify any of a number of disorders elsewhere in the body. These changes may indicate illness before any other symptoms appear. Seek medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Black, splinter-like bits under the nails can be a sign of infectious endocarditis, a serious heart infection, other heart disease, or a bleeding disorder.
Brittle nails may signify a possible iron deficiency, thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, or circulation problems.
Brittle, soft, and shiny nails with a moon may indicate an overactive thyroid.
Dark nails and/or thin, flat, spoon-shaped nails may be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia. Nails can also turn gray or dark if the hands are placed in chemicals (most often bleach) or a substance to which one is allergic.
Deep blue nail beds may indicate a pulmonary obstructive disorder such as asthma or emphysema.
Downward-curved nail ends may denote heart, liver, or respiratory disease.
Greenish nails, if not a result of a localized fungal infection, may indicate an internal bacterial infection.
A half-white nail with dark spots at the tip points to possible kidney disease.
"Valerie Saxion, N. D. earned her Doctorate in Naturopathy from Clayton College in 2000. She is not a medical doctor and her statements and recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
|
