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Your Nails: Revealing Your Health

Nails are more than just something we can file, paint and
make pretty. Nails are also an important indicator of our
health. If you have noticed any changes in your nails
recently, then it may be a telling sign that something is
seriously wrong with your health. Below are some of the
most common nail health issues and what your fingernails
may be telling you about your health.

Yellow Nails

A slight discoloration of the nail is no big deal,
especially if you happen to wear nail polish frequently
or if you have false nails applied regularly. If your
nails happen to be a noticeable yellow, to the point
where you are embarrassed by them, you may have a
respiratory condition. Yellow nails tend to be quite
thick and there will be a slowing in the nail growth
speed. In more severe instances, the cuticle may be
completely gone and the nail may have already attached
itself from the nail bed in some areas.

When in doubt, it�s always best to have your physician
take a look at your nails and examine you to ensure that
you are healthy and that there are no underlying health
issues.

Pitted Nails

Pitted nails can be described as nails that have small
indentations or depressions in the nail. Though it is
possible to pit your own nails through injury, it may
also be a sign of psoriasis. Nail pitting can also be a
result of chronic dermatitis or alopecia areata (an
autoimmune disease). If you suspect that your nail
pitting is not due to injury, definitely see your doctor
as soon as possible.

Vertical Nail Ridges

Something that often causes concern are vertical nail
ridges. Vertical nail ridges are raised lines that run
from the cuticle to the tip of the nail in a straight
line. Contrary to some information that is out there on
this topic, vertical nail ridges are perfectly normal. As
we age, the ridges tend to become more prominent and
noticeable, which is why we tend to grow concerned about
it in our later years.

TIP: Horizontal ridges, those that run side to side, are
a cause for concern and may indicate a serious health
issue such as malnutrition or a respiratory disease, and
it is associated with a raised risk of having a heart
attack.

Dark Banded Nails

Nails with dark bands across the tops of the nails, also
known as �Terry�s nails�, is a condition which may be
attributed to aging, or it can be a sign of serious
illness in younger people. Some of these illnesses are:

- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Malnutrition

Horizontal Indentations

Unless you have suffered a nail injury that has caused for
a horizontal indentation to appear, having a horizontal
indentation on your nail is not normal and is a sign of
disease or illness. These lines are also commonly referred
to as �Beau�s lines�. Some of the diseases associated with
this nail condition include:

- Peripheral artery disease and other circulatory diseases
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Malnutrition
- High fever