What your nails say about your health ?

Lack of Oxygen in Blood

Cyanosis, or the lack of oxygen in blood, can be easily spotted by its tendency to turn an individual’s nails a bluish tint. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues and usually have a pink coloring. When the blood loses oxygen, it can turn a dark-bluish red and causes an individual’s skin and nails to take on a blue hue. Cyanosis is often indicative of lung problems and occurs when there are blood clots in the lungs, at high altitudes, in bronchiolitis, CODP, severe pneumonia, and a number of other lung-related conditions.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Koilonychia is a condition that causes the nails to become indented and curve inward like a spoon. It can indicate that either the body has too much iron (haemochromatosis) or too little iron (anemia). Pale, whitish-colored nails are also a common symton of anemia. Individuals suffering from malnutrition may also experience thin, brittle nails. Ridges along the nails can indicate an array of nutritional problems including iron, folic acid, and protein deficiency.

Skin Issues

According to the UK’s National Health Service, between 10 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis experience pitting or small indentations in their nails. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. Pitting also exists in those with alopecia, a condition that causes chronic hair loss. Psoriasis also causes red or brown little streaks under the nails, loose nails, and thickened overgrown nails.

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is an important part of the endocrine system and is located at the front of the neck just below your collarbone. Individuals who suffer from either an overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid, often have brittle and crumbly nails. This is because the condition affects the metabolism and can cause individuals to sweat less. This reduction in sweat causes the nails and skin to become dry or flaky.