Your fingernail may provide a peek into the status of your health. Any nail changes or abnormalities are often the result of nutritional deficiencies or can reveal specific health conditions. Hippocrates, also believed and taught (400 B.C.E) that the nails can reflect the condition of the inner health.

The symptoms listed below may possibly signal the health problems listed.

This list does not provide-a definite diagnoses. But if you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Take a few moments and examine your unpolished fingernails under a good light.

A half white nail with dark spots on the tip, possible kidney disease.

Beau’s line these horizontal depressions occur after a traumatic event, such as a high fever.

Brittle nails may indicate a thyroid problem, impaired kidney function, and/or circulation problems.

Brittle soft nails without a moon may indicate an overactive thyroid known as hyperthyroidism.

Bumps on nails may indicate that a person has rheumatoid arthritis

Clubbed nails these nails are shaped like the backside of a spoon and may indicate cardiopulmonary disease or asthma.

Dark spots this could be melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If the spot bleeds into the cuticle or nail folds, this is a serious warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.

Deep blue nail beds may indicate asthma or emphysema.

Downward curving nail ends- may denote heart, liver, lung / respiratory problems or arsenic poisoning.

Flat nail can denote Raynaud’s disease.

Greenish nails may indicate a fungal infection, can also indicate an internal bacterial infection.

Horizontal ridges on nails- can indicate severe stress both psychological and physical. It may also indicate that a person is also more vulnerable to arthritis

Nail shingling they split like roof shingles at the end of the nail. The reason for this condition is-exposure to harsh detergents, and too frequent use of nail polish remover.

Nail beading may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pale or bluish nails: this may indicate anemia.

Pink color slow in returning when nail is squeezed: This may indicate decreased or slowed blood circulation

Pitted nails these punched-out looking spots may signify psoriasis.

Unusually wide, square nails can suggest a hormonal disorder.

Raised nails at the base with small white ends show a respiratory disorder such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. This nail condition may also be hereditary.

Red skin around the cuticles- can be indicate poor metabolism of essential fatty acids or may indicate the person has Lupus.

Spoon nails these dips inward and could mean certain types of anemia or injury.

Thick nail may indicate the vascular system is weakening and blood is not circulating properly.

Vertical ridges on nails-may indicate poor general health, poor nutrient absorption, and the ridges may also indicate a kidney disorder

White spots these occur as the result of an injury to the nail; they are not due to zinc deficiency, as some people believe.

White lines parallel to the lunula (and not the cuticle) these indicate some sort of systemic (body wide) insult.

White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease.

White nails indicate possible liver or kidney disorders and/or anemia.

White nail with pink near the tips are a sign of cirrhosis.

Yellow nail can indicate internal disorders long before other symptoms appear-the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetics, and liver disorders.

If the white moon area of the nail turns red, it may indicate heart problems; If it turns slate blue, then it indicates over exposures to metal or lung trouble.


This information is for informational purpose only and is not intended to replace the care or advice of a physician.