Your nails may be more than just a cosmetic feature—they can serve as early warning signs for a range of health problems. Dermatologists and medical experts emphasize that changes in nail color, shape, or texture may indicate underlying conditions that require prompt attention. By paying close attention to these subtle signals, you can detect potential health issues before they escalate.
Here are the three critical areas to monitor closely.
1. Nail Color: What Your Nails Can Reveal
Unusual nail colors can point to medical conditions affecting the blood, heart, lungs, liver, or immune system. Dr. Zainab Laftah, a dermatology consultant at HCA Healthcare UK, highlights that colors such as white, yellow, blue, or black should not be ignored.
Pale or White Nails
Very pale nails may signal:
Iron deficiency (anemia)
Heart problems
Kidney disease
Brittle nails that break easily are often linked to low iron levels. Incorporating iron-rich foods such as red meat, figs, dates, and molasses may help restore balance. White nails with streaks or spots may also indicate allergies, trauma, fungal infections, diabetes, heart failure, liver disease (cirrhosis), or poisoning.
