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Your body might not be able to send you an e-mail alert or text message, or ring an alarm bell when something’s wrong, but there are plenty of other ways it gives you a heads up when something isn’t quite right. You probably don’t give much thought to your fingernails on a daily basis. In fact, the only time your fingernails come to mind is probably when you’re painting them, cutting them or when you break a nail — ouch! But believe or not, this commonly overlooked part of the body can tell you a thing or two about your health. Here’s how:
- Vertical ridges
Vertical lines running up and down your nail can be a common sign of aging, so they usually aren’t cause for concern. However, in some cases, nail ridges may be due to nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and magnesium.
- Horizontal ridges
Horizontal ridges may be due to trauma or a serious illness with a high fever, such as pneumonia. They could also be due to psoriasis, uncontrolled diabetes or a severe zinc deficiency.
- Yellow nails
Yellow nails can be a sign of aging or due to continued use of acrylic nails or nail polish. Smoking can also stain nails. But if your nails are thick, crumbly and yellow, a fungal infection could be to blame.
- Dry, cracked and brittle nails
Lifestyle factors can play a role in causing dry, cracked and brittle nails. Washing dishes, swimming, using nail polish remover frequently and being exposed to chemicals like cleaning products, can have a detrimental effect on your nail health.
- White spots
Small, white spots may appear on your nails due to nail trauma. Less commonly, white spots that do not go away could be due to a fungal infection, but typically, white spots are not a cause for concern.
- Dark discolorations
Black streaks or painful growths on your nail warrant an immediate trip to your physician, as they may be due to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- White nails with a strip of pink
Known as Terry’s nails, white nails with a narrow strip of pink at the top could be a sign of liver disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure or diabetes.