Check Your Nails


Your nails are more than just a place to showcase your bright-red polish.  Some changes on the inside of your body can be seen through your nails.  Here's what you should look for:

Horizontal lines - can be a sign of severe infection, such as a bad case of flu or extreme stress or severe trauma to the body.
Red specks-  may be caused by a liver infection, such as hepatitis.

Yellow nails - could result from chronic use of nail polish, but can also indicate a breathing problem such as bronchitis.

Black nails - can occur when you bang your nails against something, but may also be the result of a vitamin B12 deficiency.  

Concave nails - often referred to as "spoon nails," these may be a symptom of anemia.

White spots - may be a sign of iron deficiency.

If you notice a change in your nails, ask yourself whether the change could be the result of trauma to your nail.  If not, and you're not feeling well overall, it's time to see your doc.

Comments

RoseBelle said…
Hi Liz! Thanks, these are definitely good to know. Have a good weekend!
Unknown said…
We were always taught that white spots or flecks across the nails were a shortage of zinc. So I am intrigued if it also could mean an iron deficiency too.

I know that I had this happen to me and started buying zinc tablets to prevent it - I was pleasantly surprised that once I started to take them not only did the white flecks disappear I also didn't catch severe colds and flu. What I was surprised to find was that many multi vitamin and mineral tablets contain either no iron or zinc in them or very minimal amounts ... so it pays to read to see whether they contain 100% of the body's daily requirements.

Gosh - nearly written a book here! Lol!!

Have a lovely weekend. :)
hgh said…
Those are some great signs of things that affect your body and then show on your nails. Very interesting.
Jhari said…
It's true. I had yellow nails for a week. Kasi nag nail polish ako, hehe! But it'll fade in a few days. Btw, care to exchange badges with me?