This is What Your Fingernails Are Warning You (7 Warning Signs)


We do not often give our fingernails much thought — that is until we notice that something isn’t quite right. Certain symptoms can arise, displaying various possible health complications. Depending on what these symptoms are, you can better determine what may be wrong with your health.

If you notice any of the abnormal signs below, please seek a medical opinion.

Notice These Nail Symptoms? There May Be An Issue

From white spots to brittle nails, there’s a wide range of possible ‘warning’ signs that you need to be aware of. The truth is, your nails can provide a window into your overall health — so be mindful of the following. The examples below are often worst case scenario. Like any aspect of your health, be proactive and seek medical attention as soon as you’re concerned that something may be wrong.

  1. White spots

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We’ve all experienced a white dot or two on our fingernails. Most people think this is due to some sort of deficiency, but this symptom is typically caused by some wort of trauma to the nail. In this case, there’s no reason to be concerned. This can also occur after extended nail polish wear.

  1. White spots that are ‘powdery’ in consistency

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In comparison, if the spots look less like little white clouds or dots and more like ‘powdery’ spots, this could be due to a fungal infection. In this case, you can target this condition with an anti-fungal treatment.

  1. Brittle nails

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Are your nails not looking as healthy as they once did? Brittle nails can be a sign of anything from frequent swimming to hypothyroidism — so be sure to keep an eye on them. This can also be caused by seasonal effects, such as winter’s dry climate and increased exposure to indoor heating systems.

  1. Nails that ‘curve’ up

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Sometimes referred to as ‘spoon’ nails, if you notice that your nail is thinning and beginning to curve upwards, this may be a sign of anemia. When you have your blood work done, inquire about heart disease, liver disease and hypothyroidism, as these conditions can also be linked to this warning sign.

  1. Pitting nails

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Of those who suffer from the skin condition known as psoriasis, 50 percent of these individuals will experience little indents in the nail’s surface. It will be as if someone took a mini ice pick and placed pressure on the nail’s surface. It can also occur in people who are experiencing the autoimmune disease, alopecia. In some cases, vitamin A and vitamin D creams can help.

  1. Red nails

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Unfortunately, if your nails were a shade of pink and turned to a darker red, this could be a sign of heart disease. It could also mean that you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as Lupus. In this case, the redness will likely spread to the sides of your nails. Although there are other possible explanations, this is definitely something you’d want to bring to your doctor’s attention.

  1. Your nail detaches from the nail bed

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This is most likely due to trauma — it’s also common among certain professionals, such as chefs. In some cases, however, a hormonal imbalance may be to blame. Regardless of the cause, this warning sign is a reason to see your doctor.

Remember, everything in your body is interconnected. It’s important to be aware of external symptoms, such as warning signs on your nails or skin to better determine what may be going on inside your body. Let your body do the talking — it will be up to you to take action.


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