Pay Attention to Your Fingernails

Little changes in the appearance of your fingernails can tell you a lot about what’s going on with your health. While they don’t always signal changes in your health they can be symptomatic of other problems. A bluish tint under the nail beds could be a sign that you are having respiratory issues related to the lungs and how your body is breathing or you may have an abnormal growth under the nail plate. Redness in the appearance of the nail bed may be a sign of cardiovascular disease. White and pale nail beds can be a sign of anemia, a low red blood cell count. A simple blood test can help your physician diagnose and treat this condition.

The change in your nails can also be a sign of an easily treated fungal infection. They could also signal the first signs of systemic diseases such as lupus. Dry brittle nails that are cracking can be a sign of other disorders, such as thyroid disease.

If you keep your nails polished, it is important to remember that nails require time to breath or be natural. Look for color changes, ridges and dark spots that can signal an infection or even an early skin cancer. And remember to stay away from the UV drying lamps at the nail salon. Research is starting to show that cases of skin cancers near the nail bed may be caused by the direct exposure to the UV rays from the nail dryer.

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About the Author

Dr. Marcy L. Street is a board certified dermatologist, medical director, and Mohs surgeon. She graduated from The University of Illinois College of Medicine. She did her residency at Mayo Clinic and thereafter a fellowship in Mohs skin cancer surgery, an intense year-long training, at the University of Wisconsin. She is a proud member of many associations including the American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Street is the founder of Doctor’s Approach Skin and Hair Care Products.