Did you know that your nails can give many clues about your overall health? Different colors on the nail, shape changes, small pits and many other nail anomalies may indicate anemia, liver, lung and heart diseases. If you want, let's take a general look at the differences in your nails and the health problems they may indicate.

Pale/White Nails

There is usually a pink appearance under our nails. Very pale nails may indicate anemia, heart failure, malnutrition and liver disorders. People with anemia may also experience problems such as premature fatigue, pale skin color and heart palpitations. If the nails appear pale and surrounded by a dark frame towards the tip, as in the image below, then liver-related problems come to mind.

Yellow Nails

A yellow color to the nails usually indicates a fungal infection. If this fungal infection progresses further, the nail root may be damaged and the nail may thicken and separate into pieces. In some rare cases, yellow nails may indicate more serious health problems. These include severe thyroid disorders, lung problems, diabetes and the skin condition psoriasis.

Nails in Blue Color

Blue nails usually indicate a problem with blood circulation and therefore oxygenation. Oxygenation problems usually indicate a problem in the lungs, such as emphysema. Congenital heart diseases can also manifest themselves in this way in newborn babies and young children.

Thimble Nail Appearance (Small pits on the nails)

Dotted dents on the nails are mostly a sign of a disease called psoriasis. It can also be observed in cases of inflammatory arthritis, dermatitis and hair loss (Alopecia). Along with small pits on the nails, brown color change and deterioration in the structure of the nail can also be observed.

If you are facing problems such as skin rash, itching or pain in the joints along with these pits on the nails, it would be appropriate to make an appointment with your rheumatologist and have an investigation about psoriasis.

Cracking and Separation of Nails

Nails that are dry and crack easily are a finding that is usually observed in people with hypothyroidism. This problem can also be observed in cases of anemia. If yellowing of the nails along with breakage and separation is observed, a fungal infection should be considered.

Black Line Under Nail

If there is a black line under the nail, it should be investigated without delay. This image may be a symptom of a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

Onycholysis

It means separation of the nail from its bed. This is usually a painless condition that can start from the nail tip and progress to the root. Onycholysis can often manifest itself in thyroid problems, psoriasis, and autoimmune disorders. This situation can also be observed after the use of tetracycline group antibiotics.

Koilonychia (Spoon Shape on the Nail)

A spoon-shaped deformation of the nail is usually observed in cases of anemia related to iron deficiency. If such a deformation is observed in the nail, an analysis should be performed as soon as possible and both the anemia status and iron stores should be checked.

Leukonychia (White Spots on Nails)

White spots on the nail can often be seen as a result of an injury to the nail. Biting or hitting the nails are the most common situations in the formation of leukonychia. In some cases, it may be a sign of more serious kidney diseases or conditions such as cirrhosis.

Splinter Bleeding

Splinter bleeding is the name given to small bleedings seen under the nail. It is usually related to damage to the small vessels of the nail bed under the nail. Since a small amount of leaked blood takes a shape towards the direction of the nail, it has the appearance of a splinter, which is why it is called splinter bleeding. If you have not hit your nail and there is no trauma, then splinter bleeding may be a sign of a more serious health problem. These may include bacterial endocarditis (infection in the heart), vasculitis (infection in the veins), autoimmune diseases and diabetes. When faced with such a situation, the cause must be investigated.