Symptoms on the nail plate. Nail diseases: causes, symptoms and treatment

The human body is a complex, interconnected organism. When one part suffers, its symptoms appear in other places. The eyes can be the window to the soul, and the nails signal problems within the body. There are about 30 different nail signs that are associated with medical problems, and many of them indicate multiple problems at the same time.

You can talk to a dermatologist about your nail problems. Only a specialist can diagnose the severity of the disease by examining their structure and color. If the damage to the plate is caused by a fungus, the doctor will ask the patient to see a mycologist; if the nail is ingrown, the help of a surgeon or podologist will be required.

You should see a specialist if you have the following symptoms:

color change, presence of dark and white stripes;
distortion of shape (curls and bulges);
change in thickness (thickening and thinning);
increased fragility;
bloody discharge near the plate;
swelling or redness around the bed;
soreness;
separation of the plate from the skin.

Nail condition and health, how are they interconnected?

Nails are an indicator of human health. Based on how quickly or slowly they grow, how shiny or dull they appear, you can get a lot of information about the internal workings of the body. The slightest changes in the horny plate signal various health problems. Slow growth, less than 3.5 mm per month, indicates problems in the body. Medication, frequent injury, diet, and aging can all affect their growth.

What does a healthy person's nail look like?

Healthy nails look smooth, have a uniform color without spots or discolored parts. The plate is smooth, without bulges or grooves, although they may appear with age. White lines or spots are caused by injury, but if they grow along with the nail, this is normal.

Healthy nails should be pink or light red.
The shape has a natural curve that wraps around the tip of the finger, with no gap between the nail and the skin. The surface is smooth.
The plate looks solid, not too thin, thick and weak.
The nail grows gradually and evenly.

How does a human nail work?

Nails are made of keratin, which is the basis of skin and hair. The plates are formed from cells that multiply within the base of the nail, and then the top layer hardens. This process is called keratinization. When the cells extend beyond the edge of the nail bed, they turn white and die. This is why a person cuts his nails without pain. A person inherits their strength, thickness and growth rate from their parents. The structure of the nail is divided into twelve parts, and each performs its own function:

The nail bed has a rich supply of blood and lymphatic vessels that keep the plate healthy. Its direct function is to provide nutrition and protection.
The layers of keratinized cells of the plate are located close to each other. The nail grows above the bed, gradually extending beyond its edges, where there are no blood vessels and nerves. The pink tint to the plate comes from the presence of blood vessels that pass underneath it.
The free edge has a white tint and protects the fingertip.
The hyponychium is the part of the epidermis under the free edge of the horny plate. Its function is to protect the nail bed from infection.
The nail fold overlaps the sides of the plate and protects its edges.
The matrix is sometimes called the nail root. Its shape and size determines the thickness of the horny plate. The process of keratinization occurs in these epidermal cells.

How does the pattern of the fingernail plate change during diseases?

There are a number of conditions that affect the plate pattern:

Nail discoloration is caused by the use of polish, excess nicotine, hair dye, certain infections, damage to the nail bed, and medications, including antibiotics, antimalarials, and some drugs used in chemotherapy.
Raising the plate above the epidermis causes excessive zeal when cleaning nails, rough removal of artificial nails, psoriasis, and shingles.
Thickened toenails usually occur on the toenails of older people. The main causes are injury, fungal infection, poor circulation, arthritis, unsuitable shoes and psoriasis.

Deformation (pointedness) of nails is caused by age-related changes, trauma to the nail matrix, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequent use and removal of varnish, as well as constant wetness of the hands, provoke delamination of the plate.

Fungal infections, such as shingles, spread quickly from one person to another and can affect nail patterns. Characteristic signs of such an infection are thickening, discoloration, peeling and fragility of the horny plate.

Trauma to the fingers causes nail bed bruising, waves, and deformity.

Psoriasis and eczema can cause pitting, ridges, and broken nails.
Bending of the plate provokes iron deficiency.

Severe forms of anemia and rheumatoid arthritis lead to the formation of thin lines of blood running along the horny bed.
Age-related changes in the protein in the nail plate make it fragile and prone to cracking.

Changes in the condition of the hand nail lunula and possible diseases

Lunules are light areas at the base of the nails that have the image of a crescent moon. Its color, shape and size indicate symptoms of serious illnesses.

An inconspicuous form on the little finger indicates a malfunction of the kidneys and problems in the small intestine. Its absence on the middle phalanx indicates problems with blood vessels, and on the nameless phalanx - with digestion. The lunula may disappear from the index finger due to problems in the intestines and frequent ENT diseases.

A large lunula is considered to be a particle larger than a third of the nail. She talks about irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure and a lack of vitamin B12 are observed with a small lunula.
The distance of the particle from the edge of the plate with transverse lines indicates the possibility of developing diabetes mellitus.
The physiological characteristics of the nail structure affect the development of the lunula. There are cases when it is completely absent and this is considered the norm.

A gray tint indicates fatigue and indigestion, while purple indicates poor blood circulation and lack of oxygen in the tissues. Heavy metal poisoning turns the lunula black.

Changing the shape of hand nails, disease diagnosis

By examining your fingernails, you can notice slight irregularities and changes in shape. These deficiencies provide valuable clues about overall health.

Koilohinia is expressed by a transverse, longitudinal notch of the nail, as a result of which it acquires a spoon-shaped shape, as well as excessive softness and fragility. This anomaly can be the result of injury, constant exposure to petroleum-based dyes, or a manifestation of hemochromatosis, but most often the sign indicates iron deficiency. Sometimes this form occurs in childhood, but disappears during the first years of life.

Convex nails that resemble protruding tubers indicate several diseases and disorders. The cause of the anomaly is poorly understood; the condition may be the result of megakaryocyte and platelet clots that escape pulmonary filtration and enter the systemic circulation. The bulge occurs in patients with tumor diseases, especially of the lungs and pleura. It also accompanies bronchiectasis, lung abscess, pulmonary and cystic fibrosis.

Problems with the spine give the nails an unusual triangular shape.

Short, slightly flat nails are common in people with heart problems.
A flat nail with a curved tip characterizes asthmatics.

A sign of hereditary alcoholism is the concave shape of the plate.
With neuroses and sexual dysfunctions, the female plates are usually chewed off.

Pathology of the spleen makes the index finger flat with a slight elevation.
Nail dystrophy (onycholysis) is caused by psoriasis, fungal infections and thyrotoxicosis.

Onychogryphosis (“ram's horns”) occurs in older people with constant pressure on the plates, excessive pedicure, malnutrition, diabetes and liver disease.

Diagnosis of diseases by nail color

Saturation or change in the natural color of the nail platinum will tell about problems in the body.

Yellowness is characteristic of artists or Indians who love turmeric. Yellowing of the plate in other people may be a sign of fungal infection, jaundice, severe thyroid disease, uncontrolled diabetes, psoriasis and lung disease. Yellowness appears with age, due to the use of acrylic nails, varnish, and smoking.

A bluish tint is a sign of cyanosis (lack of oxygen) - a manifestation of severe pulmonary and heart disease.

The fungus gives nails a greenish tint, although this color can be caused by paint or contact with objects susceptible to copper corrosion.

Black plate occurs when trauma caused by ill-fitting boots or an accident occurs when a large blood clot collects under the plate (subungual hematoma). The second reason is growing melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

With leukonychia, the plate turns white. Contrary to popular belief, milk spots are not caused by a calcium deficiency in the body. The real cause of the anomaly is injury to the nail bed and the newly growing nail when biting. Whiteness also indicates kidney failure and fungal infection.

Red or brown streaks under the nails indicate a number of underlying heart problems, including erythremia.
An attack of malaria turns the plate gray.
A greenish color at the base of the thumb indicates nutritional problems.

What organs are each toe connected to, what diseases are indicated by changes in toenails?

Chinese medicine believes that nails are related to various internal organs and channels, and the slightest disruption of these pathways affects their condition. Nail diagnostics on the feet is carried out similarly to the hands. The lower extremities are distinguished from the upper extremities only by increased sensitivity to disruptions in the body, frequent shoe injuries and susceptibility to fungal attacks. From the table above it can be seen that each finger plate is responsible for its own organs and glands.

Problems with the spleen make the plate leaky.

Arc-shaped stripes (BA lines), which have a tiny ridge along the posterior edge, can affect one or more fingers. Their appearance is provoked by injury or infection. This symptom is a consequence of intoxication or fever.

The depth of the furrow indicates the extent of the damage and the severity of the problem.

A plate divided by a groove, having different colors at the top and bottom, warns of a kidney problem.
Psoriasis is manifested by the appearance of small dimples on the nail surface.

Vertical streaks are considered a sign of aging and are not a significant cause for concern. In some cases, the symptom indicates a lack of nutrients, vitamin B12 and magnesium.

Cracking and delamination, in addition to fungal infection and thyroid disease, signals a deficiency of vitamins.

Nail flaws should not be covered with artificial nails or pedicures. Instead, seek help from a professional who can help you understand and solve the underlying problem.

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Preliminary diagnosis based on the condition or type of nails:

When studying nails, as well as the entire appearance of a person, they take into account the color, shape, hardness, stratification or curvature of the nails, their curvature to the left or right, asymmetry, indentation, etc. Nails, say, have turned yellow, this may not be to blame only diseases (and there are at least a dozen of them), but also the fact that a woman uses acetone to remove nail polish or, for example, a man smokes. Nevertheless, the appearance of nails allows us to judge the state of various body systems and, above all, blood diseases. For example, brittle nails can occur for many reasons, including everyday ones. Nowadays, when a lot of chemicals are used that are supposed to help in housekeeping, and some housewives are too lazy to put on rubber gloves, the result can be delamination of the nail plate. The same thing happens when using household solvents containing acetone, etc. But such “problems” are the most commonplace violation of the horny plate caused by external reasons. In this case, it is enough not to use aggressive substances for some time and use mild soap and glycerin to wash your hands.
The nutrition of the nail matrix, from where it grows, suffers along with other cells of the body in all acute and chronic diseases. Transverse grooves and ridges, thinning of the nail, loosening, discoloration, starting at the root, will remain for the entire time until the nail grows and falls under the scissors. And until the person gets rid of the disease.

Each finger is a reflection of the state of the corresponding organ or group of organs

Each finger is associated with a specific organ or group of organs:
-The thumb is interconnected with the brain and skull. In heavy smokers or people who have lung problems, the sockets (or lunulae - crescents) will be small and thin. Oriental medicine, by the way, believes that if a person does not have a hole on his thumb, then everything is not right with his head. The majority of people still have a hole on their thumb.
-The index finger is connected to the lungs, but also reflects the condition of the large intestine. If there are white specks on the nail of the index finger, we can talk about the accumulation of calcium in the lungs. If the hole on it has significantly decreased or is even absent, you need to pay special attention to the condition of the intestines, liver and pancreas. Inflammatory processes and gynecological diseases are also reflected in the nail holes of the index fingers.
-Middle finger - with the small intestine. The nails of the middle finger are responsible for the circulatory and vascular systems. If there is no hole on the nail of the middle finger, the person has problems with blood pressure, veins and capillaries.
-Ring finger - with kidneys, so white specks on the nail of the ring finger indicate calcium deposits in the kidneys. The hole on the nail of the ring finger also reflects the functioning of the endocrine system. The absence of a hole on the nail of this finger indicates metabolic disorders and problems with the lymphatic system.
-Little finger - with a heart. The holes on the nails of the little finger reflect the condition of the heart and small intestine. That is why, with age, it is the little finger hole that disappears first. The small intestine becomes clogged and as a result the hole disappears. All this leads to disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system (the socket of the ring finger becomes thinner), the heart cannot withstand negative changes (the socket on the nail of the middle finger disappears), and the last to give up is the large intestine.

Color of nails and nail holes
The nails of healthy people are always an even pink color. Their unnatural yellow color indicates liver weakness or jaundice. Bright red indicates an excess of red blood cells - red blood cells. Bluish-violet indicates a weak heart, as does blue. Pale nail color is one of the symptoms of anemia.
White spots on all nails indicate a lack of zinc and problems in the central nervous system.
Yellow spots are a sign of brain dysfunction.
Now, pay attention when the very shape of the nail or its color changes. This suggests that disorders in the body have been “ripening” for more than one month, or even a year. Normally, in general, the nail plate should be even and smooth, its color without varnish should be pink and shiny, the nail halo should be in the shape of a small crescent, the thickness of the nail should be about 0.3 mm. The shape of the nail itself, which can be flat and concave, oblong and club-shaped, can tell an attentive eye a lot. Thus, a certain shape of a nail can give an observant person several directions for reflection, and, in this case, it is possible to decide what the bitten nails indicate - neurosis, gastritis or sexual dysfunction in women - only after clarifying the preliminary diagnosis.

Lines on nails and nail shape
Now, about the lines on the nails and the shape of the nails. Long lines on the nails mean the digestive system is not in order. Transverse grooves are evidence of poor nutrition or advanced diseases. Sometimes the nails are protruding, convex, and look like onions or drumsticks. This condition may indicate weakness of the heart and lungs. The body lacks iron when the nail is spoon-shaped and concave so that it can hold a drop of water. Concave nails warn: alcohol is contraindicated for their owner. Short, flat nails may be a sign of heart disease. Owners of such nails are distinguished by increased sensitivity to stuffiness, they do not tolerate heat well, and get tired quickly. The large size of the lunula (crescent at the base of the nail) indicates a predisposition to tachycardia, and its absence indicates cardiac neurosis. Large convex nails are found in patients with tuberculosis. Flat, curved nails occur in those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Flattened and crushed nails are a hint: worms have settled in the body. Brittle grooves on the nail suggest limescale deposits on the walls of blood vessels. Layers on the nail that resemble salt deposits are a symptom of a gastrointestinal tract disease. Long nails are often a sign of diabetes. The nail of the ring finger is in the form of a semicircle - kidney pathology is possible. Almond-shaped veins, like waves, on the nails indicate rheumatism. Stripes and blotches on the nail are evidence of a disease of the spleen and small intestine. Triangular-shaped nails occur in those suffering from diseases of the spine and spinal cord. A holey nail indicates a pathology of the spleen. When performing “nail diagnostics,” you need to remember that the signs only signal possible problems, but an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a practitioner with extensive experience, and it is better to compare several research methods, including laboratory tests, to clarify the diagnosis.

List of main signs for diagnosis
You can most likely talk about a disease if there are such signs that should at least alert you:
-Short flat nail - organic heart disease.
- A tube-shaped high nail is a harbinger of possible oncology.
-Concave nail is a hereditary form of alcoholism.
-The nail of the ring finger in the form of a semicircle is a kidney pathology.
-Sick kidneys can signal themselves by white and brown transverse stripes on the nail plates.
-Pale nail bed is one of the signs of anemia.
-A growth at the end of the nail may indicate chronic lung infections.
-Longitudinal grooves can be an indirect sign of chronic inflammatory diseases (paranasal sinuses, teeth).
-Nails that resemble convex watch glasses indicate lung disease (such as tuberculosis) or bronchitis. If at the base of the nail plate a light halo has the shape of a large crescent, then, presumably, congenital tuberculosis.
-If the crescents are large on all fingers, this indicates the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
-Half moons on both hands are almost invisible - this is a signal of depletion of vitality and such signs simply call for rest.
-With heart disease, the nail becomes bluish.
-In case of liver diseases - yellowish.
-People with impaired hematopoiesis have transparent nails.
-Brittle, brittle nails accurately indicate a deficiency of minerals in the body, namely groups B and D, iron, calcium.
-Psoriasis can manifest itself as so-called “oil spots.” They are yellow-brown in color and are located closer to the edge of the nail.
-Fungal diseases manifest themselves with white spots. At first these marks are small in size, and then they grow, occupying the entire nail. It becomes cloudy, dull, thickened and flaky. In this case, only serious antifungal therapy prescribed by a qualified dermatologist can help.

Cosmetic advice - for women
Advice (cosmetic) for women, in order to protect the nail plate from the negative effects of varnishes (even under the highest quality nail polish) of bright or dark colors (scarlet, purple, dark brown, black, etc.), you should apply a protective base - it does not bright coloring pigments are absorbed into the nail plate, and then the nails do not change their natural color. The base for varnish (base) is the same varnish, only without dyes. The content of caring components in the base is usually higher than in decorative varnish. The purpose of the varnish base is to prevent bright pigments from penetrating the nail plate, which over time give the nails a yellow color. The special base can be replaced with regular light or clear varnish.

Diagnosis by nails should only be performed in conjunction with other studies.
Of course, like any other sign, just a change in the appearance of the nails, no matter how characteristic it may be, cannot accurately indicate a particular disease, but it can suggest an idea about it, but then, with further detailed diagnostics, it will be possible to confirm or refute the suspected diagnosis. If you follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, which we talk about in such detail on the pages of all the sites in our cascade about traditional medicine, then all the holes will gradually return to their rightful place. The undoubted truth is that by the color of the nails and their appearance, shape, one can determine the state of the body and diagnose various diseases. After all, the nails of a healthy person are always smooth, strong, and even pink in color.

Our body has many unique indicators that indicate the state of our health, but we cannot understand all the signals. One of these indicators is our nails, and this post will tell you what signals they give us and what they mean.

Fading and fading
According to New York City Medical Center dermatologist Julia Tzu, discoloration or paleness of the nails that was not previously seen may indicate problems with the nail plate.
“If such spots appear, this may serve as primary signs of the development of melanoma of the nail plate,” explains the doctor.

Yellowish tint
“If the nails have acquired a yellowish tint, this may indicate the presence of psoriasis,” the doctor notes. Also, according to a number of experts, yellow nails indicate looming liver problems.

Bluish tint
This signal is no less alarming - the appearance of a bluish tint (cyanosis). According to Dr. Andrea Weil of Harvard Medical School, this may indicate low hemoglobin levels, problems with the blood circulation and the respiratory system.

White spots
They may appear and disappear. Many people prefer not to attach any importance to this. But in vain. Small white spots of different shapes indicate a lack of zinc or calcium in the body.
Moreover, if horizontal white stripes begin to appear on the nails, this indicates kidney disease, warns Julia Tzu. This condition has a separate name - leukonychia.

Transverse "grooves"
According to the doctor, the presence of small depressions on the surface of the nail may indicate that a person is constantly experiencing severe stress. The second reason is metabolic disorders. And finally, the third is nail injury.

Longitudinal lines
Most often, thin longitudinal lines on the nails are found in older people; this phenomenon is due to age-related changes in the body. However, sometimes stripes can also appear in young people. In this case, the appearance of longitudinal lines may indicate that the person is not drinking enough fluid.

Brittle and peeling
There are several reasons for this. Among the most common, doctors note a lack of vitamins A, E, D, as well as iron and zinc. In addition, brittle and peeling nails may indicate problems in the endocrine and cardiovascular systems and, in particular, be the first harbinger of diabetes.

Modern medicine is able to notice deviations in a person’s health, not only based on numerous studies and tests, but also by looking at the condition of his nails on both the hands and feet.

Nail diagnostics was born in Tibet and Ancient China. Doctors could make a diagnosis based on the color and shape of the nail plates, and do this at an early stage, when therapy would give the best results. If we consider a serious check, then only real specialists can do it, but even an ordinary person can diagnose fingernails if you know some indicators. We will talk about this in our article.

How are fingers connected to internal organs?

It has long been known that, for example, on the ears, feet, and hands there are projections of all internal organs. Each is also associated with one or more, for example:

The thumb on the hand is connected to the brain.
Index - with the respiratory system, more with the lungs.
Medium - with a small intestine.
has a connection with the kidneys.
Little finger - with the work of the heart.

That is why, looking at the condition of the nails on different fingers and their general appearance, we can say about some deviations in human health.

Nail plate in a healthy person

The life of a nail begins in the matrix; this is the invisible, but the most important part of the nail, which is located at the base of the nail plate under the roller. If the nail itself is an already keratinized formation, then the matrix is a living tissue, and a solid protein polymer is formed from its cells.

Not only its growth, structure, and even thickness depend on the state of the matrix. This is what explains the sometimes striking differences between the nails of different people.

To make fingernail diagnostics more reliable and truthful, you need to know what a healthy nail plate should look like. Here are some distinguishing features:

The nail is pink and almost transparent.
The nail plate is smooth and has no roughness. May be matte or slightly shiny.
The shape of the nail has the correct outline and the edges are smooth.
The connection between the nail plate and the side ridges should not be broken.

If you notice some deviations from the norm, it is better to have nail diagnostics carried out by a competent specialist - an onychologist. Onychology is a science that deals with the diagnosis of the normal or pathological condition of nails.

What can a nail tell you?

We hear many times that the body is reflected on our skin, but it turns out that there is a diagnosis of diseases by fingernails, which originated in Tibet.

Looking at the condition of your nails, you can identify emerging health problems. Everyone has heard that eyes are the mirror of a person’s soul, and nails are indicators of health. Some believe that if they have white spots that are too brittle, then this is either a feature or improper care that provoked such manifestations. But quite often this is the first signal that something is wrong in the body.

Let's figure out what signals about problems the nail plates can give.

Nail color and disease

Let's start with the nail color. As you know, normally in a healthy person it should be pinkish in color, matte or with a slight shine. But if there are pathologies, the color of the plates will be different:

If the nail is too pale, this may indicate a lack of hemoglobin in the blood, diabetes or prolonged stress.
If your nails are unnaturally white, you may suspect blood or liver diseases, such as hepatitis or anemia.
If part of the nail is pink and the other is white, then this indicates problems with the kidneys.
You can sometimes see white stripes on the nail, located lengthwise, this may indicate diseases of the heart, kidneys or liver.

In patients with problems in the respiratory system or circulatory problems, the nails may have a bluish tint.
Black stripes indicate problems in the cardiovascular system.
If red-brown spots appear on the nails, then most likely there is not enough vitamin C and folic acid in the diet.
A sign of infection in the body may be yellow-green nail plates.
A yellow nail plate indicates diseases of the lungs and liver.

If your nails begin to change their usual healthy color to some other color or spots appear, then this is a reason to visit a doctor.

Nails and nutrition

Diagnosis of fingernails can determine the lack of vitamins and microelements in a person’s diet. First of all, any changes in the appearance of nails may indicate a lack of protein in the diet.

When grooves appear vertically, we can talk about a lack of iron or poor absorption of nutrients. Since nails also contain calcium, if they become brittle, it can be argued that this element is precisely what is missing.

For good nail growth, the presence of B vitamins is important. A sufficient amount of vitamin C will protect the tissue around the nail from hangnails and inflammation. If your nails are peeling, then you need to increase your intake of silicon, vitamin D and calcium.

It must be borne in mind that the diagnosis of diseases by fingernails cannot be the only and final one. To make an accurate diagnosis, you will have to visit a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations.

What does the nail hole tell you?

Experts say that nail diagnostics, as the photo demonstrates, should begin with examining the holes. They can tell you a lot.

We already know that each finger is connected to a specific internal organ, so changes on different fingers can indicate pathologies.

The thumb is connected to the respiratory system; if the hole on it is too large, then this may indicate problems in these organs.
The absence or small size of a hole on the index finger indicates problems in the functioning of the liver, stomach, intestines or pancreas.
The middle finger will tell you about the state of the circulatory system. If there is no hole, then this may indicate problems with blood pressure, poor condition of capillaries and veins.
The absence of a hole on the ring finger indicates disturbances in metabolic processes and problems with the lymphatic system.
The hole on the little finger confirms the excellent health of the heart muscle.

The general result can be summed up as follows: the presence of pronounced holes on all fingers indicates good human health and great vitality.

Nail health and shape

The simplest diagnosis of nails comes down to examining their shape.

Flat and short nails indicate heart problems.
A concave nail plate indicates a lack of iron.
Triangular nails may hint at diseases of the spinal column or spinal cord.
In patients with diabetes, the nails have an elongated shape.
Nails that are convex in the shape of a sphere indicate pathologies of the respiratory system.

Stripes and waves appeared on the nails

Quite often it happens that the nail does not change its color and shape, but stripes, grooves, and indentations appear. It can also signal impending problems. Let's look at some of them:

After infectious diseases, transverse furrows may appear.
Longitudinal furrows occur with digestive problems, depression, and sleep disorders.
Passion for diets can lead the fair half of humanity to the fact that dents and pits appear on the nails. This usually occurs as a result of the negative effects of the chosen diet.
The appearance of stripes and small inclusions indicate problems with the small intestine.
White streaks indicate a lack of calcium or zinc.
With rheumatism, almond-shaped waves appear.

Even minor changes on the nails cannot be left unnoticed. It is advisable to listen to your body and visit a doctor.

Structure of the nail plate

In terms of their structure, the nails of a healthy person are usually smooth and do not have any dents, stripes or grooves. Diagnosis of nails can begin with a simple examination if:

Diagnosis by fingernails can be of great service and help recognize the disease at an early stage.

The appearance of nails deteriorates

All changes in our body do not occur suddenly, they appear gradually. The same thing happens with your nails, if you notice that they have begun to grow worse, fragility or brittleness has appeared, then this may indicate that something is wrong with your metabolism. This may also indicate problems with the endocrine system and blood circulation.

Suddenly the nails begin to peel or split, then we can safely say that there is depletion of the digestive system, reproductive and nervous, and it’s time to visit a doctor.

Our nails can tell us not only about impending or existing problems, but also that everything is going towards improvement. Then the nails become pink, smooth and healthy again.

What does the design on the nail plates tell you?

The shape of the nail, its structure speaks volumes, but the drawing should not be discounted, it can also tell about some problems in the body:

If black spots appear, this is a sign of endocarditis.

A line has appeared, which means you have had a fever, a high temperature due to an infectious disease, the more serious it is, the deeper the line will be.
A brown or beige spot under the nail plate indicates a possible cancer.
Flaky white spots may indicate the development of a fungal disease.
Deep grooves or tears indicate an intestinal ulcer or dysbiosis.

A simple diagnosis of the body using nails can be carried out at home, you just need to pay attention to any changes and take timely measures. Sometimes it’s enough to adjust your diet, and everything will work out.

Diagnosis of toenails

Not only fingernails can tell about various pathologies, but also the nail plates on the toes should be carefully examined periodically.

Here's what they can tell you:

Diagnosis of toenails and fingernails is not a complicated procedure at all; the information in our article will help you independently recognize the signs of an impending problem and take immediate action.

Our body is an integral system; if a failure occurs in one part of it, it will certainly manifest itself in another. Take care of yourself, be more attentive to your health, because it largely depends on the person himself. A little awareness in matters of health, and then you won’t need to diagnose your body using your fingernails.

A number of diseases can be identified by the nails, and such diagnostics of the body can help you identify diseases when they are still at an early stage. The color of the nails, their shape and appearance can tell us about the presence of diseases. There are also genetic prerequisites for diagnosis, for example, chronic alcoholics and their children have the same nail shape; Diabetic patients have a special nail shape in 60% of cases. Using such genetic characteristics, one can draw conclusions about the disease: whether it is congenital or acquired. In addition, you can give recommendations on how to prevent possible illnesses. Let's look at simple techniques for self-diagnosis of some diseases.

The appearance of holes at the base of the nail

This sign is one of the main ones indicating the presence of the disease. If the holes are clearly visible and appear on all fingers, then this indicates that the person has high vitality and good blood circulation. If the holes are very small or completely absent, this indicates the presence of heart failure and circulatory disorders. If the crescent is large, then this indicates the development of tachycardia. If the nail holes are very large, then this is a sign of strong cardiac activity, and also indicates a predisposition to rapid heartbeat. If there are no holes, this indicates the presence of heart neurosis, failure and circulatory disorders. If the holes have a blue tint, then this is a sign that liver function is impaired; if the holes are red, then this is a symptom of heart failure. If the crescent is absent, then this sign is characteristic of cardiac neurosis. If there are no holes on all nails, then it is possible that an insufficient amount of vitamin B12 enters the body, and also indicates a dysfunction of the thyroid gland or the presence of neurosis. If the holes are separated from the rest of the nails by a horizontal line, then this indicates the presence of diabetes.

Diagnosis of diseases by nail shape

If the original flat shape of the nail is lost, this may be a sign that there are diseases of certain organs:

If the nail is short and flat, then this may be a sign of organic heart disease;
If the nail is large and convex, this may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis;
If bulges appear on the nail that resemble small pearls, this indicates the presence of a protracted viral disease;
If the nail is convex and has a large crescent, then this indicates the presence of a congenital form of tuberculosis;
If the nail is flat and curved, then this sign indicates the presence of bronchial asthma;
If the nail is tall and tube-shaped, then it may be a harbinger of possible oncology;
If the nail phalanx is club-shaped, then this indicates the presence of congenital forms of mental disorders, cruelty, and aggressiveness;
If the nails are concave, they may indicate anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body. In addition, concave nails may be a sign of hereditary forms of alcoholism;
If the nail has a flattened-fragmented shape, then this indicates the presence of helminthic infestation;
If the nail has an elongated shape, then this sign may indicate the presence of diabetes;
If there are slag (salt) layers on the nail, then this indicates acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
If the nail on the ring finger has the shape of a semicircle, then this sign indicates the presence of various kidney pathologies;
If the nail has a triangular shape, then there may be diseases of the spinal cord and spine;
If the nail is holey or flat and has a raised area on the index finger, then this indicates problems with the spleen;
If you notice that the shape of the nail on your index finger has changed, this may indicate the presence of head diseases;
If the shape of the nail on the middle finger has changed, this may be a sign of gastrointestinal diseases;
If the shape of the nail on the ring finger has changed, this indicates the presence of kidney and lung diseases;
If you notice changes in the shape of the nail on your little finger, this indicates the presence of diseases of the genital organs.

Diagnosis of diseases by nail color

If white spots begin to appear on the nails, then they indicate an excess of sugar in the blood or a disruption of the central nervous system;
If the nails have an uneven color, bluish or paler than the color of the skin, then you need to pay attention to the circulatory system;
If yellow spots appear on the nail or the nail has completely turned yellow, then there is a high probability of a violation of fat metabolism or the presence of respiratory diseases;
If yellowish spots appear on the nails, they may indicate a dysfunction of the brain;
If the nails have turned yellow, this is a sign of liver pathology;
A bright red color indicates erythremia;
A bluish-purple color may appear in the presence of congenital heart defects;
The bluish-white color of the nails is a reason to visit a neurologist and gastroenterologist;
Bluish color of nails is a symptom of heart or pulmonary failure;
Blue color of nails indicates cardiovascular pathology;
White nails may occur if the adrenal cortex is affected;
Nails are milky white in liver cirrhosis;
A pale pink or transparent shade of nails indicates changes in the blood, anemia;
Pale nails are a sign of anemia: anemia, lack of iron and vitamins;
A black tint to the nails indicates thrombosis of the brachial artery and diabetic gangrene;
A gray tint to the nails is characteristic of an attack of malaria;
If the skin color at the base of the thumb has a bluish or greenish tint, then there may be problems with digestion.