5 Nail Problems That Mark Certain Diseases

Illustration of detecting a problem in the nail that marks a certain disease (Pexels/Daria Shevtsova)

JAKARTA – Health problems can be seen from the part of the body that is generally cut once a week, namely the nails. Nails can give a signal that the body is not healthy or lacks one of the nutrients, such as zinc.

According to some experts, the following problems with the nails that hint at certain diseases.

1. Brittle nails

According to Emaline K. Brown, ND, a naturopathic doctor at a California integrative emergency care clinic, brittle nails can be a sign of two things. First, often a lack of vitamin A, C, or biotin causes nails to break easily. Another cause, the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone. As a result, metabolism slows down and sweat production decreases.

Thyroid imbalance, or hypothyroidism, is more common in women. Women also often experience brittle and dry nails.

2. Yellow nails

Nails turning more yellow in color, could indicate diabetes, hypothyroidism, or even psoriasis, says Serena Goldstein, ND, reported by The Vitamin Shoppe, Monday, November 22.

Excess sugar in the body can cause a process called protein glycation which can break down collagen and cause yellow nails. However, if the yellow nails are more cloudy and thick, you may have an acute infection such as nail fungus.

3. Nails with white spots

Erum Ilyas, MD., a board-certified dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania, explains. Nails with white spots or nicks indicate inflammation, psoriasis, or alopecia areata. Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles.

4. Appears vertical or horizontal lines on the nails

When a line is seen from the cuticle vertically to the tip of the nail, it is called a longitudinal line or band. Ilyas said that as we age, the process of replacing new skin cells slows down. However, if vertical lines appear on the nails and accompanied by symptoms of weight loss, swelling, excessive urination, it could be a sign of anemia or iron deficiency.

Meanwhile, if a horizontal line appears on the nail, it is clearly related to the condition of slow nail growth. This is generally experienced by someone who is undergoing chemotherapy or has diabetes and kidney disease.

5. Dark striped nails

Black, dark brown, or reddish lines under the nails look alarming. Usually experienced after experiencing an impact, for example, pinched when closing a door. The discoloration occurs when a blood vessel under the nail bursts.

It can also be caused by melanoma, the skin cells that produce melanin or the pigment that gives skin color, turning the nails darker. Melanoma production that is not balanced, according to Ilyas, needs to be examined further because it can signal a very serious problem.