Nail Signs That May Indicate Health Problems

SadaNews - The appearance of lines or bumps on the fingernails may cause concern for many, especially if they appear suddenly or were not present before. However, dermatologists confirm that most of these changes are normal and not serious, while some cases may indicate health issues that require medical evaluation.

Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in the United States, explained that longitudinal lines extending from the base of the nail to its tip are often a natural part of aging and are the most common type of nailLines, according to the American magazine "Prevention."

In contrast, horizontal lines, medically known as "Beau's lines," differ from longitudinal lines; they typically arise due to a temporary halt in nail growth and may be associated with direct injury, severe illness, or other health factors.

American dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse noted that the appearance of horizontal lines on a single nail is often the result of an injury to the nail growth area, such as a finger getting caught in a door or frequent manipulation of the nails, leading to the formation of a groove that gradually disappears as the nail grows.

For his part, American dermatologist Karan Lal explained that horizontal lines may also appear when the body experiences severe stress that causes a temporary halt in nail growth. Among the notable causes are severe viral infections, fever, kidney diseases, and deficiencies in certain nutrients such as iron, zinc, and Vitamin "A," along with damages caused by artificial nails or direct injuries, psychological stress, and thyroid disorders.

He added that longitudinal lines may also be associated with dry nails, some skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, as well as aging, and deficiencies in iron or zinc or Vitamin "A," and thyroid disorders.

Experts noted that white spots or lines differ from nail bumps and are medically known as "leukonychia." They often result from a simple injury, such as nail-biting or impact with a hard object, but they may also be related to certain skin diseases or the intake of specific medications.

How to Maintain Nail Health?

American dermatologist Donna Hart confirmed that regularly moisturizing nails using creams or oils containing ceramides or alpha hydroxy acids helps reduce the appearance of lines and keeps keratin inside the nail intact.

To maintain nail health, experts recommend trimming them regularly without excessive cutting, refraining from biting or manipulating the surrounding skin, and using nail polish in moderation, as overuse can thin the nail and make it more prone to breakage.

They also advise against pushing back or removing the skin around the nail, as it provides a natural barrier against infection, limiting repeated exposure to water, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or doing housework.

When Should You See a Doctor?

According to experts, you should see a doctor if nail lines appear suddenly, are accompanied by pain or splitting of the nail, if the color changes to brown or black, or if there are visible changes in its surface.

Karan Lal explained that the evaluation starts with examining the skin and nails for signs of diseases like psoriasis, and may require tests including a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), measurement of iron levels, along with thyroid function tests to help identify the underlying cause of these changes.