Dear Dr. Garner,
My nails have turned a reddish color. My husband read that the way your nails look can be a sign of a disease that might be brewing in the body. This has me a little bit worried.
Is there any truth to what he says, and if so, what should I be doing? I asked my manicurist, and she said she often notices problems with nails in people who have medical problems.
Nail Problems in Neponsit
Dear Nail Problems,
Your question stimulated quite a conversation when my wife and I dined with the Grisaffis and Carneseccas at Piccola Venezia last Saturday night. Dr. Grisaffi, a noted podiatrist, related that he had often seen problems in nails that related to a patient’s overall health.
How then should nails be used as a guide to your health? First, I would emphasize that a change in the nail color, shape or texture may be related to an injury or infection. One should not jump to the conclusion that she has a serious illness.
It is true that the nail may be the window to the body’s health. Warning signs from conditions such as hepatitis and heart disease may first appear in the nails. You can often tell if someone is anemic by looking at the nails. Those who have too little iron have nails that are thin with raised ridges.
Changes in the nails may be the result of obsessive compulsive behavior. This often involves persistent nail biting. Thyroid disease may cause changes in the nail beds. This may include brittle nails that crack and split easily.
It is important to see a doctor if you notice a change in the nail. It is not so important to diagnose an abnormal nail, but it is important to recognize a change. This may be a change in shape, color or hardness. A simple fungal infection may be the cause. However, it is important to let your doctor know. Even skin cancer in the form of melanoma can occur as the nails become discolored.
Some changes and underlying possible causes include:
• White nails – liver disease
• Yellowish thickened nails – emphysema
• Half-white, half-pink nails – kidney disease
• Pitting of nail surface – psoriasis
• Clubbing of the nails (the end of the fingers get enlarged in a square box appearance) – lung disease
• Irregular red lines at the base of the nail – lupus
• Nails turn red – congestive heart failure
• Dark lines beneath the nail – melanoma
Here are some tips to keep your nails strong and healthy:
1. Keep them clean and dry.
2. Avoid biting them.
3. When you file your nails, file them in one direction.
4. Do not remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under the nails. (As much as manicurists like to do this).[hr]
5. Do not dig out ingrown toenails.
6. When you go to a manicurist, bring your own instruments.
7. Do not use nail polish removers that contain formaldehyde or acetone.
8. Wear gloves when using harsh chemicals, cleaning products and when doing manual chores such as gardening.
Your fingernails can tell a lot about you. While some changes are natural, others signal concern that you must visit your doctor.
Healthy nails should be smooth, without ridges, grooves or discoloration. Sometimes a change in your nails can be caused by stress. High fever or infection may make the nail stop growing for a while. Not all health conditions cause nails to change. However, when there is a change, it can provide a valuable clue.
Finally, I would like to leave you with one of the more common abnormal nail conditions that can be caused by underlying medical problems. It is known as the yellow-nail syndrome. In this case, nails take on a yellowish hue, grow more slowly and develop a thickened appearance. This is seen in patients with chronic conditions and can happen as a result of certain treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
The main point is that if there is a change in the appearance of your nails, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It could save your life.[hr]Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope. He also hosts “Ask the Doctor” on NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Ch. 97 Time Warner and Ch. 30 Cablevision.