When it comes to detecting illness, you can nail it. How? There are several illnesses that can be detected just by checking the appearance of your nails. Of course you’ll have to see your health care provider to confirm your findings and to seek treatment. In the meantime, here’s what you can look for:
YELLOWING: This kind of discoloration could be the result of a number of respiratory illnesses, including chronic bronchitis. It may also be an indication of other disorders such as liver disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies, most notably iron and zinc.
PITTING: Tiny depressions on your nails can be a sign of psoriasis. Pitting is also associated with conditions that can damage your nail's cuticle, such as chronic dermatitis of your fingers or Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. But don’t panic! Pitting can also be the result of simple nail injuries.
CLUBBING: This condition (thickening of the fingers and extreme shininess of the nails) may result from inflammatory bowel disease, heart, or liver disease. Or, it might mean that your body is not getting enough oxygen as the result of a lung-associated illness.
SPOONING: If the depression is deep enough to hold a drop of liquid it might indicate that you are suffering with iron deficiency anemia. A simple blood test will determine the condition.
