5 signs our fingernails can tell us about our health

It’s no secret that most women love to show off their colorful nails with a brand-new nail polish, fresh from the manicure.

Nails are an important part of female aesthetics. Whether in everyday life or on a special occasion, women tend to worry about the color of their nail polish, the state of their cuticles and the length of their nails.

But did you know that, in addition to contributing to our self-esteem and helping to compose the look, our nails reveal how our health is?

Some nail changes may indicate that a health problem is taking hold in our body. Know these signs and pay attention.

1. Nails with white spots

Quite common, the white spots that appear on the nails can be caused by a blow to the region. In addition, they may indicate a possible zinc deficiency or the onset of anemia.

2. Brittle nails

If you have the undesirable habit of biting your nails, it is possible that they are brittle. However, if this is not the case, nails that break easily can indicate some health problems.

These include folic acid, vitamin C or protein deficiency, anemia and malnutrition. If, in addition to being brittle, your nails still have holes, it could be a sign of psoriasis.

3. Pale or discolored nails

Healthy nails are pinkish in color and tend toward white closer to the base. If your nails are discolored or have a different color, be aware, as these are signs of some health problems.

• Pale nails: anemia or vitamin deficiency;
• White nails: liver problems;
• Greenish nails: infection caused by bacteria;
• Red-striped nails: infection of the heart valves;
• Bluish or purplish nails: low levels of oxygen in the blood.

4. Thick nails

Having strong and resistant nails is different from having too thick nails. When they become difficult to cut, it could be a sign of a problem.

Nails that become thick and wrinkled are likely to have ringworm, that is, a fungal infection.

Thick, brittle nails, in turn, can indicate a thyroid problem or psoriasis. Sudden thickening can be a sign of a lung or circulation problem.

5. Nails with black stripes

Nails that have black streaks should be investigated as soon as possible, as this can be a sign of melanoma, an extremely aggressive type of skin cancer. When you notice this sign, make an urgent medical appointment.

More than a symbol of beauty, nails are part of our body and are connected with the other organs that make up our body, being able to reflect our general state of health. They’re worth paying attention to in addition to the next nail polish color we’re going to use, right?