Doctor reveals 7 hidden nail problems: What they can tell you

 

A doctor reveals 7 hidden health problems
your nails could be betraying. Your nails may seem like a canvas to paint on or a place where stress accumulates, but did you know they can also be a window into your inner health?

Changes in the shape, color, texture, or growth of your nails can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, heart problems, liver problems, or even thyroid problems.

Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic physician in Los Angeles, explains:

“Changes in your nails are often overlooked, but they’re one of the most honest indicators of what’s going on beneath the surface. If you pay attention, your body will tell you when something’s wrong, and sometimes it does so through your fingertips.”

Let’s discover seven signs on your nails that could indicate a more serious health problem.

🧬1. Beau’s lines: a sign of physical stress or illness.
Beau’s lines are deep, horizontal grooves that appear on the fingernails (and sometimes on the toenails). They indicate a temporary halt in nail growth, often due to:

Severe infection (such as pneumonia or an illness with high fever)
Major surgery
Chemotherapy or chronic illness
Nutrient deficiency
Autoimmune diseases
Recent studies have shown an increase in Beau’s lines after COVID-19 infection, likely due to the systemic stress the body experiences during the illness.

“It’s like a scar in slow motion,” says Dr. Bhavini Shah, medical advisor at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
“The nail stops growing for a while, and when it starts growing again, the line marks where it stopped.”

✅What to do: If these wrinkles appear suddenly or recur, consider any recent physical stress and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

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