Does Colour Of Nail Define Health?

If your nails are turning yellow due to age, then it is not much of a concern. But if you are aged below 40 and have yellow and cracked nails, it shows that your nails remain in contact with water for a long time, and you are using too much of acrylic nail polish and chemical-based remover. It can also be a sign of fungal infection or thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism. Lack of Vitamin A, B and C can also cause these problems and hence you should eat food rich in these Vitamins.

If you have ice-pick depressions in the nails, it is a sign that you are developing psoriasis. It is also associated with connective tissue problems including alopecia areata which leads to hair loss and Reiter's syndrome. You should consult with a physician if you are recently noticing these issues in order to manage psoriasis.

Clubbing can be described as a condition in which the fingertips have become enlarged, and the nails are curving downwards. It is a prominent sign of low oxygen supply in the blood and could be a sign of lung infections as well. It is also a telltale symptom of diseases affecting the liver, kidney and inflammatory bowel disease. Consult with a doctor if you notice unexplained clubbing to check if you have any underlying health problems.

If you are suffering from scarlet fever or pneumonia, then your nails would show horizontal ridges to manifest the trauma of the serious illness. This typically occurs in many nails at a time where the body is communicating that it needs to participate in the healing process rather than producing nails. Horizontal ridges in the nails could also be a sign of zinc deficiency, and you should eat foods rich in zinc to get rid of the condition. Having a balanced diet for every meal can help keep illness at bay.