What Your Nails Say About Your Health: See the Warning Signs of Liver Problems and Heart Disease

Conducting self-exams to catch early signs of breast cancer or skin cancer is common practice. But did you know that your fingernails can also provide an early warning sign of disease? In fact, the color, shape, strength and general appearance of our nails can point to a number of underlying conditions. Here’s what your nails say about your health.

The link between your nails and your health

It’s easy to forget about our nails when they’re in good shape or covered with a glossy coat of nail polish. But the truth is, your nails are intricately linked to your overall health, and even tiny changes can signal that something is amiss. In fact, everything from what you eat to underlying conditions can affect nail growth.

“In my experience as a dermatologist, I’ve seen that underlying conditions like liver disease, thyroid disease and anemia can indeed cause noticeable changes in the nails,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD . “The health of our nails can reflect various systemic conditions. Nails require a steady supply of nutrients, proper blood circulation and overall metabolic balance to grow and maintain their structure.”

What your nails say about your health

Our nails naturally change over the course of our lives, explains Bhavini Shah, MD . “It’s normal for nails to change over time,” says Dr. Shah. “For example, nails often become more brittle as you age. Changes in nail texture are also common during pregnancy.”

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Some changes only affect your nail health. For example, thick, yellow nails are often a sign of a common fungal infection. But significant changes in nail shape, texture, and color may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

1. Spoon-shaped nails

If your nails are soft, curving inwards and developing an indentation in the nail bed, you may be developing “spoon nails,” or koilonychia.

“ Spoon-shaped nails that curve inwards can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia,” says Dr. Shah. In other words, “the level of iron in your blood is too low. Other symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and headaches .”

Low iron can cause poor blood flow, which may weaken the tissue connecting your nails to your fingers and cause spoon-shaped divots in the nail bed. Luckily, low iron is a pretty easy fix. And doing so can restore your healthy nails.

“Usually, symptoms are fairly simple to resolve by using iron tablets and eating iron-rich foods including red meat, beans such as kidney beans and chickpeas, and dried fruit such as apricots,” says Dr. Shah. “Book an appointment with your doctor if you have any concerns. Your GP may recommend a blood test to check your red blood cell count.”

2. White nails

Our fingernails can become pale white or even blue when we’re cold. But nails that are white for an extended period of time, or that are white with a red or pink strip at the top, may indicate something more serious is going on.

“Terry’s nails is a nail condition where over two-thirds of the nail bed becomes white except for a red or pink strip at the nail tip,” Dr. Shah explains. “Terry’s nails are a tell-tale sign of liver disease. Other symptoms of the disease include fatigue, yellow skin and loss of appetite.”

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Although the exact mechanism connecting Terry’s nails and liver problems is still unknown, experts suspect it may be due to reduced blood vessels beneath the nail bed.

If you develop Terry’s nails, book an appointment with your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a blood test to determine the cause of the color change. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or medication to manage your liver health.

3. Red and purple lines or clubbing

It’s normal to see a red or purple spot under the nail due to an injury. But “ if you notice these and don’t recall injuring your nail, you might want to book a doctor’s appointment, because these lines can be a symptom of heart disease,” says Dr. Shah.

Clubbed nails can also indicate heart disease or even lung disease. “Clubbed nails are where the nail curves over fingertips or the ends of the toes, resulting in a bulbous appearance,” says Dr. Shah. “Other symptoms that indicate heart disease include extreme fatigue, swollen ankles and pain in the chest, stomach, legs, arms, jaw or back.” Learn more about clubbed nails from this short video:

Heart disease can cause tiny clots in your capillaries, including those under the nail bed, which is where the red and purple lines come from. It can also cause an increase in certain growth factors, which is what causes clubbing.

You can often manage heart disease with lifestyle changes or medications. But it’s vital to catch symptoms early. If you notice any signs of heart disease, including nail changes, visit your doctor.

More on nail health:

How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail Yourself + The Dental Floss Hack That’s All Over TikTok

Can Ridges in Your Nails Signal Thyroid Disease? What To Look For

6 Vitamins You Need for Healthy Nails and the Foods You’ll Find Them In

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .