How much can our nails tell us about our health? Quite a lot according to one GP.

Dr Bhavini Shah (GMC: 7090158), a LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has advised Brits that some visual changes in our nails can signal underlying health conditions. 

Whether it is a change in the texture of our fingernails or our toenail colour, we can rest easy that these variations aren't usually caused by something serious.

That being said, if we start to see ridges, depressions, and lines appear then we may need to consider them as early warning signs of deficiencies and serious health concerns.

“It’s normal for nails to change over time. For example, nails often become more brittle as you age," according to Dr Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

The Doctor continued: "Changes in nail texture are also common during pregnancy, although this should return to normal within six months of having a baby.

“Similarly, if you injure your nail, it’s not unusual for it to become loose, change colour, and even fall off completely.

"If this does happen, generally fingernails grow back within six months, although toenails can take up to 18 months.”

When should I see a Doctor?

The GP has warned Brits that there are some common and potentially serious diseases that can present themselves through the appearance of your nails.

Dr Shah advises that you should see your GP if you notice a change in your nails that cannot be explained by something such as an injury. 

The Doctor commented: “You should also consult a medical professional if the skin around your nail has become sore, red, swollen and sore because this can indicate an infection.” 

1. Spoon-shaped nails - Iron deficiency anaemia 

“Spoon-shaped nails that curve inwards can be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia. This condition is common after pregnancy and is where the level of iron in your blood is too low. Other symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and headaches. 

“It’s important to identify the cause of iron deficiency anaemia so book an appointment with your GP if you have any concerns. Your GP may recommend a blood test to check your red blood cell count. 

“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.”

2. Loose nails - Hyperthyroidism

“Changes to your nails can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. This is where your thyroid gland overproduces certain hormones.  Loose nails are a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. 

“Other common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are anxiety, sleep trouble, weight loss and fatigue.”

3. Brittle nails - Hypothyroidism 

“Brittle nails are a common sign of having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - where your thyroid gland under-produces hormones.

"It’s important an underactive thyroid is diagnosed as quickly as possible. This is usually done via a blood test.

“Accompanying symptoms may include weight gain, thinning hair, stiff muscles and joints and depression.”

4. Red or purple lines or clubbing - Heart disease

“Generally, red or purple lines under your nails are 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 can be a symptom of heart disease.

“Clubbing can also be a suggestion of heart disease, a major cause of death worldwide. This is where the nail curves over rounded fingertips or the ends of the toes, resulting in a bulbous appearance.

“Other symptoms that indicate heart disease include extreme fatigue, swollen ankles and pain in the chest, stomach, legs, arms, jaw or back.”

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5. White nails - Liver disease 

“Named after the doctor who discovered the symptom, 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. 

“Terry’s nail is a tell-tale sign of liver disease. Other symptoms of the disease include fatigue, yellow skin and loss of appetite.” 

6. Small depressions - Skin conditions

“Small dents or pits on the surface of the nails are common in people with skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and alopecia areata - a specific type of hair loss. 

“You’d expect other outward symptoms. For example, psoriasis typically causes dry, scaly patches of skin, while eczema causes the skin to become dry, itchy, cracked and sore. Alopecia areata involves patchy hair loss.”

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7. Horizontal ridges - General poor health

“Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails are known as Beau’s lines. This temporary disturbance of nail growth is usually caused by severe illness or infection. Some people developed Beau’s lines after they had COVID-19, for example.

“If you notice Beau’s lines and are concerned, I’d recommend booking an appointment with your GP to discuss your general health.”