Nail health can reflect broader health issues, and certain changes in your nails can indicate underlying conditions. Here are some important nail changes to watch for, according to experts like Dr. Bhavini Shah of Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor.
1. Beau’s Lines
- Description: Deep lines or grooves that run across the fingernails.
- Cause: These lines occur when nail growth halts temporarily, often due to serious illness or infection. For instance, many patients developed Beau’s lines after contracting COVID-19.
- Medical Term: This condition is known as onychomadesis and results from significant stressors such as chemotherapy, injuries, or high fevers.
- When to See a Doctor: If Beau’s lines persist or if you experience onychomadesis, consult a healthcare professional to investigate the underlying cause.
2. Clubbed Nails
- Description: The tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails curve downward.
- Cause: Often linked to injuries, clubbing can also indicate heart problems. The appearance of red or purple lines beneath the nails may signal a more serious issue.
- Symptoms of Concern: Signs of heart disease include excessive lethargy, swelling in the ankles, and discomfort in various areas (jaw, back, chest, stomach, legs, and arms).
- When to See a Doctor: If you notice clubbing, especially with accompanying symptoms, seek medical attention.
3. Spoon-Shaped Nails
- Description: Nails that curve inward, resembling a spoon.
- Cause: Often a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, which can result from low iron levels, particularly after childbirth or due to dietary deficiencies.
- Symptoms: Other symptoms include dizziness, pale complexion, headaches, and fatigue.
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re concerned about iron deficiency anemia, consult your physician for a blood test and appropriate treatment options, which may include iron-rich foods or supplements.
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