Diseases and the fingernails

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Someone posted on another site about how our fingernails help show signs of

illnesses, diseases and how perhaps Still's may some day show signs as well.

It seems it already does when you look at it as Rheumatoid arthritis. When I

was diagnosed my doctor always looked at my nails during the early years and

I never asked why.

I found this article and links for more in depth information.

The site is:

http://www.essortment.com/diseases-show-up-fingernails-44434.html

Copied from site:

Our fingernails are a window to our bodies' health. Changes in the look

shape or color of our finger nails can indicate a disorder or a disease

somewhere in our body long before other symptoms show up. For example white

fingernails can indicate that you have anemia or kidney problems. Pitted

brown spots or splits fingernail tips may mean you have psoriasis.

This article will tell of some other diseases and disorders that our

fingernails can warn us about so we can go see a doctor for further

evaluation.

Our fingernails are made of protein keratin and sulfur. They grow about .05

to 1.2 millimeters a week. Nail differences or abnormalities are often the

outcome of nutritional deficiencies or disorders. Seek medical attention if

any of the following symptoms are suspected.

White fingernails with pink near the tops are a sign of cirrhosis of the

liver. Moreover when the entire nail is white it could mean kidney or liver

disorders or anemia.

White lines across the nail may also indicate liver disease. A half white

nail with dark spots on the tip could indicate a kidney disorder.

Abnormally thick nails might be due to the blood not circulating properly in

the vascular system.

Yellow nails can mean there are problems with your liver diabetes

respiratory disorders or problems with the lymphatic system. Yellow nails

can occur many years before the disorder shows up.

Dark nails that are flat and/ or thin are a sign of vitamin B(12) deficiency

Sometimes the nail could even be spoon shaped.

Brittle nails are a sign of iron deficiency and thyroid problems. You could

have impaired kidneys or problems with circulation.

Nails that are very bendable could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pitted brown spots or split fingernail tips may mean you have psoriasis.

Very deep blue nail beds can indicate pulmonary obstruction or emphysema.

Nails that crack peel and chip easily mean you need more protein and

minerals in your diet.

Brittle soft nails with a shine and no moon may indicate an overactive

thyroid. Nails that separate from the nail bed could also indicate a thyroid

disorder. Ridges in the nail could mean an infection or thyroid disorder.

Nails that are like a bumpy road can indicate a thyroid disorder too.

Nails that resemble hammered brass indicate a tendency toward partial or

total hair loss.

Nail bending is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Flat nails can indicate Raynaud's disease. This disease affects the

circulatory system which in turn affects the limbs. It leaves hands and feet

continually cold.

Unusually wide nails that are square can mean a hormonal disorder.

Red skin at the very bottom of your nail bed could indicate a connective

tissue disorder.

Changes in your fingernails may signify disorders somewhere else in your body so

pay close attention to your fingernails and those of your loved ones.