Nail polish can make your nails shine, but no matter how beautiful your manicure looks, it can’t hide the hidden health problems inside your body. In fact, your nails can be a mirror of your overall health. Changes in your nails might point to issues with your heart, liver, or lungs, so it’s important to pay attention to what they’re trying to tell you!
Your nails can change for many reasons—sometimes, it’s just a part of getting older. But other times, these changes can be signs of serious health conditions. Our nails often act as a window into our internal health, giving us clues about what’s going on inside.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NCBI), “while stripes on nails can be innocuous, ridges on nails may also provide an insight into more sinister systemic manifestations,” meaning that nail changes can signal underlying medical problems. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of nail stripes, what they could mean for your health, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Types of Nail Stripes
Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes, also known as longitudinal striations, run from your cuticle all the way to the tip of the nail. These ridges are often linked to aging. As we get older, these ridges can become more noticeable.
However, vertical ridges might also point to nutritional issues. If you’re lacking certain vitamins or minerals—like iron, magnesium, or vitamin B12—you could see these stripes forming. “As we age, our nails naturally develop these ridges, and they’re usually harmless,” says Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic physician based in Los Angeles.
But, if you notice these ridges suddenly appearing or becoming more obvious, especially if you’re feeling fatigued or noticing other symptoms, it could be worth checking your health.
Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes or grooves across your nails can indicate more specific medical problems. One type of horizontal stripe is called Beau’s lines—indentations that run across the nail. These lines might form if you experience physical trauma to your nails, but they could also be linked to serious health issues like diabetes, heart attacks, lung problems, or even malnutrition.
Beau’s lines are often linked to periods of severe illness or stress, which can temporarily stop or slow down nail growth. According to the NCBI, “If these grooves appear abruptly, it usually indicates a sudden health crisis,” like pneumonia, syphilis, or Kawasaki disease.
White Stripes
White stripes that appear horizontally on your nails may be a sign of problems with your liver or kidneys. These white lines, known as Muehrcke’s lines, typically show up on several nails at once. They don’t indent the nail, and they often disappear when you gently squeeze the nail.
Muehrcke’s lines are usually connected to low levels of protein in your blood, especially a protein called albumin. This can happen if you have chronic liver disease or malnutrition. If you notice these lines on multiple nails, it’s a good idea to see a doctor because it could indicate liver or kidney issues, or protein deficiencies.
What to Do About Nail Health
It’s not always about something serious. Most people have nail ripples, which can usually be prevented with a little care. If you want your nails to look their best, focus on a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet full of protein, vitamins, and minerals like zinc, iron, vitamin E, and biotin can make your nails stronger and shinier.
Dr. Sara Norris shares, “Nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion.” She adds that in her practice, she often sees patients with weak or peeling nails. “These symptoms are more often caused by a poor diet than by any serious disease,” she says.
Final Thoughts
Your nails are a lot more than just a beauty feature—they can give you important clues about your health. From harmless signs of aging to serious warnings about diseases, your nails are always talking to you. While some of the issues can be fixed easily, they shouldn’t be ignored. So, keep an eye on your nails and listen to what they’re telling you!
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