Other Fingernail Conditions and What They Could Reveal
Finger clubbing isn’t the only finger sign that can point to other health conditions in the body. In fact, our fingernails can reveal a surprising amount of information about our health. Just a few of the many fingernail signs that could be indicative of an underlying health condition include [11]:
Koilonychia
This term refers to nails that are concaved, or have a spoon curvature to them due to a depression in the middle. Koilonychia occurs in children and could be the result of:
- An iron or protein deficiency
- Exposure to petroleum-based solvents, which contain toxic chemicals [12]
- Lupus
Thin or Brittle Nails
These nails may break easily or appear very thin, and could be indicative of:
- Metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Malnutrition
Beau’s Lines
These lines could appear as indents or white lines that span the width of your nail. They typically signal a severe illness that has already happened. For example, Beau’s lines could be the result of previous conditions or treatments such as:
- Severe infection
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Shock or sepsis
- Chemotherapy
- Severe zinc deficiency
What’s interesting about Beau’s lines is that their position on the nail can reveal the approximate date of the illness, and the depth of the lines could allude to the severity of the condition.
Rough Nails
These nails may appear dull instead of having their characteristic natural shine, or almost look as if they were sandpapered. Rough nails could indicate:
- An autoimmune disease
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Psoriasis, which is a skin condition resulting in rough or scaly patches of skin
