Many factors contribute to your general body health, including parts of the body you would least suspect. Nails, for instance, indicate your overall health, going as far as pinpointing problems with sensitive internal organs like kidneys. Dr. Peter Chien of Lumos Dermatology offers unparalleled cosmetic services in New York City. Below, we look at the various problems affecting nails and how they impact your health:

White nails

You may find your nails appear whiter than average for seemingly no reason whatsoever. The condition may point to liver problems like hepatitis. Inflammation of the liver affects its functionality, so it fails to process essential nutrients, remove toxins from the blood, and fend off infections. Hepatitis B is brought on by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and if not treated effectively, the problem can escalate to liver failure. Cirrhosis is another possible outcome that leaves enduring scars on the liver. If you find your nails a little jaundiced, consult a physician for a complete diagnosis.

Lack of half-moons

Standard nails have whitish semi-circles at the base, which appear as half-moons. If you don’t have these curves, it could indicate an array of health problems like malnutrition. Depression and the onset of anemia are possible causes of disappearing half-moons. If you are not sure what is causing this issue, consult a doctor for a complete exam on your bloodwork. Anemic people tend to have low hemoglobin levels, which can be corrected by consuming iron-dense foods and increasing their absorption. Vitamin C supplements and foods rich in Vitamin A such as kale, squash, and carrots increase iron absorption.

Blue nails

The nail bed can get a blue coloration making it appear as if your nails are blue. Silver poising is a significant factor, and it is common among people who work in silver manufacturing. Workers who clean radiators can have their nails turn blue after constant interaction with oxalic acid. HIV infections can make your nails turn blue, or it could be a side effect of taking antiretroviral medicine to manage this autoimmune disease.

Nails peeling

External trauma to the nails can occur when operating machinery, grabbing hard items, or even getting beauty treatments at the salon. Handwashing clothing or other things can also make your nails peel easily, and they look unsightly. If there is no reasonable explanation for peeling nails, it could indicate mineral or vitamin deficiency. Incorporate iron into your diet by consuming red meat, beans, dried fruit, potato skins, and fortified breakfast cereals. Moisturizing after doing chores that dry out the nails can help reduce peeling.

Brittle nails

Senior citizens usually suffer from nail breakage, but there is no definitive cause of this problem. It could be due to trauma, such as breaking a fall, a lifetime of drug use, or nutrient deficiency. If your elderly parent often has split nails, consult a doctor to check the levels of essential nutrients first.

Your nails can tell a story about the status of your health. Pay attention to any anomalies so you can begin treatment before the problem escalates.