Some changes mean different things depending on who you talk to, but the bottom line is that if you notice changes in your nails, you need to consider seeing a health professional.

Take a good look at your nails right now. Are there ridges? Do you have "moons" at the base of each nail? Are they pink and healthy looking? Brittle? Take a good note and keep track of them the way you might a mole.

So what can these changes mean?

Ridges in your nails can point to kidney failure, RA or a likelihood you will develop RA later on. Brittleness can be a low thyroid function. Spoon shaped nails can point to a severe iron deficiency. Pitting of the nails can point to eczema or psoriasis. Of course many of these can also be cause by too much submersion in water, dehydration of the nail and exposure to nail polishes, removers and treatments. In other words, don't go planning the funeral yet, because it might also be nothing. If you are seriously concerned, see a physician.

You keep track of your skin, the regularity of your periods, fevers and all manner of things, so why not your nails?? You have the power for early illness detection right at your fingertips.

To see some pictures of some of these conditions check out the Mayo clinic's slide show presentation here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/WO00055&slide=1

and for a table of symptoms and meanings see this site: http://www.healthy.net/scr/HealthHint.asp?Id=36


© 2006 by Jennifer Altherr, Butyoudontlooksick.com