10 health conditions your nails may reveal!

1. Pale finger nails
Very pale nails that lack colour can be a sign of serious illness such as congestive heart failure, Liver disease or malnutrition.

2. White finger nails
Extremely white nails, with dark rims near the bottom of the nail, may be a condition known as 'Terry's nails'. This condition is often seen in people with Liver disease or hepatitis.

3. Yellow finger nails
The common cause of yellowing fingernails is fungal infection. More concerning causes may include severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.

4. Bluish nails
When the body is not getting enough oxygen, blue nails may result. This could be due to an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia. Some heart problems can also be associated with blue nails.

5. Rippled or pitted nails
Nails that are pitted (small dents in the nail) may indicate early signs of inflammatory arthritis or psoriasis. Skin under that nail may also appear discoloured or reddish-brown.

6. Cracked, split nails
Thyroid disease may often cause nails to crack or split. This is due to nails becoming brittle due to thyroid malfunction. If yellowing accompanies the cracking, it may signal fungal infection.

7. Puffy nail fold
Raised red skin at the cuticle and around the nail is known as inflammation of the nail fold. This can occur as a result of connective tissue disorders, such as lupus.

8. Dark Lines
Dark lines that appear under the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. These lines can be the result of skin cancer melanomas.

9. Clubbed nails
This is when the tip of the nail enlarges and the nail curves downwards around the finger. This may occur due to low oxygen in the blood and could be a sign of various types of lung disease. Nail clubbing is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and AIDS.

10. Gnawed nails
Biting your nails may just be a silly habit, but severely bitten nails may indicate severe anxiety. This may also be a sign of OCD or stress that is likely to need attention and treatment.

Remember: The nail changes above may accompany many conditions however, these changes are rarely the first sign. Many nail abnormalities are harmless but if you're concerned about the appearance of your nails, consult with your doctor or dermatologist.