Blue Nails
People who undergo surgery are often asked to remove their nail polish. This is because the doctors and nurses need to see if the nails will turn blue during the operation. Blue nails often mean a lack of oxygen supply. However, they may also suggest:
- Lung disorders, like emphysema
- Heart problems
- Silver poisoning
- Bacterial infection
Additionally, certain chemicals may turn the nails blue, like those used to remove paint and clean metal. Medications can also result in bluish nails. These medications include anti-malarial drugs and those that regulate the heartbeat.
Dark Lines
Another reason why you must know about the changes in fingernails and health conditions associated with them is because the underlying condition may be serious. For instance, if there is a dark line – often a thick one – on your nail, go to your doctor immediately. Dark lines can be a symptom of melanoma, a serious kind of skin cancer. However, there could also be other reasons for this change in the fingernails:
- Mole
- Trauma to the fingers
- Result of medication

Texture Changes in Fingernails and What They Mean
Rippled Nails
Rippled nails look like there are tiny holes on the nail. Sometimes, this is also called nail pitting. While not life-threatening, this change in the fingernails may indicate:
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Eczema
Split or Cracked Nails
A split or cracked nail may be due to different reasons. Aging can cause brittle nails. Other than this, split or cracked nails may mean:
- Repeated trauma to the fingers
- Side-effect of medications
- Certain nutrient deficiency
- Fungal infection (when accompanied by yellowing)
- Thyroid disease
- Psoriasis
Development of Ridges
While almost-invisible lines are normal, developing highly noticeable ridges or grooves is not. One example of a ridge that should cause concern is called Beau’s lines. They look like deep, horizontal indentations across the nail. They could mean:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Diseases associated with high fever, like scarlet fever, mumps, and measles
- Other systemic diseases
Other Changes in Fingernails and Health Conditions Associated to Them
Puffy Nail Fold
The nail fold is the skin around the edges of your nails. If they become red and puffy, it may mean there is an infection in the area. However, do not panic right away, especially if you only see it on one nail. This could only mean that it has experienced trauma. The puffy nail fold is also common for those who often get their hands soaked.
Nail Clubbing
Nail clubbing happens when the nail looks larger than normal and the edge curves over the fingertips. The enlargement happens over the years. Clubbing could mean the presence of:
- Lung disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver disorders
- HIV/AIDS
Spoon Nails
From the name itself, spoon nails look like the edges are lifted, causing an indentation that is wide enough to hold a drop of liquid. Spoon nails could indicate that a person has:
- Hemochromatosis; a condition wherein the body absorbs too much calcium from the diet
- Heart disease
- Hypothyroidism
Nail Separation or Nail Lifting
You can notice nail separation when the nail lifts off of the nail bed. There are various reasons for this condition. They include:
- Injury
- Infection
- Reaction to medication or product
- Thyroid disease
- Psoriasis
Key Takeaways
Our fingernails and health conditions are, indeed, connected. However, our nails can only indicate certain conditions, but not confirm them.
Learn more about Healthy Lifestyles, here.
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