Additionally, horizontal ridges on nails often appear naturally during illness.
Spots may indicate fungal infection. Nail spots suggest conditions like athlete's foot or psoriasis—seek dermatological care promptly. White spots on children's nails are common, potentially caused by zinc deficiency or intestinal parasites.
Nails that break easily may indicate insufficient liver blood. If nails are excessively soft, brittle, thin, prone to breaking, or separate from the nail bed, this likely signifies liver blood deficiency. Appropriate supplementation with calcium, protein, and collagen is recommended. Foods like pork skin, tendons, and pig's trotters can be consumed more frequently.Additionally, frequent ridges around the nails often indicate deficiency syndromes. Dry, brittle nails prone to splitting or breaking, along with nail bed deformities, may also stem from common conditions like thyroid disorders.
Watch for psoriasis with pitting. Dr. Tamara Rio notes that pitted or wrinkled nails warrant caution for psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.Research indicates that 10% of psoriasis patients first experience nail cracking or nail bed pitting as an initial symptom.
Red nail beds may signal heart disease. A reddened nail bed could indicate potential heart issues. If the nail bed appears grayish-white or white, it suggests low red blood cell count, likely due to anemia.
It's important to note that Dr. Christine Leiming, spokesperson for the American College of Physicians, emphasizes these nail changes are merely indicators of potential health issues. A definitive diagnosis requires thorough examination and medical evaluation.