By Trudie Mitschang

We nibble them, file them, lacquer them, and use them to pry open packages. But did you know your fingernails are actually tiny diagnostic indicators that can reveal almost as much about your health as a lengthy lab workup?

“Often fingernail symptoms are a sign of something else happening in the body,” says Dr. Agnieszka J. Niemeyer of West Dermatology in Palm Desert. “To a physician with a practiced eye, fingernails are like little signposts that reveal whether you’re deficient in vitamins and minerals and whether you’re digesting your food well. In some cases, they can even reveal whether you have a condition like heart disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes.”

Anatomy of a Nail
Nails are made of a hardened protein called keratin, also found in skin and hair. Their purpose is to act as a protective sheath over the sensitive, nerve-filled endings of fingers and toes, insulating them from trauma or
daily dings. Without them, accidentally stubbing a toe or jamming a finger could lead to serious injury — and would hurt a lot more.

The average fingernail grows approximately one-tenth of an inch per month; it takes nearly six months to get from cuticle to tip. Fingernails grow much faster than toenails (and faster still on your dominant hand), making them a more accurate source for uncovering undiagnosed illness.

When to Seek Help
Nails that are chipped and brittle after years beneath acrylics will probably bounce back with a little TLC.
Crumbly or yellowed nails can usually be attributed to a fungal infection. But suspicious stripes, a dark bluish tinge,
or unusual ridges and bumps should all be looked at by a physician to rule out serious illness.

“I’m often surprised by how long people will put up with a problem before coming to see a doctor,” Niemeyer says. “Many will try home remedies, topical treatments, or even cosmetic fixes before seeking medical attention. If symptoms persist for more than a few months, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist to find out what your nails are trying to tell you.”

Niemeyer sees all kinds of nail symptoms in her practice, many pointing to dietary deficiencies. For example, soft nails that look scooped out (called spooned nails) may indicate anemia or an iron deficiency, while nails with white spots may signify a lack of zinc.

If your nails are brittle and break easily, you may need more vitamin B-12; discolored nails point to a blood sugar imbalance; and frequent hangnails could be a sign of insufficient protein, vitamin C, and/or folic acid.

“When symptoms show up in the nails, the doctor turns detective, looking for other clues that will reveal the underlying problem,” Niemeyer says. “After examining the nails, I perform a complete skin exam to look for rashes or other abnormalities. We also take a thorough medical history, noting what medications and supplements a patient is taking and whether they have had any recent significant life events, like an illness or pregnancy.”

Some nail conditions can indicate seri-ous health problems. Niemeyer explains that yellow or green discoloration may result from a respiratory condition like chronic bronchitis, and very deep blue nail beds may indicate a pulmonary obstruction or emphysema. Other diseases that commonly show up as nail symptoms include rheumatoid arthritis, kidney and liver disease, and circulatory problems.

Niemeyer adds that a nail biopsy is often a last resort if a diagnosis can’t be reached less invasively. “The biopsy is done by removing the matrix where the nail originates, and there’s a risk that the nail may not grow back,” she explains.

Nutrients for Your Nails
Studies show that certain nutritional supplements will improve the health and appearance of your nails. But keep in mind that when your nails look less than stellar, it’s merely a reflection of how your body is doing as a whole. Once your body is receiving and absorbing the proper nutrients, your nails will look better and, more importantly, you will feel better.

“If more serious problems have been ruled out and the nail condition is still not good, I suggest clients start with a high-potency multivitamin,” says Lisa Licavoli, a registered dietician and naturopath in Newport Beach. “I also recommend biotin, a water-soluble member of the B-complex group of vitamins that can strengthen weak nails. It can be purchased at the health food store or obtained by prescription. If white flecks on nails are a concern, I prescribe a daily supplement of zinc, somewhere between 30 and 50 milligrams, in addition to a multi[vitamin].”

To have healthy nails and skin, you also need adequate protein and a daily dose of essential fatty acids, explains Licavoli, who adds that our highly processed diets often don’t provide enough of these good fats.

“The essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil will keep nails from cracking from lack of nourishment. I recommend two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or 500 milligrams of evening primrose oil per day to keep nails strong and healthy.”