Most of us spend so much of time in painting, trimming and shaping our nails that we simply ignore them when they’re bare. And bare nails can be a major source of information for a variety of problems that our bodies might be suffering from. Did you know that your nails can reveal clues about your overall health? Problems with your lungs, with your liver as well as your heart can show up on your nails. Therefore, understanding how to detect them helps you to detect these problems early and treat them before they escalate further. Visiting your physician at regular intervals is important, but checking your nails from time to time can also help you detect warning times. Here are some of the main secrets that your nails can reveal.

Dark lines underneath your nails

Dark lines are extremely serious problems. If you find dark lines underneath your nails, you need to visit a physician immediately. These lines are usually known to be warning signs of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Yellow Nails

Yellow nails are mostly caused because of fungal infections. The nail bed might retract as the infection worsens and this might cause your nails to thicken and crumble as well. In some cases, yellow nails can also indicate serious diseases such as lung diseases, thyroid, psoriasis or diabetes.

Split Nails

Dry or brittle nails that split often are usually linked to thyroids. If your nails split up and also develop a yellowish tinge, this is most likely due to fungal infections in your body.

White Nails

White nails (whitish colored nails with darker rims) usually indicate liver problems such as jaundice or hepatitis. White nails are the earliest warning signs of liver trouble.

Nails with a bluish tinge

When your nails develop a bluish tinge, it indicates that your body is not getting the adequate amounts of oxygen. This usually occurs due to lung problems such as emphysema. Bluish nails can also indicate heart problems.

Puffy skin around your nails

If the skin around your nails seem to be puffy or red in color, you have inflammation in your nail fold. This usually occurs due to connective tissue disorders such as lupus or infections.

Pale Nails

Pale nails are usually signs of serious problems such as liver problems, anemia, malnutrition or congestive heart failure.

Rippled Nails

Rippled or pitted nails are usually signs of problems like inflammatory arthritis or psoriasis. Your nails also get discolored in such cases and the skin underneath your nails can appear to reddish-brown in color.

Nail biting

Nail biting might just be an old habit that you failed to treat as you grew up. It could also indicate a sign of persistent anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a vitamin deficiency. If you simply cannot stop biting your nails, it helps to discuss things with your doctor.

Your nails are simple indicators of signs of trouble. Many of the abnormalities that occur on your nails might be completely harmless. But if you’re concerned about a particular appearance, it always helps to consult your physician immediately.