Doctor shares 4 crimson flags to search for in your nails – one may sign most cancers

Jan 01, 2024 at 7:27 PM
Doctor shares 4 crimson flags to search for in your nails – one may sign most cancers

Symptoms of well being circumstances should not all the time easy. In the case of some diseases the unwanted effects might have an apparent hyperlink, corresponding to a cough being an indication of lung most cancers.

But in different instances they may seem in components of the physique you wouldn’t anticipate.

One knowledgeable revealed that the looks of your fingernails may truly inform you numerous about your well being.

In a TikTok video, Doctor Karan Raj shared 5 indicators in your nails that might point out a well being downside.

Speaking to his greater than 5 million followers, he stated: “This is what your nails tell you about your health.”

Having a small white dot in the midst of your nail just isn’t often one thing to fret about, he stated.

Dr Raj stated: “If you notice these cloud-like white spots in the nails they’re common and usually normal.”

But a “dark streak” on the nail may very well be an indication of cancer.

“If you notice a dark streak on your nail and it’s been there for a long time and you’ve not injured yourself at all, and it’s growing in size or shade, you should get it checked out,” he said.

“In rare cases this can be a subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer.”

According to Medical News Today, subungual melanoma can also cause:

  • Colour changes in or around the nail
  • A bruise under the nail that does not heal
  • Nails separating from the nail bed.

If you notice any of these signs you should speak to your GP as soon as possible.

Dr Raj also warned about tiny dents in the nails.

“If your nails look like someone’s taking a tiny ice pick to them this is called pitting,” he said.

“Usually caused by psoriasis, arthritis or eczema.”

The general color of your nails may let you know extra about your well being.

Dr Raj continued: “If your nails are yellow a common culprit is a fungal infection onychomycosis.

“Tobacco from smoking can also stain the nails yellow.”

He added: “If your nails are cracking and flaking this is an indication of brittle nails.

“This could be a sign of any number of nutritional deficiencies so make sure your diet is varied.”