The 5 things your TOENAILS can reveal about your health – and when to see your GP
TOENAILS aren't the prettiest part of the human body - but they could tell you a lot about your health.
Nail problems aren't usually caused by anything serious and it's normal for then to change over time, but there some instances when you will need to see a GP.
The NHS says most people's toenails and nails will become more brittle as we age and that pregnancy can also change how soft or hard they are.
It's also normal for nails to fall off or change colour after an injury.
Dina Gohil, a podiatrist at DG Podiatrist explained how the colour of your nails can reveal various health conditions from everything to lack of oxygen to a fungal infection.
1. Anaemia
Dina said that pale nails could be a sign of anaemia.
Speaking to the she explained that usually they are just a sign of ageing.
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However, you could also be suffering from anaemia if you have black nails.
She said: "Untreated fungal nails can sometimes cause black toenails due to a buildup of debris.
"Toenails are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections because they thrive on moist, warm environments. So, if you notice you have white or yellow nails, get these checked by a podiatrist before they turn black."
Dina added that the most common cause of black nails is Melanoma.
Melanoma is caused by skin cells that begin to develop abnormally and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas.
There is also evidence to suggest that some are caused by sunbed exposure.
Dina said that you should speak to your GP if brown or black spots start to appear under your nail bed.
2. Diabetes
People who have type 1 diabetes have to keep an eye on their feet and should have them checked as part of their annual diabetic review.
The NHS says that diabetes can reduce the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling known as peripheral neuropathy.
This can mean foot injuries don't heal well and you may not notice if your foot is sore or injured, it states.
Dina said that there are a number of ways your feet can reveal diabetes.
Pale nails, black nails and even yellow nails can all be signs that you have diabetes.
But most of the time, yellow nails are caused by nail varnish or the food you eat.
3. Lack of oxygen
Dina explained that bluish nails are often due to the fact that not enough oxygen is getting into the blood stream.
She said: "This is a lack of oxygen in the red blood cells causing the skin underneath your nails and other body parts including the feet, lips and mucous membranes to appear blue/purple,' she explains.
"This has several causes including cold temperature exposure, abnormally high hemoglobin levels, an underlying health problem such as asthma or COPD or your body’s inability to deliver enough oxygen to the area."
Thing you can do to keep your nails in tiptop shape
There are many things you can do you make sure you don't end up with bad toenails.
- keep them clean
- trim them down
- wear comfy shoes and socks
Gaby Noble founder of Exhale Pilates London and Foot Wellness expert for mahabis added that overall foot wellbeing is intrinsic to our health and wellbeing, yet we only tend to seek help when something is wrong.
She added that for optimal foot care you should save high heels for special occasions and treat your feet to massages.
Gaby explained: "One of the most common causes of foot pain in the heel and arch is plantar fasciitis. This is when the plantar fascia (the part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes) becomes inflamed, which is often caused by wearing high heels!
"One way to relieve this is to use a ball (you can purchase a spikey ball or a tennis ball will do!) and place it under the foot (either when standing or lying on your back) and roll it back and forth under your foot.
"Take your time and seek out the pressure points to release."
4. Fungal infection
Yellow, black and white spots on toenails can all be signs of fungal infections.
White spots on nails are associated with a zinc deficiency or fungal infection, while untreated fungal nails can sometimes cause black toenails due to a buildup of debris.
White spots are usually nothing to worry about, but Dina said you should get them checked out if they are entirely white.
Dina added that your toenails can be particularly vulnerable to fungal infection because they thrive on warm, moist environments.
If you notice that you have white or yellow nails, Dina said you should get this checked out before they go black.
5. Heart disease
Your toenail health can sometimes reveal underlying conditions and Dina said that one of these could be heart disease.
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If you are suffering from heart disease then you could have black nails.
However if you are able to control the underlying health condition then the blackness should go away.
