What do your nails reveal about your health?

It is normal for the texture, thickness and color of your fingernails and toenails to change as you age – but some changes may be a sign of disease.

Keeping an eye on your nails can give you a glimpse into your overall health. As you grow older, be prepared for nails to change, and learn which differences may signal a health problem.

Notice these changes? Not to worry! It is normal for the nails of older adults to:

• Thicken

• Grow more slowly

• Become brittle, or splinter when cut

• Look dull, opaque or slightly yellow

• Develop lengthwise grooves or ridges

See these signs? See your provider!

Spoon-shaped (concave) nail growth may be harmless but may also indicate an iron deficiency, musculoskeletal disorder or liver ailment.

Ridges, creases or furrows that run horizontally across the nail (Lines of Beau) often indicate a condition that affects the entire body is present or has just passed. Lines of Beau may be caused by metabolic disorders including diabetes, or may form after a heart attack or severe infection such as pneumonia.

At all ages, healthy nails are predominantly pink with a lighter lunula, the half-moon shaped area where the nail emerges from the skin. Nail colors other than pink may signal a serious condition.

• Black — vitamin deficiency, kidney or liver disease, anemia, bacterial infection, cancer, adrenal gland disorder

• Blue — lung disease, circulation problems

• Green — bacterial or viral infection, emphysema

• Gray — arthritis, glaucoma, lung or heart disease, malnutrition

• Purple — circulation problems

• Red — high blood pressure, heart disease

• White — liver disorders or anemia

• Yellow — breathing problems, liver or lymphatic disorder, diabetes.

How to trim a thickened toenail

Before trimming, soak toenails in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.

The gap between the blades of most toenail clippers is too narrow for a thick nail to fit. Instead, try a pair of nail nippers, which open wide like scissors.

Start trimming at the corner of the nail. Take small nips to prevent the nail from splintering. To prevent ingrown toenails, cut straight across — do not round the nail.

Use an emery board to carefully file any sharp edges.

If you have a condition such as diabetes that causes poor circulation in the feet, trimming your own toenails may be hazardous. Ask your primary care physician or a podiatrist (foot doctor) for assistance.

Dr. E. Beth Harp, family medicine provider at Siloam Springs Family Medicine, is now accepting new patients. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment today, call 479-2153035. Siloam Springs Family Medicine is located at 11011 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs.