What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health

Ever wonder why your nails are so brittle, yellow, or otherwise discolored? Though you may not know it, these seemingly harmless symptoms may indicate you have some underlying health issues.

According to John Anthony, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist and author of “Skin Rules,” there are certain nail symptoms that definitely shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s what eight different nail conditions are signaling about your health.

1. Yellow Nails

Yellow Nails


2. Cracked or Brittle Nails

Cracked or Brittle Nails


3. Pitted Nails

Pitted Nails


4. Ridged Nails

Ridged Nails


5. Discolored or Dark Lines Beneath

Discolored or Dark Lines Beneath


6. Bitten Nails

Bitten Nails


7. Bluish Nails

Bluish Nails


8. White Spots

White Spots


(via Providr)

If you’ve noticed any of these conditions in your own nails and are concerned, be sure to visit your doctor.