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Are your nails warning you about your health? Signs that may indicate disease

From pale nails to yellow or bluish discoloration, nail changes may signal underlying health conditions such as anemia, liver disease or fungal infection.

By NES Web Desk

Mar 08, 2026 14:40 IST

Fever, stomach upset, and aches are not the only symptoms of disease. Often, health conditions are hidden in the nails as well. The color, marks, and structure of nails can reveal what diseases are taking root in the body. Recognizing these symptoms that appear on nails will benefit you. By observing nail abnormalities, you can quickly contact a doctor and begin treatment. So learn to recognize these nail symptoms.

When nails become pale

The normal color of nails is usually pink. But many people's nails become pale. This appears due to a decrease in hemoglobin count in the blood. This is a symptom of anemia. Additionally, if the nail structure becomes spoon-like, you should understand this is happening due to iron deficiency. If this occurs, get a blood test done and contact a doctor.

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When nail color turns yellow

Just as paleness is a concern, yellowing is equally dangerous. Sometimes it can be a symptom of hepatitis or jaundice. Yellow tinge in nails can sometimes also be a symptom of diabetes and thyroid disorders. Besides, it can be a symptom of a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome. Also, if there's a fungal infection in the nails, they turn yellow or green. So don't ignore this symptom.

white stain on nails

Bluish nails are also harmful

Be cautious if nail color turns blue as well. This happens when adequate blood or oxygen doesn't reach the nails. This type of symptom appears in lung diseases. Sometimes when blood clots form due to injury, nails also turn blue. In this case, applying ice compress fixes it.

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Don't ignore white spots on nails

White spots on nails are not exactly symptoms of any disease. However, this symptom should not be ignored either. Sometimes when the body has zinc and calcium deficiency, such symptoms appear on nails.

Be careful of black spots

If black spots appear on nails, don't delay for a moment. This can be a symptom of melanoma. Melanoma is a special type of skin cancer.

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