Some blemishes on the fingernails are harmless. However, some discoloration and deformation of the nail often occurs in connection with certain types of cancer.
Frankfurt – Spots or grooves on your fingernails can say a lot about your health. They could be an indication of a vitamin or trace element deficiency. These can usually be easily compensated for. But more serious illnesses could also be recognized on the nails. Changes in nail appearance can be a sign of certain types of cancer. In this case, a closer look at the hands can be life-saving.
Signs of illness visible on the fingernails
They should be taken into account especially if changes to the nail occur suddenly. Like Dr. Silke Hofmann, director of the Wuppertal Center for Dermatology and public relations officer for the German Dermatological Society (DDG), opposite AOK.de explained, these signs can be an indication of an illness:
- Thickened nails
- Brittle nails
- discoloration
- Bulges
- Watch glass nails
Watch glass nails as an indication of lung diseases
So-called watch glass nails refer to fingernails that are rounded and curved outwards. The cause of this is usually a chronic lack of oxygen in the tissue. As a result, the fingers do not receive enough blood supply and the nail can no longer grow properly. This can occur on both fingernails and toenails. The shape of the nail can also be genetically determined.
Watch glass nails are most commonly associated with lung diseases such as lung cancer. But other diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema and tuberculosis or, in rare cases, heart disease can also lead to a lack of oxygen. A sudden change should definitely be checked with a doctor. If a tumor is really responsible for the deformation, the symptom will show up in the early phase. Through early detection, sick people can be treated in a timely manner.
Discoloration as a symptom of skin cancer
Some discoloration may appear on the nail. White spots and longitudinal grooves are usually harmless. If the discoloration is dark brown or black, in the worst case scenario it can be a sign of skin cancer. They can be nodular, raised or flat. In particular, a thin, black stripe that runs across the nail could indicate a tumor and should be examined.
If the nails are discolored blue-red in places, this may be caused by an injury. If a dark discoloration has existed for a long time, it could also be a simple birthmark.
Note from the editors
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
Not all disorders in the nail appearance are caused by illness
Not all changes in the nails indicate an illness. Meinmed.at describes which symptoms are harmless and which are worrying. Even if they are not related to disease, nails can give a clue about what is missing from the body. But it’s not just nails that can provide information about health; low income also increases the risk of cancer.
| Clouds | Damage to the nail root |
| Longitudinal grooves | Signs of aging, lack of fluids |
| Transverse grooves | previous injuries |
| Spoon nails | Heart, lung or liver disease |
| Watch glass nails | Deficiency, infections |
| discoloration | Smoking, nail fungus, anemia, heart and lung diseases |
| stains | Bruise, melanoma, psoriasis |