How to determine the presence of serious diseases in a person by their nails?

Nails as a mirror of health: what changes in their color and condition can tell

Subtle changes in nails can signal serious health problems, experts warn.

As dermatologist Andrey Malvestiti told in an interview with Veja, paying close attention to the condition of nails can help identify hidden diseases at an early stage.

The specialist explained that white spots on nails are usually harmless, and purple spots are most often just bruises after injuries. However, the appearance of black, gray, or brown spots should be a reason for immediate medical attention, as this may be a sign of melanoma – one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer.

Delamination of the nail plate may indicate an infectious process or an allergic reaction to household chemical components. Warts around the nails often indicate the presence of human papillomavirus.

According to Dr. Malvestiti, the most common patient complaints are related to thickening and increased brittleness of nails. Although these changes may be due to the natural aging process of nail plates, they can also signal serious diseases such as diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disorders, arterial diseases, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis.