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4 Ordinary Nail Symptoms You Really Shouldn’t Ignore
No matter your skin tone, a smooth, pink nail bed with a pale half-moon at the base signals you're in the clear. But beware of these shady nail symptoms

by Women’s Health

June 13, 2018

4 Nail Symptoms You Really Shouldn't Ignore

No matter your skin tone, a smooth, pink nail bed with a pale half-moon at the base signals you’re in the clear. But beware of these shady nail symptoms:

CRACKS OR PEELING

Too many manis could dry out your nails.Go polish-free to let the damaged parts grow out. Still cracked? It might be a signal of a metabolic disorder, such as thyroid disease.

READ MORE: These 4 Things Could Be Why Your Nails Are Turning Yellow

YELLOW-TINTED HUES

Uniformly yellow nails? It’s probably a reaction to chemicals in your polish (especially darker shades). Consider lightening up. If the yellow is streaky, it may be a fungal infection. See your derm.

DARK, VERTICAL STRIPES

These could indicated a malignant melanoma in the layer of cells that form the base of your nail — get to your derm ASAP. A biopsy can be taken from the nail base to rule out this skin cancer.

READ MORE: 8 Weird Things That Can Happen To Your Nails

CLOUDY WHITE NAILS

Could be a liver disease, especially if the skin around the nail bed is yellow and nail tips appear darker. Your dermatologist can send you to a physician if necessary.