Check your fingernails for potential health problems.

Our fingernails can be important indicators to some serious health problems...

It’s a good idea to give your nails a close inspection from time to time – here’s what to look for:

• Pale nails are normal with aging – but could also indicate anemia, liver disease or malnutrition.

• White nails with dark rims can be a sign of liver problems such as hepatitis.

• Yellow nails are usually a result of a fungal infection. In rare cases it could be something more serious such as thyroid disease, diabetes or lung disease.

• Bluish nails could mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lung infection such as pneumonia.

• Rippled nails can be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.

• Brittle, cracked or split nails can be another indicator of thyroid disease. If they’ve also got a yellow hue – it’s more likely due to a fungal infection.

• Dark lines beneath the nail need to be check right away. They’re sometimes caused by melanoma.