While there are no specific physical nail signs universally exclusive to a diagnosis of depression, certain nail changes and behaviors have been observed in some individuals experiencing depression or related conditions.
Nail pitting is when small round depressions or notches appear in the nails. It's common in people who have skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Nail pitting also may be related to alopecia areata — an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Depressed subjects showed significantly higher mean cortisol levels measured in fingernails when compared with control subjects.
Beau's lines on all of your nails can mean that an illness or stress caused them. Multiple Beau's lines on each nail may mean that an illness or trauma happened more than once. Thicker Beau's lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time.
According to Dr. Vyas, nail changes can signal anything from a simple vitamin deficiency or injury to more serious conditions like anxiety or melanoma. She explained that nail biting linked to anxiety can cause brittle nails – while a dark, vertical streak may be a sign of nail melanoma.
The visual appearance of the fingernails and toenails may suggest an underlying systemic disease. Clubbing of the nails often suggests pulmonary disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Koilonychia, or “spoon-shaped” nails, may stimulate a work-up for hemochromatosis or anemia.
Mood changing nail polish is also based on a thermochromic reaction with the nails changing color with temperature. The nail polish is clear when the nails are warm, changing color when the nails cool.
Diabetic nails may look thickened, yellowish, brittle, or have an unusual shape. This is often due to reduced blood flow to the extremities and nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, which affects the feet.
Here's a comprehensive guide to ten nail diseases and disorders that deserve a closer look.
Key takeaways: A lunula is the white, half-moon shape at the base of your nails. Not everyone has a visible lunula. Missing lunulae can be due to genetics, age, nail thickness, or cuticle thickness.
Nail pitting is small, pin-poke dents in the nail plate of your fingernails or toenails. It's usually a sign of psoriasis, but other conditions cause it, too. If you notice nail pitting, talk to your healthcare provider so they can help find and treat the cause. Treatment includes medications and prescription creams.
If the heart doesn't pump well, it can make the nail bed get less blood. This leads to different problems. Cyanosis: A bluish color in the nails because of too little oxygen. Nail Clubbing: Fingertips get bigger and the angle of the nail changes.
Let it sit overnight, then rinse away in the morning for a noticeable difference. 2) Brittle fingernails. Since our nails are made of the same enamel as teeth, toothpaste can do a lot to help them. Simply give your nails a good scrub with some toothpaste for cleaner, shinier, stronger nails.
Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.
Here are 8 key signs that you might be experiencing emotional burnout—and what you can do about it.
April is Stress Awareness Month: Understanding the Physical Signs of Stress
Passing feelings of depersonalization or derealization are common and are not always a cause for concern. But ongoing or serious feelings of detachment and distortion of your surroundings can be a sign of depersonalization-derealization disorder or another physical or mental health condition.
If your nails turn yellow, thicken, and seem to stop growing, it could be a sign of something going on inside your body. Lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause yellow nails. You may also have a serious nail infection, which requires treatment.
2 Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks.