The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix. It covers the underlying blood vessels, which is why you can (or can't) see a white crescent-shaped area shine through the transparent nail. The structure of a fingernail.
The lunula is the white crescent-shaped area at the base of a nail. In humans, it appears by week 14 of gestation, and has a primary structural role in defining the free edge of the distal nail plate (the part of the nail that grows outward).
Take a moment to look at your nails. You see those half-moon circles at the base of them? In most cases, they're not a cause for concern. They're simply a part of your nail matrix where new nail growth occurs.
The absence or reduction of the visible white half-moon shape (lunula) at the base of the nails can indicate low thyroid function or B12 deficiency. Possible Causes: Thyroid disorders, B12 deficiency, circulatory issues.
In the condition called Terry's nails, most of the fingernail looks white except for a narrow red or pink band at the top. Terry's nails sometimes develops because of aging. But in other cases, it may be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as liver problems, congestive heart failure or diabetes.
Symptoms of acute liver failure may include:
A magnesium deficiency can result in weak, flaky nails that are prone to breakage.
Macrolunula is the term for an enlarged white lunula, it can also be seen as a marker of thyroid problems. Two particular variants of macrolunula are Lindsay's Half and Half nails from kidney dysfunction and Terry's Nails which can be a sign of liver disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetes just to name a few.
The first step to treating keratin granules is to give your nails a break from nail polish. Let them “breathe” for a few weeks so they can recover. You can also hydrate your nails by applying a strengthening oil or cream with ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or keratin proteins.
Though the lunula is often not visible in all fingers and toes, it is most consistently observed on the thumb, in the index finger, and the great toes. [8] The same was true in our study also. The lunular size decreased with age and this has been previously noted as an ageing-related nail change in elderly persons.
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. Sometimes, missing lunulae can be related to health issues, like poor circulation or nutritional deficiencies.
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen. This could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema. Some heart problems can be associated with bluish nails.
Most nails have a white half-moon shape at the base, just above the cuticle, called a lunula. A change in color or size of the lunula may indicate an underlying disease such as chronic renal failure or congestive heart failure.
The Moon orbits the Earth, and as this happens the Moon's appearance when viewed from the Earth changes because different parts of the Moon are illuminated at different times. This means we see the Moon's phases from Earth as different shapes.
Possible Causes
These lines aren't dangerous. Skin conditions: If you have very dry skin or eczema, you may have vertical lines on your nails. Thyroid disease: If you have hypothyroidism, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily.
The lunula is the white half-moon shape found at the base of the nail just above the cuticle. An extended lunula, making the majority of the nails white in color except for a narrow band at the top, could signal cirrhosis, chronic renal failure or congestive heart failure.
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.
Malnourishment due to extreme diets, medical conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and eating disorders can all cause changes in the nails. People with a vitamin B-12 deficiency may notice that their lunulae disappear. They may also develop brownish-gray nails.
Medium to dark vertical lines on your nails could indicate a Vitamin D and B12 deficiency. Short white lines or spots might point to zinc deficiency. Brittle nails that easily break could mean you're low in calcium and biotin.
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?
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.
If there are symptoms of liver disease, they may include: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice. Yellowing of the skin might be harder to see on Black or brown skin. Belly pain and swelling.
Fetor hepaticus is a distinct smell on the breath of someone with liver disease. It happens when your liver can't filter certain toxic substances from your blood anymore. These substances build up in your blood and come out in your breath. You may also detect the same smell in your pee or sweat.
Pruritus is one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with cholestatic liver disease. Pruritus associated with cholestasis is characteristically localized to the palms and soles, although generalized itching can also occur.