Most people blame polish stains — but true yellowing comes from within.

🩺 Possible causes:

Chronic respiratory diseases (like bronchitis or emphysema)
Lymphatic system blockage (lymphedema)
Fungal infections (more common, but rule out medical causes first)

🔍 Other signs:

Thickened nails
Slow growth
Separation from the nail bed

✅ See a doctor if yellowing persists despite stopping polish use.
2. Clubbed Nails – A Sign of Low Oxygen Levels

Nail clubbing means:

The fingertip enlarges
The nail curves downward like a watch glass
The angle between nail and cuticle increases

🫁 This change is linked to chronically low blood oxygen, such as in:

Lung cancer
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Congenital heart disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

⚠️ Develops gradually — often unnoticed until advanced.

🩺 Diagnosis requires imaging or specialist testing.
3. Spoon Nails (Koilonychia) – Linked to Iron Deficiency Anemia

The nail becomes soft and concave — so scooped out it can hold a drop of water.

🩸 Most commonly caused by:

Iron deficiency anemia
Sometimes associated with celiac disease, hypothyroidism, or lead poisoning

📌 Often seen in women with heavy menstrual cycles or poor iron intake.

💡 Other signs: Fatigue, pale skin, brittle hair.

✅ Blood test confirms diagnosis — treatable with supplements and diet changes.
4. Terry’s Nails – May Indicate Liver or Kidney Failure

Nearly the entire nail appears white, with only a narrow pink band at the tip.

🩺 Associated with:

Liver cirrhosis
Chronic kidney disease
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes mellitus

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