Page 42 - 84 human physiolofy part-1

Chapter 3

Clinical Application

Nail inspection can give a great deal of information about the internal working of the body as well,
and like tongue or iris inspection, has a long history of diagnostic use in cantraditional medical
practices such as Chinese medicine.

Pliability: Brittleness is associated with iron deficiency, thyroid problems, impaired kidney
function, circulation problems[2], and biotin deficiency[3] Splitting and fraying are associated with
psoriasis, folic acid, protein and/or Vitamin C deficiency. Unusual thickness is associated with
circulation problems. Thinning nails and itchy skin are associated with lichen planus[4].

Shape and texture: Clubbing, or nails that curve down around the fingertips with nail beds that
bulge is associated with oxygen deprivation and lung, heart, or liver disease. Spooning, or nails that
grow upwards is associated with iron or B12 deficiency. Flatness can indicate a B12 vitamin
deficiency[5] or Raynaud's disease[6] Pitting of the nails is associated with Psoriasis. Horizontal ridges
indicate stress, and Beau's lines are associated with many serious conditions. Vertical ridges are
associated with arthritis[7]. Vertical grooves are associated with kidney disorders, aging, and iron
deficiency[8]. Beading is associated with rheumatoid arthritis[9]. Nails that resemble hammered brass
are associated with (or portend) hair loss[10]. Short small beds are associated with heart disease[11].
Coloration of the nail bed:

Mee's lines are associated with arsenic or thallium poisoning, and renal failure. White lines across
the nail are associated with heart disease, liver disease, or a history of a recent high fever[12]. Opaque
white nails with a dark band at the fingertip are associated with cancer, cirrhosis, congestive heart
failure, diabetes and aging[13]. Paleness or whitening is associated with liver or kidney disease and
anemia[14]. Yellowing of the nail bed is associated with chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems,
diabetes, and liver disorders. Brown or copper nail beds are associated with arsenic or copper
poisoning, and local fungal infection. Grey nail beds are associated with arthritis, edema, malnutrition,
post-operative effects, glaucoma and cardio-pulmonary disease[15]. redness is associated with heart
conditions. dark nails are associated with B12 deficiency. Stains of the nail plate (not the nail bed) are
associated with nail polish[16], smoking, and henna use.

Markings: Pink and white nails are associated with kidney disease[17]. Parallel white lines in the
nails are associated with hypoalbuminemia. red skin at the base of the nail is associated with
connective tissue disorders[18]. blue lunulae are associated with silver poisoning or lung disorder[19].
blue nail beds are (much like blue skin) associated with poor oxygenation of the blood (asthma,
emphysema, etc)[20]. small white patches are associated with zinc or calcium deficiency or
malabsorption, parasites, or local injury[21]. receded lunulae (fewer than 8) are associated with poor
circulation[22], shallow breathing habits or thyroid mysfunction[23]. large lunulae (more than 25% of
the thumb nail) is associated with high blood pressure.

Myths

It is a myth that nails and hair will continue growing for several days after death. The appearance
of growth is actually caused by the retraction of skin as the surrounding tissue dehydrates (desiccation),
making nails and hair more prominent.

42 | Human Physiology