2. White Spots
Small white dots or patches are extremely common. Most of the time, they are harmless:
Minor trauma: Bumping or pressing the nail can cause tiny air bubbles that look like white spots.
Nutrient deficiency: In some cases, repeated white spots can indicate a lack of zinc, calcium, or protein in the diet.
👉 Occasional spots are nothing to worry about, but widespread or persistent marks may be worth checking.
3. Brittle or Cracked Nails
Dry, weak, or splitting nails can be frustrating. Causes include:
Frequent hand washing or exposure to cleaning chemicals
Overuse of nail polish remover
Lack of iron or biotin
Underlying thyroid problems
👉 If your nails break easily despite good care, it might be time to look at your diet—or even ask your doctor for a thyroid check.
4. Ridged Nails
Nail ridges can appear vertically (from cuticle to tip) or horizontally.
Vertical ridges: Usually normal and more common with age. They are rarely a health concern.
Horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines): May appear after illness, high stress, or malnutrition. They can also signal more serious conditions like diabetes or circulatory issues.
👉 Smooth, subtle ridges are normal. Deep or wide ridges should be evaluated.
5. Healthy Nails
The best sign of all is when nails are:
Smooth and even
Light pink in color
Free of spots, lines, or discoloration
👉 Healthy nails are a good indicator of balanced nutrition and overall wellness.
When to See a Doctor
