There's something on your body that can tell you a lot about your health--your fingernails. Your nails are composed of a substance known as keratin, which is the same component of hair. Keratin requires healthy cell turnover and growth to help the nails grow longer and retain their strength. Therefore, when a person's body is not healthy, the cells may not reproduce as quickly or appear in good condition.
Function
The nails consist of keratin protein layers consisting of dead cells that have pushed out of the nail bed. The nails' chief function is to serve as a protector for the fingers and toes. Consider other animals with claws: these claws are used to better grasp and hold items. In much the same way, the fingernails protect and stabilize the fingers and toes, allowing a person to better grasp items.
Features
A healthy nail has four chief components: the first and largest portion is the nail plate, which is the hard nail portion that spans from side to side. The half-moon, white shape at the bottom of the nail is called the lunula. Next, the cuticle is the thin band of tissue that sits at the bottom of the nail plate. The fourth portion is the nail fold, which is the skin that surrounds the nail plate.
Identification
Healthy nails should be the same color across the nail plate and the consistency should be uniform. For example, if you run the pad of your finger across the nail, you should not notice any extreme bumps or indentations. Most healthy nails remain a pinkish- or brownish-white color and are white at the tips. Healthy nails are not yellow, as yellowed nails may indicate an underlying respiratory condition.
Considerations
Healthy nails also are smooth, with very few ridges or pitted areas. However, faint vertical ridges are normal and may become more pronounced as a person ages. Pitted nails, however, are an indicator of an underlying skin condition, such as psoriasis. Horizontal ridges also are a cause for concern and can indicate a respiratory condition or malnutrition.
Size
Healthy nails should take up a healthy portion of your fingertip, but some skin should be visible on either side of your nails. If nails take up the expanse of your finger, this is known as nail clubbing, which indicates the blood is not getting enough oxygen. Looking at the nail from the side, a healthy nail should have a mild curve over the middle portion of the nail bed. If the nails curve inward, like a spoon, this is a sign of an unhealthy nail.
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