Shape of Your Nails Helps Determine Your Health Status: Study

Your nails say how healthy you are, according to a study.

Unkempt and chipped finger and toe nails trap dirt and harmful bacteria that enter the body and cause infections and illnesses. Although, cutting and trimming nails is recommended to look clean and prevent infections, overfiling can wear out surface and cause minor cuts leading to fungal infections. A recent study by the University of Nottingham found the shape and condition of a person's nails help predict his or her health status. The experts observed common nail conditions including ingrown,, spoon-shaped or pincer nails , deep-grooved lines and curving inwards.

They found deep lines on nails indicate the person may have undergone a chemotherapy session a few months ago or sustained serious injuries or had prolonged exposure to cold. People whose nails curved inwards have less red-blood cells count. The shape of the nail was also linked to Raynaud's disease, a condition that restricts blood flow to the fingers and nails. In addition, the researchers discovered clubbed nails were a symptom of serious lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart problems, liver conditions and AIDS, reports the Telegraph.

The findings also warn dark strikes on nails occur due to cancer formation in nail bed which is also known as subungual melanoma while pitted and pale yellow nails are signs of skin allergies and fungal infections. In addition, the study also advises people to maintain hygienic habits like avoiding biting and chewing nails. The authors recommend retaining the shape of nails while cutting to minimize risk of over-clipping and injuries. They add applying colorless nail paints, wearing rubber-bands, sticky tapes and gloves can help people abstain from biting their nails.

"Looking at our results, we suggest that nail beauty fanatics who trim their nails on a daily basis opt for straight or parabolic edges, as otherwise they may amplify the imbalance of stresses which could lead to a number of serious conditions," said Cyril Raunch, study author and researcher from the University of Nottingham, reports the Daily Mail.

"For French manicures, for example, they don't tend to give a very flat edge to your nail. This could be detrimental," adds Raunch.

More information is available online in the journal Physical Biology.