Today, the area to invest one minute in is the 'nail.' Generally, nails are smooth, pale pink in color, and the grown part is white. However, if the nail color changes or its shape alters, it could be a sign of health issues. Here are five health signals that can be checked through the nails.

◇Vertical black line under the nail → Melanoma

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can also develop in the nails. If there is a black vertical line under the nail or if the nail turns black, suspicion should be raised. This is because it could be melanoma caused by abnormal changes in the skin's melanocytes. The exact cause of melanoma is not clearly identified, but it is known that genetic factors and environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) exposure influence its development. People with fair skin, blue eyes, and light-colored hair are especially at risk when exposed to UV rays for extended periods. In addition to the appearance of a black vertical line under the nail, suspicion should be raised if there are ▲dark red spots on the skin without any trauma or external stimuli, or ▲if the edges of the spots are irregular and gradually spreading.

Pale bluish nails → Respiratory or liver disease

If your fingernails are unusually white or have a pale bluish tint, you should suspect respiratory or liver diseases. When respiratory diseases impair normal breathing, the body's oxygen levels become insufficient. As a result, blood flow to the fingertips decreases, making the nails appear white or bluish. The reason nails appear white when the liver is not functioning well is due to jaundice. When jaundice occurs, the hemoglobin in the blood relatively decreases, causing a white appearance. Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that transports oxygen, and it has a red color.

◇When the tips of the nails break easily → Hyperthyroidism

One of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism is the frequent breaking of the tips of the nails. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, causing the body's metabolism to become excessively active. This can result in nails that easily crumble or become detached from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin B7 (biotin) or a lack of protein may be the cause. Protein is one of the main components of nails. Biotin is involved in the body's protein metabolism and is essential for maintaining healthy nails.

◇If the surface of the nail is uneven → Psoriasis

The surface of the nails becoming uneven and wavy may be a symptom of psoriasis. Psoriasis causes the nail roots to dry out, preventing them from maintaining a consistent shape, resulting in irregular growth. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but it is believed to originate from an imbalance in the immune system. Among immune cells, T cells become activated and secrete various inflammatory substances, stimulating keratinocyte proliferation. Psoriasis is difficult to cure, but if left untreated, it can lead to other conditions such as arthritis or depression, making appropriate treatment necessary.

Swelling around the nails → Inflammatory response

If the skin around the fingernails swells or turns red, it indicates an inflammatory response. If there is no specific wound, an autoimmune disease such as lupus may be the cause. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the immune system, which normally defends the body from external threats, malfunctions and instead attacks the body's own tissues. This disease causes inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, nerves, kidneys, and lungs. Although lupus is difficult to cure, persistent treatment can alleviate symptoms.

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My entire nail keeps breaking frequently.

It could be that there is a problem with the thyroid.