Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problems

Not every nail change signals disease. Ageing, frequent handwashing, nail polish chemicals, or mild trauma can affect nail texture and colour.

However, doctors pay attention when changes are persistent, painful, or sudden.

Dr Mahajan emphasises the importance of medical evaluation, “While there are many nail changes that are harmless and are caused by the natural process of aging, lifestyle factors, and mild infections, any changes that are persistent or unusual should not be ignored. Nails are slow to grow, so changes in the nails can reflect changes in the body that have developed over time. Therefore, if a person notices sudden changes such as the color of the nail, thickness of the nail, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and painful swelling around the nail, the patient should see a dermatologist for the correct treatment.”

A simple check by a dermatologist often helps rule out serious causes and identify treatable conditions early.