Many people pay little attention to the little white moons on their fingernails. That’s unfortunate, because these white moons, called lunulae, actually contain some insight into your overall health. If you notice some strange things going on with your fingernails, here’s what those things could mean.
1. Overly large lunulae could be a sign of cardiovascular trouble.
These little white moons should take up just less than a third of your fingernails. If you notice they are taking up more space than that, it could be a sign of cardiovascular trouble or an issue with low blood pressure.
If you’re an athlete or someone who is very physically active, it’s not uncommon to have lunulae that are larger than normal. If you’re not someone in particularly good shape, there could be a problem with your blood pressure. This could also be a sign that you are overly stressed out.
2. Smaller-than-normal lunulae could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency.
If your lunulae are too small, that’s also a sign that something is off in your body. If you can barely see the lunula near your cuticle, you could be lacking B12 and iron. This can also be a sign that you have a weak immune system or a problem with your leukocyte production.
Another health problem is indicated when the lunula separates from the rest of the nail plate with transverse lines. This could be a problem with your blood sugar levels and may be an early warning sign of diabetes. Talk to your doctor to have your blood sugar checked right away.
3. Gray lunulae could be a sign of several problems.
Your lunulae should always be a distinct white. If they suddenly appear gray, this could actually be a warning sign of several different issues.
The most serious issue that could cause gray lunulae are problems with nutrient absorption. This could be caused by a problem in the digestive system. Sometimes, however, it’s just a sign of extreme fatigue. If you notice gray lunulae after putting in long hours at work, try to find some time to relax.
4. Purple lunulae could be a sign of circulation problems.
If your lunulae are purple or blue, that’s a sign that your body is having trouble getting blood to the extremities. This is turning your lunulae purple because they lack oxygen.
You should talk to your doctor right away about this, especially if you experience dizziness or feel lightheaded. There could be something wrong with your circulatory system or your heart that needs to be corrected immediately.
5. Black lunulae are a sign that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Your lunulae should never appear black. If they do, it’s a sign that there’s something seriously wrong in your body. Go to your doctor or head to the emergency room to have some testing done.
Black lunulae can be a sign that a person has experienced heavy metal poisoning. The most common types include poisoning by lead, mercury, arsenic, or cadmium. If left untreated, this poisoning could prove fatal.