Occasional changes in nail color, shape, or texture are normal and often harmless. For instance, a slight yellowing after painting your nails or minor white spots from bumps are common. But persistent or extreme changes can be a red flag, potentially hinting at underlying health issues.
Take Beau’s lines, for example—these horizontal grooves appear when there’s been a temporary body disruption, like illness or injury. They look dramatic but often result from a past viral infection or stress event. While they’re unsettling, they usually fade as the nail grows out.
Other times, the nails might become thick or misshapen, but without a significant cause for concern. Normal variations can happen with age or exposure, but dramatic or lasting changes might warrant a deeper look. Our nails keep an internal diary of recent health hiccups. Turn over to the next page!