13 Health Problems the Moons on Your Nails Warn You About

Have you ever noticed a half-moon-shaped white area at the base of your fingernails? That little white area is called the “lunula,” which is Latin for “little moon.” The lunula is actually a part of the nail matrix, which is responsible for producing the nail. While it’s not always visible, the size, shape, and color of the lunula can actually tell you a lot about your health. In this article, we’ll explore 13 health problems that the moons on your nails may be warning you about.

What Are Moons on Your Nails?

The moons on your nails are the white, crescent-shaped areas located at the base of your fingernails. The technical term for this area is the “lunula.” The lunula is actually a part of the nail matrix, which is the area under the skin at the base of your nail where the nail is produced.

What Does a Normal Lunula Look Like?

A normal lunula is a half-moon shape that is white or a light pink color. It should be visible on all of your fingernails and toenails. The size of the lunula can vary from person to person, but it should take up no more than one-fifth of the nail.

What Do Small Moons on Your Nails Mean?

If the moons on your nails are small, it could indicate several underlying health conditions. One possibility is anemia, which occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues. Anemia can be caused by a lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folate in your diet. If you have anemia, you may also experience fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

Malnutrition can also cause small moons on your nails. When your body doesn’t get enough of the essential nutrients it needs, such as vitamins and minerals, it can lead to a host of health problems, including weak nails. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help prevent malnutrition.

Another possible cause of small moons on your nails is a low-functioning thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, but if it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including brittle nails, dry skin, and hair loss.

Kidney disease is also associated with small moons on your nails. Your kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood, but if they’re not functioning properly, it can cause a buildup of toxins in your body. Small moons on your nails can be an early sign of kidney disease, along with other symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and changes in urination.

If you notice small moons on your nails, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medication to help improve your nail health and overall well-being.

What Do Large Moons on Your Nails Mean?

Large moons on your nails could be a sign of various health conditions. One potential cause is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and organs over time and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have large moons on your nails along with other symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath, it’s important to see your doctor for an evaluation.

Another possible cause of large moons on your nails is cardiovascular disease. This condition refers to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure. Large moons on your nails can be a sign of poor blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your body’s tissues, which can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms of cardiovascular disease include chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, can also cause large moons on your nails. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, and if it’s overactive, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including rapid heart rate, weight loss, and tremors. Large moons on your nails may also be accompanied by other signs of hyperthyroidism, such as bulging eyes, anxiety, or increased sweating.

If you have large moons on your nails, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may recommend blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic tests to help diagnose your condition. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, depending on the cause and severity of your condition.

What Do Missing Moons on Your Nails Mean?

Missing moons on your nails can be a sign of various health conditions. One possible cause is zinc deficiency, which can lead to white spots on your nails, as well as other symptoms such as hair loss, diarrhea, and poor wound healing. Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for many functions, including wound healing, immune system support, and DNA synthesis. If you suspect that you have a zinc deficiency, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test and taking supplements or adjusting your diet to include more zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.

Another possible cause of missing moons on your nails is a skin condition called lichen planus. This condition can cause small, flat, itchy bumps on your skin or mucous membranes, including your nails. Lichen planus can affect your nails in various ways, including causing ridges, splitting, or thinning. Other symptoms may include red or purple bumps on your skin, burning or itching, and darkening or thickening of your nails. Treatment for lichen planus may involve topical or oral medications, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Missing moons on your nails can also be a sign of injury or trauma to your nail bed, such as from biting your nails, using harsh chemicals, or wearing tight-fitting shoes. If you frequently expose your nails to these types of stressors, it can cause your nails to become weak, brittle, or discolored. To prevent further damage, it’s important to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or physical trauma and to maintain good nail hygiene, such as keeping your nails clean and trimmed.

If you notice missing moons on your nails, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may recommend blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic tests to help diagnose your condition. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, depending on the cause and severity of your condition.

What If My Lunulae Change Color?

Discolored moons on your nails can be a sign of various health conditions. A bluish tint to your nail beds, including the moons, can indicate a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, which can be caused by respiratory or circulatory problems. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or other respiratory symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Yellow or yellowish-brown discoloration of the moons on your nails can be a sign of a fungal infection. Fungal infections of the nails, also known as onychomycosis, can cause thickening, crumbling, and discoloration of your nails, as well as a foul odor. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat and may require antifungal medications, topical treatments, or even surgery in severe cases.

Green discoloration of the moons on your nails can indicate a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections of the nails can cause inflammation, pain, and pus-filled pockets under the nail bed. If you notice any signs of a bacterial infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it’s important to see your doctor right away.

A brownish discoloration of the moons on your nails can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma can appear as a dark spot or stripe under the nail, including the moons, and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. If you notice any changes in the color or shape of your nails, including the moons, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out skin cancer.

Other possible causes of discolored moons on your nails include certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, and underlying medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or lupus. If you notice any changes in the color or appearance of your nails, including the moons, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What Do Moons That Are Only Visible on Some Nails Mean?

If the moons on your nails are only visible on some nails and not others, it may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. For example, if the moons are visible on some nails but not on others, it could be a sign that you are deficient in iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, which can lead to pale skin, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It can also cause changes in the appearance of your nails, including the moons. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential nutrients that are important for healthy blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Deficiencies in these nutrients can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, and changes in the appearance of your nails, including the moons.

If you notice that the moons on your nails are only visible on some nails but not others, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a nutrient deficiency. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your nutrient levels and may prescribe supplements or dietary changes to help correct any deficiencies.

In some cases, the uneven appearance of the moons on your nails may simply be due to variations in the natural growth pattern of your nails. However, if you are concerned about changes in the appearance of your nails or other symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What Do Moons That Are Not Centered on Your Nails Mean?

The moons on your nails are normally located in the center of your nail bed. If the moons on your nails are not centered, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem.

One possible cause of off-center moons is a fungal infection, such as onychomycosis. This condition can cause thickening, discoloration, and distortion of the nails, as well as a range of other symptoms. In some cases, it can also cause the moons on your nails to become misaligned.

Another possible cause of off-center moons is a condition called Terry’s nails. This is a condition where the nails become white or opaque with a narrow band of pink or brown at the tip. The moons on the nails can also become indistinct or disappear altogether. Terry’s nails can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as liver disease, heart failure, or diabetes.

In rare cases, off-center moons on the nails can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer. If you notice any unusual changes in the appearance of your nails, including off-center moons, it’s important to see your doctor for an evaluation.

Other possible causes of off-center moons on the nails include aging, trauma to the nails, or certain medications. If you are concerned about changes in the appearance of your nails, it’s always best to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What Do Moons That Cover the Entire Nail Mean?

The moons on your nails typically cover about one-fifth of the nail bed. However, if the moons on your nails cover the entire nail bed, it could be a sign of a health problem.

One possible cause of moons that cover the entire nail is an overactive thyroid gland, also known as hyperthyroidism. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. It can also cause changes in the nails, including the appearance of large, rounded moons that cover the entire nail bed.

Another possible cause of moons that cover the entire nail is a condition called Plummer’s nails. This condition is characterized by a pale or white color of the nails, as well as a lack of lunula or moons. Plummer’s nails can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as hyperthyroidism, heart disease, or cancer.

In some cases, moons that cover the entire nail can also be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It can also cause changes in the nails, including the appearance of pale moons that cover the entire nail bed.

If you notice that the moons on your nails are covering the entire nail bed, it’s important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

When to see your doctor

Discolored or missing lunulae usually don’t cause for concern. But if you notice changes in your nail appearance and are experiencing other unusual symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.

You should seek immediate medication attention if your hands and feet are also turning blue. This could be a sign of cyanosis, a condition that results from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of your blood.

Your doctor can assess your symptoms and advise you on treatment options. Treating the underlying condition will usually restore your nail appearance and improve your overall well-being.

Conclusion

The moons on your nails can provide important clues about your health. While some changes in the size, shape, and color of the lunula are normal, others can be a sign of a serious health problem. If you notice any changes in the moons on your nails, it’s important to talk to your doctor.