Slightly curved
Strong but flexible
Free of deep ridges or unusual discoloration
Because nails grow slowly—typically about 3 millimeters per month for fingernails—changes may reflect health conditions that developed weeks or even months earlier.
Several factors influence nail health, including:
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Nutrition
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Blood circulation
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Oxygen supply
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Hormonal balance
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Hygiene and environmental exposure
When the body experiences imbalances, nails may sometimes show visible changes.
White Spots on Nails
Small white spots on the nails are one of the most common nail changes people notice.
In many cases, these spots are harmless and can result from minor injuries to the nail, such as bumping the finger or damaging the nail during trimming.
However, frequent white spots may occasionally be associated with nutritional factors such as low levels of certain minerals, including zinc.
Most of the time, these spots grow out with the nail and disappear naturally.
Yellow Nails
Yellowish nails can occur for several reasons. One of the most common causes is fungal nail infection, which can make nails thicker, discolored, and brittle.
Other factors that may contribute to yellow nails include: