22.05.2024

The crescent moon on the nails reveals our state of health

By Lilia

If you look at your nails, you may notice pale semicircles at their base. These are the so-called lunulae. 

Changing their color, shape and size can indicate not only the presence of diseases, but also the predisposition to them. 

Such diagnostics allow you to detect the problem in time and take action. See how you can diagnose your health using nail lunulae.

1. Change in the lunula of only one finger.

The puppy’s lunula should be almost invisible or absent. It is associated with the work of the kidneys, the small intestine and the heart. A large lunula can be the result of high blood pressure.

The ring finger is responsible for the work of the reproductive and lymphatic systems. A barely perceptible lunula can be a sign of digestive problems. 

The middle finger is associated with the work of the brain and the cardiovascular system. The absence of a lunula often indicates vascular problems and high blood pressure. 

The lunula, located on the index finger, can disappear or decrease significantly due to improper function of the intestines and pancreas or chronic disease of the middle ear. 

The lunula on the thumb reflects the work of the lungs and spleen. It is the most noticeable of all the others and should occupy no more than 25% of the entire nail.

 The size of the lunula can be significantly reduced in smokers and increased in people with arterial hypertension.

2. Excessively large lunules.

A lunula is considered large when it occupies a third (or more) of the nail. 

It shows problems with the cardiovascular system, heart rhythm disorder and low blood pressure. 

The large lunula occurs in athletes and people whose occupation is associated with physical activity. 

If a person is involved in sports, the semicircle at the base of the nail may grow due to a high level of stress.

3. Too small lunules.

Small lunulae, barely noticeable behind the cuticle, indicate low blood pressure and circulatory disorders. 

This can be a sign of a weak immune system, a slow metabolism, or a lack of iron and vitamin B12. 

If the lunules are separated from the rest of the nail plate and have transverse lines, this can mean problems with blood sugar levels and possible development of diabetes.

4. Inconspicuous lunules.

Don’t panic if you don’t find lunulae on your or your child’s nails. In most cases, they cannot be noticed on children’s nails and appear over time. 

In some people, they are not visible at all due to physiological features of the nail structure. 

However, the sudden disappearance of the lunula is perceived by modern medicine as one of the symptoms of impaired blood circulation. 

There are studies that prove that its lack is associated with thyroid disorders and vitamin B12 deficiency.

5. Change in the color of the lunula.

A gray lunula indicates severe fatigue, indigestion and possible difficulties in the absorption of nutrients.

White lunulae are healthy and natural. The semicircles located at the base of the nail should be a few shades paler than the skin. 

Purple lunulae are a sign of poor blood circulation and lack of oxygen in the organs and tissues. Headache and dizziness can often occur. 

Pink (red) lunulae may indicate low physical activity and lung problems. 

Black lunules are an unusual and extremely dangerous sign. Basically, they are a symptom of heavy metal poisoning.