Glamour offers advice on four types of nail dilemmas and which warning signs to be on the lookout for.

  • Bumps and Warts: These aren’t a big deal if they’re anywhere on your hand except for the sail bed. But see a doctor if they appear on or around the nails.
  • Ridges: These aren’t a big deal if they’re vertical or shallow , or happened  after an injury to the hand. But see a doctor if they run deep and horizontal across nails.
  • Dark Streaks: These aren’t a big deal if there is a dark spot on the nail bed that is growing out, or one that doesn’t change (like a bruise). But see a doctor if you see streaks or dark coloring at the top of the finger, the tip of the nail or on the cuticle base of the nail.
  • Brittle, Weak: These aren’t a big deal if you’ve always had weak nails, if they are hereditary, or if you haven’t been eating enough greens. But see a doctor if you’ve always had healthy nails before.

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