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Mercy internist Dr. Jonathan Rich

Mercy's Dr. Jonathan Rich Discusses What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health On WBAL'S "Woman's Doctor"

While many people don't give much thought to their fingernails, they can tell a good bit about a person's health.

Alex Hewett said she doesn't think that much about her nails other than getting a manicure twice a month or so, but her dad did.

"It's funny, but as a child, I would have white spots on my nails and my father would say it was a calcium deficiency. It was never proven by a medical professional. I think it was a way to get me to drink my milk," she said.

But Mercy internist Dr. Jonathan Rich said the nails are another window into the body.

"Like the eyes, they're another good place to look for changes because it's a rapidly changing cell, and if there's a cell change, you will see it happen in the nail," he said.

According to Dr. Rich, things that aren't normal -- horizontal ridges across the nails, clubbed or spooned nails that curve down or up, blue nails or white lines -- can indicate a health problem. You can even get melanoma under the nail.

"Typically, it would be a spot that's dark, and you might think it's a bruise or something, but if it doesn't go away, it might be important and should be checked out," Dr. Rich said.

Hewett said she'll try to keep a closer eye on her nail health and give them the occasional break from polish.

To view Dr. Rich's interview with WBAL-TV11, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/23197531/detail.html