A doctor has warned that losing the white crescent at the base of fingernails — known as lunulae — might signal heart or blood circulation problems.
Lunulae often reflect a person’s general health. Any change in their appearance may suggest an internal health issue. According to Dr. Alexandra Fileva, a medical expert, missing lunulae should not be ignored.
She explains that lunulae form in the nail’s growth zone, where new cells develop constantly. When blood flow in the fingers drops, it affects this area. As a result, lunulae may fade or vanish completely.
Dr. Fileva says this often connects to heart or vascular diseases. She highlights that disappearing lunulae from multiple fingers — not just one — can be a sign of poor circulation.
In addition to missing lunulae, other symptoms may also appear and should be taken seriously.
Watch for These Symptoms:
- Cold hands that don’t warm easily
- Weakness in your fingers
- Nails changing color to blue or yellow
- Nails growing slowly or breaking easily
Dr. Fileva recommends not ignoring these signs. If lunulae are missing from most fingers, don’t wait. She advises getting a full checkup as soon as possible. Blood pressure tests and heart and circulation evaluations should be done quickly to rule out serious conditions.