The whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail is called the lunula.
If nails are brittle, soft, with no shine or half moon, it can be an indicator of hyperthyroidism, or a calcium deficiency. Any color differences or unusual lines in the lunula can also show a lack of iron in the body or other manifestations of liver, kidney, lung or hear diseases. For example: a deep red lunula and pale nails is associated with congestive heart failure. In patients with Wilson's disease (a liver defect that leads to copper overload) the lunula can turn a blue hue (azure lunula). Also, use of the antibiotic tetracycline, which is frequently used to treat acne, can turn it yellow.
We are taught to note these in a patients chart when we do their physical. I include it in my HEENT portion. Since I only see pregnant women, hyperthyroidism and anemia are extremely important to watch.
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