What Does The Half Moon at The Base of The Nails Mean

While variations in the lunula are often harmless, medical professionals highlight that sudden or consistent changes can sometimes signal health imbalances. The key is not to panic at one nail’s appearance but to watch for trends across multiple fingers and persistent alterations.

Enlarged Lunulae:

If your lunula expands dramatically, covering more than one-third of the nail, it could be associated with conditions such as:

  • Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland)
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular strain or stress

Importantly, enlargement should be observed across several nails and over time before raising concern.

Disappearing Lunula:

In some cases, a lunula that seems to vanish entirely may point to deficiencies or fatigue, including:

  • Chronic tiredness or lack of energy
  • Iron deficiency
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

If the disappearance occurs on just one nail, it’s usually not meaningful. But if it happens across both hands, especially with other symptoms like pale skin or weakness, a medical check may be worthwhile.

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