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Doctors say our fingernails hold not-so-hidden clues to our overall health, as well as warning signs for several serious illnesses.

Take a moment to look at your fingernails carefully. Are they brittle or peeling? Do you see any ridges or discolored areas? Have you noticed any recent changes in their appearance or strength? Doctors say even small changes could signal a major problem. The trick is knowing what to look for.

Some changes may indicate a fungal infection. “A discoloration in one or several nails. There can be lifting of the end of the nail away from the nail bed, and even maybe a thickening of the nail bed,” says Dr. Louise Martin, a Providence Hospital dermatologist.

Fungus is responsible for about half of all nail problems.

Who’s most at risk? People who have their hands in water a lot or wear artificial fingernails. Once the infection takes hold, it can persist indefinitely if not treated with medication or a topical cream.

Brittle or slow-growing nails are another frequent complaint at Martin’s Novi and Warren offices. Dehydration often is the cause. “People forget that the nails need moisture and hydration like your skin and the rest of your body,” Martin says.

To get your nails back on track, Martin recommends applying a heavy hand cream or petroleum jelly before bed. If that doesn’t help, head for the doctor’s office. Brittle nails also can be a symptom of a vitamin deficiency or other serious problems.

Color and shape are also important. A dark brown or black streak in one nail could be a sign of cancer. “That needs to be examined by a dermatologist, because it could potentially be melanoma,” Martin warns.

Yellow or green nails are also a red flag. There’s a condition called yellow nail syndrome often caused by respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis. In addition to turning an unattractive shade of yellowish green, nails will thicken and grow slowly.

You also occasionally may notice small white spots in your nails. Martin says these are usually caused by trauma to the nail, “or the nail may just be a little weak in that area.” The spots should grow out as the nail grows.

Changes in nail shape are also important. So-called club nails occur when the tips curve down and around your fingertips. Doctors say low oxygen levels in your blood may be to blame, and lung or heart disease may be the underlying cause. Nails that sink in the middle and curve up on the edges like a spoon could be a sign of a serious iron deficiency. Small depressions or pits in the nail may be a symptom of several skin conditions, including psoriasis. Thyroid problems, liver disease, and kidney failure can cause a wide range of changes in your nails, as well.

Over time, you also may notice changes in the nail surface. Vertical lines or ridges may occur naturally as you get older, Martin says. The exact cause isn’t clear, but heredity seems to play a role. Horizontal lines or grooves may be a sign of malnutrition or some sort of injury.

While changes in your fingernails don’t necessarily mean you’re sick, they’re a clue something could be going on. If you have a persistent nail problem, make an appointment with your doctor and get it checked out. Then give yourself a hand for keeping an eye on your health!