If you don’t have a half-moon shape on your nails, it might be an indication of a health issue, so it’s important to consult a doctor immediately. The typical human fingernail has a tiny, white half-moon shape at the base, called the lunula, where it connects to the finger and cuticle. While some individuals are naturally without a visible lunula, its absence could suggest a vitamin deficiency or other significant health problem.
The lunula is part of the nail matrix, located beneath the skin, where nails form. Cells multiply in the matrix, then clump together and push out from under the skin. The lunula appears white because it’s the part of the nail where the fifth basal layer of cells is hidden under blood vessels.
The lunula typically covers about a quarter of the nail and is most noticeable on the thumb. Experts suggest that a whiter lunula indicates better overall health. Various factors such as diet, physical activity, and environmental influences can affect the size and visibility of the lunula. Changes like a decrease in size or its disappearance may indicate underlying health issues.
Moreover, the lunula area is quite sensitive, so any pain there could signal a more serious health condition. Here are some potential health implications based on the absence or diminishment of the lunula on different fingers:
