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What is the Lunula?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

The white crescent–shaped area located at the base of fingernails and toenails is known as the lunula. Differences in the shape, form, or color of lunulae can be indicative of injury or a serious health issue, such as a deficiency, infection, or disease. Medical attention should be sought when persistent changes in lunulae, or nail moons, occur.

The lunula is the only visible part of the nail matrix, or the living part of the fingernail, and appears white in color. A majority of the nail matrix is positioned underneath and behind the actual nail bed. Responsible for producing the protein keratin, which forms the nail plate, the nail matrix is vulnerable to injury. When the nail is injured, the nail matrix can become damaged, resulting in lunula discoloration and hindered nail growth.

The lunula is at the base of the nail, near the cuticle.
The lunula is at the base of the nail, near the cuticle.

Lunulae are considered reliable indicators for warning of deficiencies, infection, or disease. Differences in color or shape can denote a condition such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and systemic disorders. Traumatic injury, such as a hematoma, can also result in a change in the color or shape of the lunula. A hematoma results from trauma to the nail and manifests as a deep red color caused by trapped blood between the nail bed and plate.

The lunula can change color with fungus or other diseases.
The lunula can change color with fungus or other diseases.

Color anomalies, known as lunular dyschromias, can appear on the nail without an external cause such as injury. Colors with a red or blue tinge can be indicative of heart or lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypertension. Dark hues such as black, brown, or green can signify conditions such as infection or heavy metal intoxication. More subtle tones such as yellow, gray, or overall paleness can be a sign of conditions such as respiratory illness, vitamin deficiency, or anemia.

Differences in the shape, form or color of the lunulae can be indicative of a serious health condition.
Differences in the shape, form or color of the lunulae can be indicative of a serious health condition.

Formation anomalies, known as lunular dysmorphias, are often characterized as being suddenly visible, oversized, or nonconvexed in shape. A lunula that appears on the little finger can indicative health maladies such as hypertension or circulatory issues. An increase in the size of a nail's lunula, especially on the thumb, can signify an underlying cardiovascular or circulatory condition. Triangular lunula formation is a sign of a rare condition known as nail-patella syndrome (NPS).

Malnutrition can lead to koilonychia and other nail disorders.
Malnutrition can lead to koilonychia and other nail disorders.

Nail disorders, such as Beau's lines and koilonychia, are indicative of mineral or nutritional deficiency. Beau's lines is characterized by dark horizontal lines across the nail accented by linear indentations. The disorder is often caused by malnutrition, illness, or trauma to the nail. The fingernails of individuals with koilonychia are thin with raised ridges, and, in some cases, may have a concave shape. The development of koilonychia is commonly the result of an anemia caused by an iron deficiency.

A lunula that has a red or blue tinge could indicate high blood pressure.
A lunula that has a red or blue tinge could indicate high blood pressure.

Bacterial and fungal infections can adversely affect nail appearance, composition, and growth. Pseudomonas, or bacterial infections, manifest as a greenish discoloration of the fingernail and originate either underneath or on the surface of the nail itself. Sustained by dead tissues in the nail plate, these bacterial infections prosper in moist areas such as the nail bed. Fungal infections, also known as yeast infections, affect the nail plate and, when left untreated, result in the separation and shedding of the nail plate from the nail bed. Tinea unguis, referred to as ringworm of the fingernail, is a common fungal infection that causes the nail to thicken resulting in the deformity and loss of the nail plate.

Discussion Comments

anon316652

What does it mean if I can't see my lunula?

anon186495

Fascinating information on something everybody has and can be compared to others just for the satisfaction of one's curiosity.

DentalFloss

I love the way that something that we seldom pay much attention to can be such an important indicator of our overall health. And unlike many other things, such as bruises or cuts, it is hard to cover up a problem with your lunula if you have an illness or a problem, like a deficiency due to an eating disorder, and don't want others to find out.

BambooForest

I had no idea that even had a name, though I can see why it would be useful for showing when someone has a heath problem. Really though, this is the oddest and one of the coolest terms I've learned about since I found out what an aglet is (it's the plastic/metal thing at the end of a shoelace).

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    • The lunula is at the base of the nail, near the cuticle.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      The lunula is at the base of the nail, near the cuticle.
    • The lunula can change color with fungus or other diseases.
      By: Melinda Nagy
      The lunula can change color with fungus or other diseases.
    • Differences in the shape, form or color of the lunulae can be indicative of a serious health condition.
      By: Alliance
      Differences in the shape, form or color of the lunulae can be indicative of a serious health condition.
    • Malnutrition can lead to koilonychia and other nail disorders.
      By: poco_bw
      Malnutrition can lead to koilonychia and other nail disorders.
    • A lunula that has a red or blue tinge could indicate high blood pressure.
      By: dambuster
      A lunula that has a red or blue tinge could indicate high blood pressure.