Hippocrates Nail

Hippocrates' nail: A mysterious symptom associated with diseases

Hippocrates' nail, also known as unguis hippocraticus or watch glasses, is a medical symptom that can be observed in patients with various serious diseases. This phenomenon got its name in honor of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who was one of the founders of Western medicine.

Hippocratic nail is a change in the shape and appearance of the nails that can occur as a result of various pathological processes in the body. Usually the nails become concave and convex in the longitudinal axis, taking on a shape reminiscent of watch glass. This symptom is often observed on the thumbs, but can also occur on other fingers.

Hippocrates' nail is a nonspecific sign and can be associated with various diseases. One of the most common conditions with which it is associated is chronic lack of oxygen in the body, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure or prolonged hypoxia.

In patients with COPD or other diseases that cause hypoxia, hippocratic nail may be the result of a long period of lack of oxygen in the tissues. This occurs due to changes in blood circulation and metabolism caused by the disease. Lack of oxygen leads to deformation of nails and changes in their growth.

It is important to note that Hippocrates' nail is not a diagnostic criterion for a specific disease. It only indicates the presence of a serious pathology in the body and can serve as a signal for further examination and identification of the underlying cause.

Other possible causes of hippocratic nail may include lung cancer, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic kidney failure and certain genetic disorders. In rare cases, this symptom may be associated with congenital nail abnormalities.

In conclusion, Hippocrates nail is an interesting and mysterious medical symptom. It serves as a reminder that nails can be not only a cosmetic attribute, but also an important indicator of the health of the body. If you experience changes in the shape and appearance of your nails, including the appearance of hippocratic nails, it is recommended that you consult a doctor for a detailed examination and to determine the possible causes of this symptom.



The Hippocrates nail is a special type of nail that was named after the famous Greek physician Hippocrates. It has a characteristic structure and is used to identify plants and other objects in scientific research.

Hypocrates nail, also known as "watch glass", is single-chambered, round and colorless. It consists of a cuticle containing calcium and a rapidly growing, green edge at the base. This edge is used for rapid growth to minimize contact with the ground and prevent contamination of the ground or soil from the humid atmosphere.

Typically, hypocrates marigolds are located next to a person's fingernails, closer to the wrist. However, they can be found on the nails of any part of the body, and are usually more noticeable on long nails. This occurs because the hypocrate nail has a higher calcium content than the nail plates on the fingers due to constant contact with the ground.

The special thing about hypoportal nails is that they also contain protective deposits of sodium, creating a layer necessary to absorb calcium and prevent its loss. Thanks to this process, hypocrate nails grow faster than normal nails if necessary, for example, due to a lack of calcium in the body.

Thus, nail hypocrates are a special type of nail that not only can serve as an excellent tool for identifying cultural landmarks, but can also carry information about health status, nutritional intake, and calcium levels of the body.