The cause of your nails changing texture or shape may not always be a cause for concern. Fingernails and toenails often change with age. However, changes may also indicate severe conditions you shouldn't ignore.
Often, fingers and toenails become dull, opaque, or pale, and the color may shift from translucent to white, yellow, or even shades of brown as people age. Most often, this is not a concern. As we age, off-color nails may be due to minor things like nail polish, minor injury, dryness, or even soap/detergent, and often resolve with basic care. Changes in nail color can become concerning if they're sudden, persistent, painful, or accompanied by swelling or redness, which may indicate potential health concerns.
Healthy nails are typically pink with white tips near the nail bed, so when nails suddenly become pale, white, blue, yellow, green-black, you may consider speaking to a dermatologist or primary care provider.
Your nails are more than a cosmetic feature -- they can offer helpful clues about your overall health. By paying attention to changes in color, texture, or growth, you can often spot early signs of issues and address them before they become more serious. Sometimes, noticing the small things can make a big difference.