If your nails do not form a half-moon shape, see a doctor immediately.

The typical human nail has a small white half moon shape at its base, where the nail connects to the finger and the cuticle. This pale crescent is known as the lunula. While some people are naturally born with lunulae that are difficult to see, the complete absence or sudden change in this feature can sometimes signal underlying health issues, including vitamin deficiencies and problems with major organ systems.

To understand the importance of the lunula, it helps to know how nails grow. Beneath the skin at the base of the nail lies the matrix. This is the growth center of the nail. New cells are constantly produced in this area. As they multiply, they compact and slowly push outward, forming the visible nail plate. The lunula appears white because in that region the thick layer of tissue hides the tiny blood vessels underneath, unlike the rest of the nail which appears pink due to blood flow.