Your nails might not be something you think about much, but they can actually reveal a lot about your health. Healthy nails usually have a consistent color and smooth texture. However, as we age, our nails tend to change, becoming duller, more brittle, and growing at a slower rate. Although many nail changes are typical, some could indicate underlying health issues. Here’s what to pay attention to.
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Your nails have white spots
The primary reason behind small white spots or lines appearing on nails is often due to nail bed injury or trauma. These spots usually disappear as the nail grows. Typical triggers include nail biting, manicures, pedicures, using acetone nail polish remover, or incidents like getting your nail caught in a door or window. Dr. Saloojee notes that less common reasons for white spots on nails could involve fungal nail infections or as a consequence of medication or chemotherapy.
Your nails are yellow
Nail polish often leaves a subtle yellow tint on nails. Another reason for yellow nails could be a fungal infection, called onychomycosis, which commonly affects toenails but can also occur on fingernails. According to Dr. Saloojee, nail fungus typically leads to thickening, discoloration, splitting, or lifting of the nail. If there’s a suspicion of a fungal infection, consulting a doctor is advisable.
Dr. Saloojee also mentions that smoking can cause yellow discoloration of the nails. In rare instances, yellow nails might be linked to conditions such as lung disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
To reduce the likelihood of yellow nails, it’s recommended to:
- Regularly wash and moisturize your hands and feet.
- Change socks often to prevent toenail infections like athlete’s foot.
- Wear shoes in communal areas like pools or locker rooms.
- When applying nail polish, use a base coat and choose a nail salon that sanitizes tools between clients.
The skin around your nails is swollen and red
Paronychia refers to an infection of the skin surrounding the nails, characterized by symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain, and potential blister formation.
Typically, it occurs when the skin adjacent to the nail becomes compromised, allowing bacteria or fungi to infiltrate. Common causes include nail biting, picking, manicures, ingrown nails, frequent exposure to water, or infants sucking their thumbs. While paronychia is often mild, occasionally, the infection may escalate, necessitating medical intervention.
Your nails have deep horizontal ridges
Horizontal ridges on your nails could indicate a slowdown or halt in nail growth, potentially due to factors like minor injuries or illnesses. These lines may be associated with conditions such as Raynaud’s disease, diabetes, kidney failure, thyroid issues, and ailments leading to high fevers like measles, mumps, scarlet fever, and pneumonia, as noted by Dr. Saloojee. Additionally, these ridges, known as Beau’s lines, might signal a deficiency in zinc.
Your nails are pitted
Tiny depressions on your nail surface resembling the marks left by an ice pick are termed as pits. Dr. Saloojee explains that while pitting can occur due to various factors, it’s frequently linked with psoriasis, a skin ailment characterized by red, dry, scaly patches on elbows, knees, and other body parts.
Additional signs of nail psoriasis encompass discoloration in shades of brown, yellow, or white, nail thickening, alterations in shape, separation of nails from the nail bed, and presence of blood beneath the nail.
Your nail separates from its nail bed
This condition, called onycholysis, is a frequent nail issue where the nail gently separates from the nail bed without pain. It’s more common in individuals with long nails and can be triggered by frequent hand washing or sensitivity to manicure/pedicure products. Dr. Saloojee explains that it can also result from a fungal infection, certain medications, or health issues such as psoriasis, iron deficiency, or thyroid disease. If you’re experiencing nail lifting, Some experts advise:
- Trimming the separated nail portion
- Avoiding potential irritants like nail polish
- Using tape to secure the nail to the finger or toe
- Soaking the nail in diluted vinegar, which has antimicrobial properties, to reduce infection risk.
Your nail has a brown or black stripe
A dark stripe appearing on your nail, whether dark brown or black, often indicates nail pigmentation, referred to as melanonychia. This condition is more frequently observed in individuals with darker skin tones.
Alternatively, splinter hemorrhages can also manifest as dark lines on fingernails or toenails. These may arise subsequent to an injury that damages and ruptures blood vessels beneath the nail.
According to Dr. Saloojee, “In rare cases, a black streak beneath the nail could signal melanoma of the nail, a form of skin cancer. The dark stripe may gradually widen over time, extending into the cuticle, and the nail may become tender or bleed. It’s crucial to consult a doctor promptly upon noticing such symptoms.”
Your nails are brittle
Brittle nails represent a prevalent issue impacting individuals across the board. You might encounter nails that are soft, parched, or fragile, prone to breaking and splitting.
While this can hint at aging, it’s often linked to extended contact with substances such as nail polish or frequent hand washing, which can deplete nail moisture. Additional culprits for brittle nails encompass conditions like anemia and thyroid irregularities.
How do I keep my nails healthy?
Caring for your nails holds significance, not solely for aesthetic reasons but also for maintaining nail health.
- Maintain cleanliness and trim your nails regularly.
- Avoid habits like nail-biting, picking, or tearing, as well as damaging the skin around them.
- Wear gloves, particularly when handling cleaning agents, in cold climates, or when frequently exposed to water, to shield your fingernails.
- Consume a balanced diet rich in proteins such as fish, meat, legumes, and nuts. While a diverse diet usually suffices, individuals with brittle nails might find benefit in supplements containing biotin, B vitamins, zinc, and silica.
- Handle manicures with care. Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers and refrain from forcefully pushing back cuticles to prevent skin damage around the nail bed, reducing the risk of infections.
When should I see a doctor?
If you’re concerned about any nail symptoms, and you’ve tried simple remedies that aren’t working, speak to a doctor. It’s a good idea to book an appointment if:
Your nails have changed colour or shape or fallen off and you don’t know why The skin surrounding your nails is red, sore, swollen and warm.
Conclusion
Understanding nail problems and diseases is essential for maintaining optimal nail health. By recognizing symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can address issues early and preserve the health and appearance of their nails. Stay informed, stay proactive, and enjoy healthier nails for life.