The shape, texture, and color of your natural nails reflect your general state of health, diet and lifestyle. While some nail symptoms are harmless, It can also signal health problems including liver and kidney diseases, anemia, heart and lung conditions, and diabetes.
Our hormones, stress levels and lifestyle play a part in our nail health as they do in our hair and skin health. The growth rate of your nails may also give clues about you health. So rather than spending trimming and polishing our nails we should be on the lookout for swelling, spots, odd colours or changes in shape or thickness.
Although it could be harmless, but here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for, and what they mean for your health.
1. YELLOW NAILS
What it means- The causes of yellow nails can be linked to discolouration from smoking, wearing nail polish too often, or a fungal infection which generally infect the entire nail bed. Yellow nails is also seen in psoriasis patients, as a side effect of certain medications.
Remedy- Give your nails a few days without nail polish every few weeks and in the case of a fungal infection, a visit to your doctor is important.
Your doctor can prescribe an oral med, which will reach the entire breadth of the infected nail.
2. WHITE DOTS OR LINES
What it means- White dots or lines on the nails can indicate that your daily intake of sugar is too high, or maybe you are experiencing some sort of trauma. it could also be an indication of kidney disease, or a lack of protein and other nutrients.
Remedy- Give them some time to grow out and fade, but if they aren't going away, see your dermatologist, I could be a fungal infection. Or visit a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis.
3. PALE NAILS
What it means - if fingernails are looking pale, you may have anemia, a blood disorder which causes a low red blood cell count. Since there is a low level of iron as a result of anemia, this can lead to inadequate oxygen in the blood, which causes the skin and tissues to become pale, particularly the tissues under the nails.
Pale nails could also be a sign of early diabetes or liver disease, both of which can lead to impaired blood flow.
Remedy - Consume good sources of iron, such as green vegetables and beans. Avoid processed foods and eat more fiber and vegetables. Also schedule a visit to the doctor.
4. NAIL PITTING OR NAIL BEADING
What it means - Depressions and small cracks in the nails are known as pitting of the nail bed,it resembles candle's wax drippings. It is mostly connected with hormonal changes, thyroid issues, stress, diabetes circulatory diseases, or any illness associated with a high fever (like pneumonia ) and psoriasis, an inflammatory disease that characterized by scaly patches on the body. Nail is also connected to connective tissue disorders such as alopecia the disease that causes hair loss.
Remedy - Consult your doctor for a physical examination, because it is often all you need for a diagnosis, after which your doctor may recommend
topical, oral, or injected medications or light therapy. You can also smooth the ridges pre - manicure.
5. BLUE NAILS
What it means - it means you’re not getting enough oxygen to your fingertip. This could be as a result of respiratory disease or a vascular problem called Raynaud’s Disease.
Remedy - Visit a doctor and check your blood and oxygenation levels if your nails are persistently blue.
6. DARK LINES
What it means - Dark or dark brown lines on the nails can be a sign of melanoma the deadliest form of skin cancer, which requires early detection and treatment.
Remedy - Leave your nails bare periodically so you can examine them before you get a mani. If you notice any dark streaks, visit the doctor immediately. Black lines on the nail bed should never be ignored.
7. DRY, WEAK, OR BRITTLE NAILS
What it means - If you can break or bend your nails easily, peel them, or they constantly split then you have a weak and brittle nail. It can be related to advancing age, You may also be deficient in vitamin A, vitamin C, or biotin, which can help strengthen nails and speed their growth. It could also be linked to your thyroid,liver or a fungal infection. Lifestyle factors such as washing dishes, swimming,use of harsh manicures, acrylic nails, or gel wraps frequently and exposure to chemicals can be the cause of cracked, weak and brittle nails.
Remedy - Give your nails time to breath, and for washers replenish the moisture in your hands with a rich nail conditioner. See your doctor immediately to check for thyroid disorder.
If you notice any significant changes in your nails, including swelling, discolorations, see a dermatologist or a doctor right away. It could be nothing, or it could be a sign of a serious health condition, because your nails can reveal a lot about your health,
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