Here is What Your Nails Say About Your Health
Soft nails, brittle nails, nail ridges, and more: this is what your nails say about your health.
Knowledge
Here is What Your Nails Say About Your Health
Right at your fingertips, you have answers to health issues that you may be experiencing; our body is made up of many parts that are all connected, and when looking at your fingernails, you can discover a great deal of information about your general health. Your nails are a great indicator of your general health, and you notice one of the following when you look at your nails, here is what it means:
Soft/weak nails
If your nails seem weak or soft, it may be caused by:
1. Nutritional deficiencies – a lack of calcium, Vitamin B, fatty acids, or iron.2. External factors – if your nails are often exposed to cleansing detergents, chemicals, and nail polish removers – it will cause your nails to become softer and weaker. To repair the damage, use nail restoration kits, lower contact with chemicals, and if you cannot – use gloves when you come in contact with detergents and other materials.
Brittle nails
The term for brittle nails is "Onychoschizia", and the conditions are usually caused by repeated exposure to water followed by drying of the nails. To fix the problem, use gloves when washing dishes, and use lotions that contain lanolin and alpha-hydroxy acids that will restore your nails' strength.
Nail ridges
There are two types of ridges that may appear on your nails:
1. Vertical ridges – ridges that tend to appear as you get older. If the ridges are not accompanied by changes in color and other symptoms, they are harmless. Vertical ridges may also indicate anemia caused by iron deficiency.2. Horizontal ridges – these ridges, also called "Beau’s lines", may indicate kidney disease that interferes with nail growth, in which case you should see a doctor.
Black lines on nails
Black lines that appear on nails, called "splinter hemorrhage", may appear after trauma caused to your nail. When you hit your nails, it causes blood vessel inflammation underneath the nails, causing black splinters to appear.
Peeling nails
If your nails are peeling, it could be because you are using them as tools – to open cans, scrape things, and do other things that your nails are not intended to do. If so, avoid using your nails for chores. Another cause for peeling nails could be iron deficiency. How can you know which reason caused your nails to peel? Look at your toenails; if they also appear to peal, the cause is likely internal health issues.
Yellow nails
Yellow nails are often caused by nail polish and exposure to other chemicals. It can also be indicative of an infection, and to fix the problem, you can try taking a multivitamin. If your nails continue to appear yellow after you have treated them, you should consult your doctor.
Lack of "half-moons"
Half-moons are the white, rounded curves found at the base of your fingernails. If you do not see these half-moons, it is possible they are hiding under your skin. However, if you had half-moons and they suddenly disappeared, it could be a sign of anemia, malnutrition, and mental distress.
White spots on nails
Those little white spots that sometimes appear on nails could indicate a zinc deficiency. It could also be a fungal infection, an allergic reaction, or injury inflicted on the nail.
Rippled nails
If you notice small, rippled holes on the nails – it is likely psoriasis on the nail. People who have dermatitis of the fingertips, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions will develop ripples in the nails.
Fingernails and toenails can tell you a great deal about what goes on inside your body. If you notice changes in your nails, think about your nutritional habits and how you use your nails daily. If you have tried treating your nails but the symptoms persist – it could be indicative of internal health issues. See your doctor discover if you may have underlying issues that may affect your general health, and take a close look at your nails from time to time. It could help you become healthier.
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