For some people nails are hardly world-record worthy, for others and mostly girls and women in the cities are a means to beautify one’s body but all in all they still have an important role to play. They protect tissues and act as windows to our overall well-being. They also offer warning signs of malnutrition, infection and serious disease, but do you know how to read the signs?
Yellow Nails
One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, it can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes and psoriasis. Women who frequently wear very dark nail polish for long periods of time (especially without using a protective basecoat underneath it) may also notice a slight yellowing of their nails, but it’s no reason to panic. The nails are merely stained from the polish and will return to their normal shade if they are left unpolished for a while.
Bluish Nails
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This could indicate a lung problem, such as emphysema. Some heart problems can be associated with bluish nails too.
Rippled or Pitted Nails
If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
Puffy Nail Fold
If the skin around the nail appears red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness and inflammation of the nail fold.
Dark Lines beneath the Nail
Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Brittle Nails
By some estimates, about 20 % of women suffer from a condition called “brittle nail syndrome”. While it may sound like nothing more than an old habit that break easily, not so rare the causes go deeper than that. Brittle nails are ones that can’t hold on to moisture, so the layers of the nail plate dry out and crack. Medically speaking, it’s possible for an under-active thyroid to cause both dry skin and brittle nails. Nutritionally, a diet low in iron can cause nails to become thin, brittle and easily broken (eating more green, leafy vegetables, red meat and eggs will help boost your iron intake). A B-complex vitamin supplements have also been shown to improve the condition of brittle nails. Your habits, of course, play a role, too. The main culprit: excessive exposure to water. Constantly wetting and drying your hands (and nails) can make brittleness worse.