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Your Nails and Health - What You Should Know About Them

• By All That Trending
• 08-08-2023
• 20.91K

Your nails are a very important part of your body. Well-trimmed and good looking nails improve your appearance while cracked or dirty nails could destroy your overall look and appearance. Many health experts say that your nails say a lot about your health. The look and appearance of your nails reveals a lot about your health as they are correlated. As a health-conscious person, you should know your nails well and keep a close look at them to be aware of your health before it gets worse.  

Usually, your nails are uniform in color and smooth with no pits or grooves. Your nails have white lunula just like a little moon just above the cuticle and are strictly attached to the skin. Any changes in their color and appearances reveal something is not good. As a sign appears, you should react well to identify the wrong with your health. And you can do it when you have an idea about some significant nail features based on their color and appearance. Here are some nail characteristics to help you know your health issues:

Pale Nails
Highly acknowledged as leukonychia, white or pale nails are the fingernails that are completely or partially white. If you have such nails in your fingers or toes, it means you could have many minor to major health issues. These health problems might be dietary deficiencies, trauma, poisoning, kidney/heart diseases, or anemia.

Terry’s Nails
With a red or pink strip at the top, these nails are mostly grainy and white. According to a study published in the Journal of American Family Physician, such a nail change is common in approximately 80% of people suffering from cirrhosis. If not cared for and treated, this health condition can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, kidney failure, or heart attack.

White Nails
You could have liver problems or hepatitis if you have white nails with darker rims. Your fingers could have yellowishness that could be a sign of jaundice, another liver problem.

Bluish Nails
Do you have a bluish tint on your fingernails? If yes, it means you have a lack of oxygen that could be a sign of lung health issues like emphysema. Your bluish nails might have a link with heart problems. You need to be very careful and consult a respective doctor as you notice bluish nails.

Yellow Nails
Your yellow nails could be a sign of two things - a fungal infection or a reaction of using wrong nail products such as nail polish. In rare cases, your yellow nails could have a relation with chronic health issues like diabetes, thyroid problems, lung issues or psoriasis. Treating fungal infection is comparatively easier.

Split or cracked nails
Are your fingernails split or having cracks, dryness? If it is with your fingernails, you can have thyroid problems. You can have a fungal infection when your split or cracked nails have a yellowish hue. Get in touch with your health service provider to find out the real health issue through respective tests.

Rippled Nails
You might be in the early stage of inflammatory arthritis or psoriasis if the surface of your fingernails is pitted or rippled. The discoloration of your nails in this health condition is common. And your fingernails could be reddish brown.

Puffy Nail Fold
Swelling, redness, tenderness, or inflammation around fingernails is common in chronic paronychia, a health issue that occurs due to allergens or irritants. This health issue can also occur due to psoriasis or other fungal infections.

Gnawed Nails
Some of you take nail biting as a habit. However, it could be a sign of constant anxiety in some cases. Picking or biting nails has also a link with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. You must consult a respective health expert if you find yourself unable to quit this habit.

Black/Dark Lines Beneath The Nails  
Known as a melanonychia, this nail discoloration is a result of the pigment melanin. Such lines beneath the fingernails have also an association with injury, infection, or skin cancer. Through respective tests, your doctor can make it clear what is wrong with you.

How To Keep Your Nails Healthy  
As a health conscious person, you can keep your nails healthy. Here are some useful and effective tips for your assistance:            
        • Keep your nails dry and clean     
        • Cut your fingernails or toenails straight across
        • Keep your nails in shapes and snag free
        • Avoid biting your nails
        • Trim your nails regularly
        • Put on the shoes that fit well on your feet
        • Wet your fingernails or toenails in warm salty water when you feel hard to cut         them

Disclaimer - The texts with tips or advice mentioned here are only for generic information, but not for a substitute of medical advice. Before applying any advice or tips, you should consult a respective doctor or expert. ATT is not responsible if you have any bad impacts on your health.

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• #Nails
• # Health