There are two types of people in life: those who paint their nails impeccably at all times, and those who put them on their to-do list. Whichever way you swing, the surface of your nails can be an open door to learn more about your health and well-being. According to studies related to color, texture, and surface texture, nails are often associated with nutrient deficiencies and disease. Here are five signs that your nails are trying to tell you something.
Dry, cracked or brittle nails
Sometimes dry, brittle nails are a reflection of lifestyle changes and the products we use, such as water, nail polish remover, and harsh detergents. But if your nails are chronically brittle, thin, and brittle, it’s time to see a doctor. “People with dry skin, hair and nails are symptoms of thyroid problems,” says Sandy Skotnicki, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Toronto. A 2013 study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism on hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to support normal body function, showed that gender and age were significantly associated. to disease. Women aged 46 to 54. Your doctor will perform a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels.
Back or ass
Wrinkles don’t just show up on the skin: over time, you may notice your nails discolor. “As you age, it’s normal for nails to bend lengthwise,” says Dr. Skotnicki. However, a horizontal spine can mean something completely different. “Sometimes when you’re really sick or have a really high fever, your nails stop growing, which creates horizontal lines on the nail called Bowe’s lines,” says Peter Vignewicz, MD. assistant professor of dermatology. MD from McMaster University. “It’s a sign of stress,” he added. What if your fingernails are bent? Dr Skotnicki says: “Pimples or spots may indicate psoriasis (a common chronic inflammatory disease with red, scaly patches of skin) elsewhere on the body. In a 2015 Canadian study, more than 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis were associated with nail changes.
If you’ve ever banged your nails with a hammer (ouch!), you’ll know that it can take a while for that ugly black bruise to heal. But sometimes dark spots or streaks appear under the nails for no apparent reason, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about them. “Most people don’t know that Bob Marley died of acral lentiginous melanoma, which is characterized by dark lines under the fingernails,” Dr Skotnicki said. “[This form of skin cancer] is more common in people of color, and it’s more common with age.”
yellow nails
If you smoke or regularly use nail polish, the yellow glow on your nails is caused by nicotine. “If the nail is yellow and the nail bed is raised, it could indicate a fungal infection,” says Dr. Skotnicki. For patients with these symptoms, the doctor will prescribe a prescription to kill the fungus and prevent it from spreading. In rare cases, yellow nails can be associated with more serious conditions, such as lymphedema (accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues) and respiratory diseases. These health conditions can slow and thicken the growth of new nails, which can turn yellow.
White characters
If you work with your hands, you may break some nails or dislodge the nail bed, leaving a white patch. “The small white spots are called traumatic leukonychia and are harmless,” says Dr. Vigniewicz. If it’s not a small spot, but half of the nail is white, “it could be a condition called Terry’s nails associated with liver disease or severe kidney disease.” In 1954, Dr. Richard Terry was the first to describe a nail condition such as cirrhosis (which occurs as a result of permanent damage and scarring of the liver). In this case, the nail is “frosted glass” and there is no lunula – there is a white crescent at the base of the nail.
