Fingernail Health Problem

Although a fingernail health problem may not always be serious, it can indicate an underlying health issue that needs proper medical attention.

Simple nuisances such as hangnails or ingrown nails can often be treated at home, but if you experience a fingernail health problem with multiple symptoms, it's pertinent you evaluate the condition and seek proper care if needed.

The following fingernail problems, and their accompanying symptoms, will help you diagnose serious or minute fingernail health problems.

• Yellowing nails: May indicate internal disorders such as liver or respiratory problems.
• Brown nails: Brown nails often indicate chronic renal failure.
• White lines: White lines traveling across the nail bed may indicate kidney disorders, or liver or heart disease.
• Dry brittle nails: Dry brittle nails may indicate calcium deficiency.
• Hang nails: Recurrent hangnails may indicate a vitamin C deficiency.
• Green nails: Green nails are almost always a sign of infection in the body or the nail bed. Seek treatment for this condition.
• Bluish nail bed: Blue nails may signify a circulatory problem or respiratory such as asthma or emphysema.
• Curling nails: Nails that curl under or at the tips may indicate a heart problem.
• Thin nails: This nails may indicate insufficient vitamin B12.
• Pitting nails: Pitting nails may be caused by underlying health conditions such as alopecia areata or psoriasis.
• White spots: White spots found on the surface of the nail bed are common and are often caused by daily bumps to the nail. To prevent future spots, increase calcium intake to strengthen the nail bed.

To maintain the integrity and health of your nails, take proper care of them. The following tips will keep your nails in a healthy state and may prevent future nail problems.

• Keep the nail bed clean and dry. Thoroughly pat dry toenails after every shower or bath to avoid fungal infection.
• If you're a nail biter, stop! Nail biting spreads germs and can infect the nail bed. If you need help with quitting, seek a physician's care for specialty treatment.
• Keep cuticles moisturized daily with a cuticle oil containing vitamin E.
• Avoid acetone nail polish removers.
• Eat a proper diet and drink plenty of water.
• Seek medical care for ingrown toenails rather than practicing self-treatment.
• If you visit a nail salon for manicures and pedicures, purchase your own set of nail implements and bring them along.
• To prevent ingrown toenails, always file nails straight across, rather than curving or ovaling the free edge.

Where do you seek treatment for a fingernail problem? A family physician is able to treat most fingernail conditions. If your physician is unable to treat underlying health issues or perform surgery, you will be referred to a specialist for ongoing treatment. Those experiencing health problems on the toenails may seek the treatment from a podiatrist for specialty care.

Many fingernail conditions can quickly become infected, so it's important that you seek immediate counsel if you have a fingernail or toenail that is red, painful or swollen on the edges. In addition, any condition accompanied by oozing or bleeding should be considered serious.

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