Fingernail Problems
From LoveToKnow Skincare
Although the most common fingernail problems may include painful hangnails or splitting and cracking nail beds, several underlying medical conditions (some serious) may present themselves in the form of seemingly innocent fingernail problems. General nail care and maintenance can help you identify and treat various health conditions.
Fingernail Problems: Symptoms of Underlying Medical Conditions
The study of the nails is referred to as onichognomy. Often an indicator of the overall body health, the nail bed and the nail condition can reflect the performance of the internal organs and any body/vitamin deficiencies. When caring for your health, it's important to identify nail disorders and seek medical counsel to properly diagnose any underlying medical diseases or conditions.
While this information can not serve as diagnosis, the following common fingernail problems and their silent symptoms may be linked to serious health issues that require further treatment. If you have any of the following conditions, seek medical counsel for treatment options:
- Vertical nail splitting: Very common condition may indicate lack of calcium
- Brittle nails: Common nail condition indicating vitamin, calcium and/or iron deficiency
- Vertical bed trenches: Common condition associated with aging, iron deficiency or kidney disorder
- Pitted nails: May be associated with psoriasis, eczema or internal parasites
- Blue nails: Indication of circulation problems, or pulmonary conditions such as asthma
- White spots: Common with those suffering zinc deficiency
- Flat nails: Possible indicators of a thyroid condition, Vitamin B12 deficiency, or anemia
- Yellowed nails: Several causes, such as diabetes, or a lymphatic system disorder
- Horizontal ridges: Indication of malnutrition or anemia
- Horizontal white lines: Could signify Hodgkin's disease, heart disease or kidney disease
- Infections aside nail bed: Most commonly Paronychia
General Nail Care
Many other general nail disorders can be linked to bacteria; growth, and skin infections such as staph and fungal viruses. For general nail care and safety, it's always important to remember to wash and dry the nails beneath the nail bed. Fungus grows in warm moist areas, so keeping the nail bed dry is key when preventing fungal infections and fingernail problems.
In addition, nail implements should be sanitized before each and every use to prevent viral and Staph infections. If you frequent nail salons, you may consider purchasing your own nail implements to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your visit.
Preventing Nail Disorders
While underlying medical conditions require professional treatment, common fingernail problems may be treatable with proper diet and exercise. To improve the overall health of the nails, implement the following:
- Water: Drink the recommended eight glasses per day of water to help hair and nails grow healthy and strong.
- Proper diet: We are what we eat. Nails are made up of keratin, so protein and calcium are essential to grow and maintain healthy nails. Fish, chicken, soybeans, nuts and egg consumption are great protein packers. Yogurt can serve as an alternative to milk products for dairy/calcium intake.
- Exercise: Regular exercise increases the circulation of the blood, thus the growth of the nails. Keep your body in shape and exercise daily for healthy nails and skin.
- Artificial nails: While artificial nails add instant appeal for those seeking length, wearing artificial nails is damaging to the nail bed long term, and quite expensive. Keep nails short and trim and looking great with regular manicures instead of costly and high maintenance arterial nails.
Many people strive to grow long healthy nails. Fingernail problems are common nuisances that can often be treated at home with change of diet and daily nail care.
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This page has been accessed 3,456 times. This page was last modified 11:25, 17 September 2008.
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