The fingernails are one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. There are also some instances when the colour, condition and shape of the nails serve as tell-tale signs of certain diseases or health conditions. A few examples of such health problems include psoriasis, anaemia, liver problems, diabetes or lung diseases. Discolouration and abnormalities on your nails may also denote either acute or severe infections. Below are some of the most common nail abnormalities and what they might indicate.
Yellowish and cracked nails
If you notice yellow stains on your nails, then you most likely have fungal nail infection. It is a highly prevalent form of acute infection that can damage your nails and nail bed. To prevent the disease from worsening, you can buy med packs from companies like https://www.anytimedoctor.co.uk. They can provide you with the necessary anti-fungal medication to resolve your problem as soon as possible.
Rippled fingernails
Do you have pitted or rippled fingernails? It’s highly likely that you have inflammatory arthritis and/or psoriasis. Pits are tiny depressions while ripples or ridges are deep horizontal or vertical lines on the nails. You can consult with your doctor to find out the underlying medical condition that might have triggered rippled or pitted fingernails.
Clubbing
Nail clubbing is a condition wherein the nails thicken and change in structure and shape. This nail abnormality is a common sign of more severe health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary disease, AIDS and liver problems.
Leukonychia
It is a condition wherein tiny white spots appear randomly on the nails. It often results from nutrition deficiency, but it may also be caused by injury or trauma. It is not a serious condition. The white spots tend to disappear after a few weeks.
Terry’s nails
Terry’s nails is a condition wherein a dark band appears on the nail. You can often observe this condition among ageing people. However, it may also develop amongst individuals who suffer from health problems such as liver disease, heart failure and diabetes.
Onycholysis
This is a condition where the nails detach from the nail bed because of an infection or trauma. It can also be caused by serious medical conditions such as thyroid disease, yeast infection, and nutrient deficiency. Lastly, it can be triggered by severe nail fungal infection. It’s crucial to pinpoint its cause in order to manage the condition correctly.
Take care of your nails!
If you tend to neglect your fingernails and toenails, now is the perfect time to change your ways. There is a variety of things you can do to ensure that your nails grow healthy. Some of these tips include clipping the nails after you take a bath, keeping them clean and dry all the time and avoid biting or tearing them with your teeth. After using cuticle treatment to remove the old layers of nails, apply a small amount of cuticle oil for hydration.
Also, be more mindful when applying nail polish. As much as possible, you should let your nails breathe for at least a week before you start applying a new coating of polish.
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