Fingernails can tell a lot
Do you have white spots on your nails? If yes, have you been told that this could be a sign of vitamin or calcium deficiency? The fact is that white spots on your nails have nothing to do with calcium deficiency, but could be an indication of a bigger or different health problem.
Even minor changes in the colour or texture of nail can be a sign of a bigger medical problem.
So, how do you read the symptom? Listed below are the little changes you need to observe on your nails to be able to identify what you may be suffering from.
White pale nails may indicate anaemia (low red blood cell count and haemoglobin) or liver disease.
Half-white and half-pink nails (Lindsay nail) may indicate kidney disease.
A red nail bed may be an indicator of heart diseases like congested heart failure.
Bluish tint in nail (cyanosis) may be an indicator of a probable heart or lung disease.
Spoon shaped nails (koilonychia) are an indication of iron deficiency or anaemia.
Pits or holes in your nails may be a symptom of a skin disorder like psoriasis.
Dry brittle nails could be a sign of thyroid disorders.
Nail infections
Two common nails infections include paronychia, which is an infection of the nail folds that is caused by bacteria and fungus. It is characterised by pain, swelling and redness of the nail folds. It is common among people who expose their hands to water for a prolonged period of time. The other infection is tinea unguis, which is a fungal infection and is often called the ringworm of the nail. This is one of the most common nail problems and causes thickening of the nails, nail malformation and discolouration. Therefore if you observe unusual changes in your nails, bring the same to your doctor’s notice.
Nailing the problem
Listed below are mandatory tips to keep your nails healthy.
Always keep your nails clean and dry as this prevents the growth of bacteria or fungi under the nail.
Trim and file your nails regularly.
Wear shoes that don’t squeeze the toes together.
Avoid biting or picking your nails as this will damage the nail. Some people may require counselling and a psychologist’s help to get rid of this habit, as biting nails is often the indicator of a mental problem.
Apply moisturiser to your nails to prevent them from cracking.
Avoid excessive use of nail polish removers especially those containing acetone.
Report ingrowing toe nails to your doctor if they are problematic.
Vitamin biotin supplements can also help strengthen your nails but if you have any nail problems that do not improve over a long period of time, you had better consult your doctor.
Dr Aftab Ahmed is a
consultant physician at the Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad
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