Our nails may not be the centre of attention, but they are essential to our wellbeing. Acting as armour for our delicate fingers and toes, they guard against harm. Furthermore, the state of our nails can provide clues to our overall health; healthy nails are typically of a rosy hue and possess a smooth surface with no sign of bumps or ridges. Alas, even nails can suffer misfortunes, developing issues along the way.
Nail-related issues are a widespread occurrence, with several of the most well known being:
Nail fragility is a frequent problem that disproportionately affects women. This issue can originate from insufficient hydration, nutritional deficiencies, or the employ of caustic compounds. Moreover, brittle nails might represent an indicator of a serious medical state like thyroid disorder.
Dryness can often lead to nail-splitting, but this can also arise due to injury or infection.
As we age, it is not uncommon to experience ridges in our nails; however, these can also be attributed to a lack of essential vitamins in the diet, or possibly indicative of something more serious.
Smoking is a well-known contributor to why nails can develop an unmistakable yellow hue; however, this discoloration can also be a sign of a fungal infection or excessive exposure to certain compounds.
Those milky-white spots scattered over your fingernails may look peculiar, but they are usually nothing to worry about. However, in certain cases, they could be indicative of a medical issue underneath.
Thickening and discoloration of the nails might mean a common fungal infection, to treat it effectively, prescribed antifungals may be necessary. Brittle nails are a common indicator of this condition, with yellow hues typically being visible to the naked eye.
When the edges of the nail make their way into the skin, an uncomfortable condition called ingrown nails can arise. This can be a painful occurrence and, if left untreated, can potentially result in an infection.
Paronychia can wreak havoc on the skin around your nails. This infection can potentially be caused by an array of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making its symptoms and complications severe if not taken seriously.
Onycholysis – a condition where the nail bed and the actual nail separate – can be brought about by a variety of causes- anything from injury to a reaction to certain chemicals found in nail polish.
If there are any worries that come up regarding your nails, or if you experience any new indicators, it is best to get a thorough examination from a doctor or dermatologist.