Fingernails and toenails affected by nail dystrophy can display unusual characteristics or abnormalities, such as a change in shape, color, or thickness. This disorder is often indicative of a greater underlying health issue, requiring prompt attention and diagnosis.
Nails showing signs of dystrophy typically take on one of several forms that can be distinguished based upon physical characteristics or root causes. Brittleness, ridging, pitting, and shifts in color are the most frequent manifestations of nail dystrophy.
Many factors can contribute to brittle nails, which is a well-known sign of dystrophy. An undeniable cause of nail brittleness is the insufficient amount of moisture. Environments with cold and arid air as well as the regular washing of hands are some typical sources of this lack of hydration.
For people suffering with brittle nails, the causes can range from poor nutrition such as iron deficiency, to underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease. Fortunately, there is a range of remedies available which range from simply using a nourishing cream on the nails and cuticles, to taking vitamin supplements in exchange for the essential vitamins and minerals that may be otherwise lacking.
Creating a furrowed or segmented surface, ridging is a notable type of nail disruption. This can be brought about from a cornucopia of sources like nail injury, advancing age, and intertwined medical problems. These parallel rails of discontinuity span topside to edge on the fingernail marring its otherwise glistening sheen.
Aging, medical conditions, and repeated trauma can all lead to ridging on the nails. As we age the nails tend to become less resilient and thinner, and they can also suffer when we bite or pick at them. Moreover, certain medical problems, such as psoriasis, can also cause nail ridging.
Solutions for ridging often involve fortifying the nails with a hardener or strengthener. If the condition is caused by a deeper issue, treatment will be tailored to address that underlying cause.
An affliction of the nail, pitting presents itself as small holes or dents that form in the surface of the nails. This problematic condition can have many underlying causes, including physical force, aging, and certain illnesses.
Pitting can occur due to trauma like scraping and digging, or from simply aging and having weaker, less durable nails. This can also be an indicator of a medical condition, like psoriasis.
In order to deal with pitting, one of the most effective methods is to apply a nail hardener or fortifier. Additionally, if a person is suffering from any concealed medical issue, tending to the situation ought to be the priority.
Unveiling the Transforming Hues
Discoloration of nails is a frequent consequence of nail dystrophy. Manifesting as yellow, green, blue, or brown tinting, there could be several causes behind the transformation in color, including trauma, advanced age and health problems.
With increasing age, thinning and loss of elasticity along with normal wear and tear may cause the nails to transform in color. However, trauma, like biting or picking, also stands as a common contributing factor for such shifts in pigmentation. Additionally, certain health conditions, including psoriasis, may also be the root cause for this phenomenon.
Determining the need for a change in color often requires the application of a nail hardener or strengthener. However, should the situation indicate an existing condition, alleviating that issue should be highlighted and treated as the focus of remediation.