Nail health

Sometimes, we take our tips for granted but have we really asked what is the purpose of the nail and why is its health important? Perhaps we can be convinced by knowing the Nail Anatomy, which is an important structure, made of keratin that has 2 purposes. Through this, the fingernail acts as a protective plate as well as enhances sensation of the fingertip. The sensation function of the nail is fond in how the fingertip has many nerve endings to receive volumes of information about objects we touch. It is the nail that acts as a counterforce to the fingertip providing even more sensory input when touching. Apart form helping protect the finger or toe from injury, nails can also contribute to the ability to pick up and grasp small objects.

But more importantly among these many functions, our nails can help us in monitoring our health because a poor nail health is a sign of other health ailments. These include diseases or nutrition deficiencies that are shown in white nails which signify liver disease, a partially-white nails which indicate kidney disease and curved white lines which appear from exposure to certain toxic chemicals like arsenic. However, isolated white spots or lines on the nail are areas of the nail where trauma used to occur back at the base and are harmless. Nails having pits are due to injury or psoriasis while yellowing, thickening, and slowed growth of the nail is characteristic of insufficient oxygen that can be caused by lung disease such as bronchitis or swollenness. However, yellow nails with pink at the base are typical of diabetes while a dark band could be a sign of diabetes, congestive heart failure or cancer, or just aging. Be wary when the base of the nail separates from the cuticle because this may be in response to Psoriasis, Medication, a Nail Product or to a Fungal Infection. Furthermore, redness under the nail is associated with heart conditions. While a bluish hue underneath the nail signifies poor circulation. Paleness under the nail signifies anemia while clubbed nails or large depressions in the nails could be from low blood oxygen levels that occur on account of anemia or respiratory disease. Major stressors like a heart attack or sickness accompanied by high fever can cause your nails to temporarily stop growing and this interruption leaves grooves.

Your nails can also experience Splinter Hemorrhages when there is disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed which cause fine, splinter-like vertical lines to appear under the plate. These are caused by injury to the nail or by certain drugs and diseases and they can be resolve spontaneously. Ingrown Nails are a common nail problem with the great toenails particularly vulnerable. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or poor posture can cause this which are painful and might lead to infection. Seek treatment rather than attempting to cut away the nail as infection may result. There’s also Onychomycosis which are fungal infections of the nail which cause discoloration and abnormal growth. Fungal infections make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and are difficult to treat leading to the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. From it, white, green, yellow, or black debris may build up under the nail plate. Toenails are more susceptible though because they are confined in a warm, moist and weight-bearing environment. When there is redness, swelling, and pain of the nail skin folds, this can be a bacterial infection where the most common cause is trauma to the nail or frequent exposure to water and chemicals. Tumors and warts can also be found near the nail unit and the nail plate can be destroyed as a result of the tumor or wart growth. Warts are viral infections that are painful and can sometimes cause limited use of the affected finger or toe. Treatment usually involves freezing or chemical application for removal or dermatologic surgery may be necessary. Psoriasis can also affect the nails and is a chronic skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches.

To avoid hurting your nails keep them clean and dry to keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under. If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water for five to ten minutes. Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for strength, filing the nails into points will weaken them. Also, do not remove your cuticle for it will allow infection to develop. Avoid "digging-out" ingrown toenails on your own if they are already infected and sore. Remember that any injury to the cuticle can affect the nail and it takes about six months for a nail to grow from cuticle to tip with thumb and pinky nails growth more slow than those on the middle and index finger. Fast-growing nails are an indication that you are well-nourished though no single food promotes nail growth. Dryness is enemies of fingernails so avoid hot water and soap which can dry them along with gardening or household chores. Keeping them wet also for a long period makes them brittle when dry so gloves a moisturizer is a good idea. Most importantly, be wary of cuticle removers for they contain harsh chemicals that can make your nails drier, also nail polish and polish remover. Actually, the fewer compounds you apply to your nails, the better.

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Nail health