Nails are often ignored unless for an occasional manicure for that cousin’s wedding or a date night. Your busy schedule leaves no time for yourself, leave alone your nails. But your nails can reveal little tell-tale signs on what your body is internally going through. Read on to know the signs.
Pale nails: Pale, whitish nails can indicate that one has anaemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease or malnutrition.
White nails: Almost white nails with darker rims may indicate that one can have liver problems like hepatitis or jaundice.
Yellow nails: Unless, one has had lemon chicken or food loaded with turmeric spice which causes yellow nails, it is a serious problem of fungal infections. It can also indicate serious conditions like severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis. It could also be stains from smoking or too much usage of dark nail colours.
Bluish nails: Quite a rare condition which occurs when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen which could indicate an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia. Some heart problems can also be associated with bluish nails.
Rippled nails: If your nails looks pitted then it might be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown.
Nail pitting can also be related to connective tissue disorders, such as Reiter’s syndrome, and alopecia areata an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Cracked or split nails: Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. This combined with a yellowish hue is due to a fungal infection.
Brittle nails: Brittle nails often relates to advancing age. Or your nails could be spoilt due to harsh manicures, acrylic nails, or gel wraps which make your nails brittle.
Dark lines : Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible.
They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Though most nail changes are harmless, if you have theses symptoms for a long time then consult your doctor immediately and get the necessary blood test done.
Keep them clean
Skip the nail polish at least once a month, so you can examine your nails.
Also, nail polish doesn’t allow sunshine to penetrate to the nail which is detrimental in the long run. Take supplements of vitamin C. This will help strengthen nails and speed their growth.
Include rich sources of iron like green leafy vegetables, beans and red meat in your diet. Also, avoid processed foods with refined sugars and carbs, and eat more fiber, vegetables and whole grains.
These will help stabilise blood sugar levels and limit circulatory damage caused by uncontrolled sugar levels, say experts.