Healthy nails are smooth, evenly colored and strong, with a pale pink or flesh-colored nail bed. A number of general body disorders affect their appearance. Your nails can therefore be an indicator of your underlying state of health. There is much you can do at home through diet and with little bit external care.
Nail composition
Nails are made of Keratin, the protein that is also the main constitute of our skin and hair. A fingernail takes about six months to grow from base to tip while a toenail takes about one year. The nails and surrounding skin can be infected by bacteria and such fungi as tinea and candida. This condition can make the nails soft, discolored, thickened and misshapen. Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal infection of the fold of skin at the side of the nail.
Special Nail Problems
Brittle Nails
Brittle nails may be due to the sun damage. Sun rays are also very harmful for the nails.
Read more on causes and treatment of Brittle nails.
Blue Nails
Bluish nails may results from severe asthma, heart disease, emphysema or bronchitis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.
Rippled nails
If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that starts in the nails 10% of the time.
Artificial Nails
Although artificial nails can make your hands look more attractive, but they can seriously damage your own nails. One problem is the glue, which can cause an allergic reaction. Another problem is the stick-on variety which can cause an allergic reaction.
Yellow Nails
Yellowing and excessive hardening of the nails may be a sign of bronchiectasis or the lymph edema. Discoloration of the nails may be due to smoking or regular use of the nail polish. This disease faint the color of the nails.
Peeling Nails
Some nail colors contains Acetone which can dry out your nails, so, avoid such nail polishes. Always file nails lightly and keep the layers even. Because uneven nails have a tendency to peel easily.
Dull Nails
After a day or two, varnish nails tend to look a bit dull.Hoof lacquer, the secret weapon of manicurists, keeps nails looking like new.
Several Nutritional Deficiencies
Few nutritional deficiencies may also be reflected in the nails particularly faingernails:
* Iron deficiency;It may cause the nails to appear pale and become thin, brittle and easily cracked or broken.
* Zinc deficiency;This type of deficiency leads to the white spots and brittleness of nails.
* Protein deficiency;It makes the nail beds appear white.
* Lack of linoleic acid;It is an essential fatty acid and its deficiency may cause the nails to split and flake.