Nail Health Alerts Revealed: Unveiling the Secret Messages

Nails, often overlooked, can reveal a wealth of information about our health. From the colour and texture to the shape and growth patterns, each aspect can provide clues to potential health issues.

One common sign to watch out for are Beau's lines - these lines run side-to-side across the nail. They can appear after a period of illness or injury that disrupts nail growth.

Bacterial infections in the nailfolds, known as paronychia, can cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and changes in nail appearance. Repeated trauma can lead to conditions like onychogryphosis or ram's horn nails, or ingrown toenails.

Changes in the appearance of fingernails or toenails, such as discoloration, dents, ridges, brittleness, splitting, or white spots, should not be ignored. These could indicate various health issues, including fungal infections.

Dermatologist Christine Poblete-Lopez emphasises the importance of nail health, stating that it is a reflection of overall health. Some rare conditions, such as Yellow nail syndrome, result in yellow or green, curved nails and are often linked to circulation issues.

Black lines running from tip to cuticle could be tiny clots called splinter hemorrhages or dilated and burst capillaries. A nail injury or trauma can cause a subungual hematoma, resulting in a noticeable color change and potential pain or tenderness.

Redness around the usually pale areas near the cuticle could be caused by congested capillaries. Darier disease, a rare genetic disorder, can cause a skin rash and reddish nails that appear as red stripes or broad, white stripes that run from cuticle to tip. A V-shaped nick near the fingertip can also indicate this condition.

Distinct white spots on the nails are called leukonychia. White streaks and spots on nails can point to chronic kidney disease. Skin thickening or nail loosening can dislodge the nail from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis.

Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing yellow-red discoloration and other symptoms. Indentations, such as nicks or pits on the nail plate, can also indicate health issues.

While some conditions may be harmless, it is always best to consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes in your nails, especially if they affect a single finger. For instance, brown lines under the nail plate could be a sign of melanoma.

It is also worth noting that a yellowish colour in toenails could be a sign of a fungal infection. However, the exact date and details of a special research on nail diseases conducted by the Cleveland Clinic are not currently available.

In conclusion, nails can provide valuable insights into our health. By paying attention to changes in our nails and seeking medical advice when necessary, we can maintain good health and wellbeing.