What nails say about your health
Nails reflect our general state of health. Changes in nail colour or thickening can signal health problems.
Dr Pius Mwanja, a general practitioner at Lifelink Medical centre in Ntinda, warns that the shape, texture and colour of your natural nails communicate your body health.
While some nail symptoms are harmless, others can indicate chronic diseases.
Yellow nails
Mwanja says yellow nails come with age or due to the use of acrylic nails or nail polish. Smoking can also stain nails with a yellowish hue. If your nails are thick, crumbly, and yellow, a fungal infection may be to blame.
Cracked or split nails
“Dry, cracked nails are often caused by one’s lifestyle. A person who touches water for long periods of time, or uses nail polish remover frequently and are exposed to chemicals such as cleaning products is likely to have cracked nails. It could also be a symptom of a fungal infection or thyroid disease. Brittle nails can also be due to a deficiency in vitamins A and C or the B vitamin biotin,” says the doctor.
White spots
Small white spots on your nails are usually the result of nail trauma. They are not cause for concern and will fade or grow out on their own.
Ridges
Horizontal ridges run across the nail from one side to another and may be due to trauma or a serious illness with a high fever such as pneumonia. The ridges may also be due to psoriasis, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory disease or severe zinc deficiency.
“Sometimes, people develop vertical ridges, which are a normal sign of aging and are not a cause for concern. They may become more prominent as one gets older. However, ridges may be due to nutrient vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiencies,” Dr Mwanja says.
Nail clubbing
When the finger or toe tips become enlarged and the nail curves downward, it can be a sign of low oxygen in blood and is associated with lung disease. Nail clubbing, also known as digital clubbing, is a deformity of the finger or toe nails associated with a number of diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Nails which curve upward at the edges may be a sign of heart disease, iron-deficiency (anemia) or hemochromatosis, an excess of iron.
Black streaks
According to Dr Edward Ogwang, a dermatologist at The Skin Specialist’s Clinic in Wangegeya, Kampala, black streaks or painful growths on your nail are a warning sign that you should see a physician immediately since the cause might be melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer.
Terry’s nails
White nails with a narrow pink strip at the top (Terry’s nails) could be a sign of liver disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or diabetes. However, sometimes Terry’s nails may also be due to aging.
Growth rate
The growth rate of your nails may give clues about your underlying health. For instance, among other things, slow nail growth may be a sign of poor circulation.
Dangers of nail biting
Dr Ogwang says: “Biting nails could lead to infections such as paronychia, a skin infection that occurs around your nails. As you chew your nails, bacteria, yeast, and other micro-organisms enter through tiny tears or abrasions, leading to swelling, redness, and pus around your nail.”
If you notice any significant changes in your nails, including swelling, discolourations, or changes in shape or thickness, see a dermatologist right away. It could be nothing, or it could be due to an underlying condition.
Feeding for nails
Mark Alex Kakooza, a nutritionist with Homart Clinic in Nateete cautions that if your body lacks an important nutrient such as iron, the symptoms will be manifested in the colour, shape and texture of your hair, skin and nails.
Healthy sources of protein such as eggs, and meat are also a good source of zinc, which is necessary for making proteins found in your nails.
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in leafy greens, berries, and other whole foods will also benefit your nail health.
Kakooza adds: “Biotin is important in building keratin, which makes up your nails. Egg yolks from organic eggs are one of the best sources of biotin. Animal-based omega-3 fats for example from fish are also important.”
Proper Nail care
It is important to protect your nails from excessive exposure to water or chemicals. Simple buffing can create a nice, smooth sheen to your nails, without using any nail polish. An added boon is that it may actually help your nails grow stronger and longer due to increased circulation, and you won’t have to worry about chipped nail polish either.
Keep your nails trimmed relatively short using nail cutters, manicure scissors or clippers. Trim the nails straight across and rounded slightly at the centre, which will help keep your nails strong.
“Avoid picking your cuticles as this can damage your nail bed.
Hangnails should be clipped, not ripped off, to avoid harming live tissue.”
“If you notice any unusual nail symptom, it is not right to simply cover them up with artificial nails. Visit a holistic health care provider for a checkup to figure out if there is an underlying issue,” says Kakooza.
