Your nails can look pretty on different shades of nail polish, but aside from that, did you know that they can also tell something about your health? It is best that you arm yourself with adequate knowledge on what discolorations or changes in texture of your nails may actually mean. Listed below are some unusual nail features and what you should do about them.
Weak and brittle nails can be considered normal for advancing age.
However, it may also mean that you need to go easy on your manicures and nail arts because your nails are becoming ‘overprocessed’.
You may want to skip the nail salon for a few weeks to give your nails a healthy break. You may also want to check your diet and add more protein and vitamins on your diet to help your nails become healthier and stronger.
Yellowish nails
Yellowish nails can be indicative of many things. It may signal a fungal infection, psoriasis or an even more serious medical condition, or it may just be the residue of your dark nail polish.
If the yellowish discoloration of your nails is accompanied by swelling and pain, then it might be a fungal infection.
Consult your doctor immediately before this worsens. This condition can be easily treated by an anti-fungal ointment.
Dimpling or pitting
These conditions may be indicative of many skin disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis.
Take note however that these signs don’t normally appear on the nails alone so check for other symptoms as well. You may look for other areas in your body where you usually observe these characteristics.
If you have been having dimpling or pitting nails for some time already (or even years perhaps), then it is advisable to consult with a doctor to check if this is a symptom of a more serious condition.
Clubbing
Clubbing of the nails is a condition wherein your fingers look swollen and they may have that bluish-black tinge.
This is definitely not a good sign and may suggest serious health problems due to lack of oxygen such as emphysema or lung cancer.
You have to consult your doctor right away once you’ve seen this sign. Very rare that clubbing nails appear on its own so you must be vigilant in observing other changes in your body and seek medical advice when you see other unusual symptoms.
Tiny white spots
There are times when you see tiny white dots on your nails. If you let your nails grow and you can cut them off after a couple of weeks or so, then there’s no need to worry.
These tiny spots are called leukonychia. They are usually caused by minor bumps and smashes on your nails. They are generally not harmful and will go away on their own.
However, if you notice that they don’t disappear and are accompanied by pain, then you should pay a visit to your doctor to discuss your concern.
Thickening and presence of ridges
Thickening and presence of ridges are usually caused by advancing age.
Since the blood supply on your nails isn’t as efficient when you were younger, your nails may become brittle, appear darker and thicker.
Again, you may improve the condition of your nails, even with advanced age, by making sure that you eat a healthy diet and you avoid causing too much damage on them through biting and overprocessing with chemicals.
