by Nails protect the ends of the fingers and toes and allow them to perform activities such as scratching or picking up objects. They are composed of keratin and have a hard consistency. They serve as protection, in addition to intervening in the sense of touch and fine motor skills.
Normally, people worry about taking care of them to look aesthetically good and maintain a healthy appearance. However, beyond this, there are certain health warning signs that are reflected through them and to which you should pay attention.
A magazine publication Better with Health, written by Daniela Echeverri Castro, indicates that it is important to check this part of the body frequently, since any condition or anomaly could become a warning sign. These are some of the signs that should not go unnoticed.
yellow spots
There are some situations and habits that cause this tone in the nails. For example, him their contact with tobacco smoke. However, yellow spots can also be caused by the ingestion of certain medications and the deficiency of some vitamins.
According to the Saber Vivir portal, this color is also sometimes a symptom of respiratory diseases, persistent edema (lymphedema), as well as skin conditions such as psoriasis or lichen planus.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by the appearance of reddish scaly lesions, preferably on the elbows, knees, and scalp, and that has the possibility of affecting the nails and joints, the portal specifies. cinfasalud.
white spots
This is a very common problem that normally appears after a blow or abuse to the nail. In other cases, it may indicate that there is a zinc deficiency or that the person is suffering from anemia.
better with health refers to an article published in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, in which it is indicated that the white color may be due to abnormalities in the nail plate or nail bed; or to inflammatory diseases such as alopecia areata or psoriasis.
slow growth
Chronic diseases, malnutrition, severe acute infections, chronic smoking and certain medications are some of the factors that slow down nail growth. The most common cause is usually a lack of vitamins and trace elements, says Saber Vivir. In this case, one of the recommendations is the consumption of vitamin A and others from group B, which favor the incorporation of calcium into the nails.
concave nails
When the nails grow concave it is a sign that there is an internal problem. This type of nails can be identified because it grows curved upwards. In this regard, the institute Mayo Clinic He says that these types of nails could reveal possible anemia or a liver disorder called hemochromatosis, which is when the body absorbs excess iron. It is also possible that it is an indicator of heart problems or hypothyroidism.
brittle nails
When the nails become brittle, they indicate dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, but they also warn of the presence of systemic diseases such as kidney failure. Similarly, it may be a lack of vitamins such as C and folic acid.
rough nails
Rough nails are a sign of a fungal infection. In this case, a yellowish hue and scaling is also noticeable. This is known clinically as onychomycosis, says Better with Health.
abnormal coloration
Sometimes the Nails can acquire a dark color due to a blow, but there are times when this type of coloration can be due to the presence of tumors, both malignant and benign. On the other hand, the brown-coffee tone of the nails usually indicates chronic renal failure.
thick nails
Excessive thickening of the nails is not normal and can indicate, for example, circulation problems. If they are normal and become thick, they may be warning of a lung problem. If they are thick and brittle, it may be a problem related to thyroid or psoriasis.
