Composed of protein, keratin and sulphur, the nails grow from
.05 to 1.2 millimeters every week. Changes in our nails may
signify a disorder elsewhere in our body - these abnormalities
are often the result of nutritional deficiencies or specific
conditions:
- A shortage of Vitamin A and calcium produces nails which
are dry and brittle.
- Lack of Vitamin B will result in fragile nails, often with
horizontal or vertical ridges.
- A Vitamin B12 deficiency could result in darkened nails,
which are extremely dry and very rounded at the ends
- White bands could indicate a protein deficiency
- Hangnails are often the result of a lack of Vitamin C,
folic acid and protein
- A shortage of hydrochloric acid may contribute to
splitting nails
- Deformed, spoon-shaped nails may indicate an iron
deficiency
Nail problems that indicate illness:
- Brittle nails may indicate a possible iron deficiency,
circulation problems, thyroid problems, and a problem with the
proper functioning of the kidneys.
- Thick nails often indicate poor circulation or more that
the vascular system is weakening.
- Flat nails are a sign of Raynaud's disease
- Unusually wide, square nails may suggest a hormonal
imbalance
- Yellow nails are a sign of internal disorders, such as
respiratory problems, diabetes, liver disorders and problems
with the lymphatic system
- Blue-tinged nail beds often indicate asthma or emphysema
- Brittle, soft, shiny nails often without a white moon may
suggest an overactive thyroid
- A red moon may indicate heart problems
- White or extremely pale nails are a sign of possible liver
or kidney disease and/or anaemia
- White lines running across the nail may signify liver
disease, high fever or arsenic poisoning
- Red skin present at the base of the nails, may indicate a
connective tissue disorder
- Pitted red-brown spots are often a sign of psoriasis
Help for Ingrowing toenails
- Wear well-fitting shoes
- Keep the affected area clean and dry
- Trim the nail straight across the top, and be careful not
to leave splinters at the edges.
- If you are constantly plagued by painful ingrown toenails,
it may be wise to consult your doctor or chiropodist who may
recommend a minor operation to remove the ingrowing edge of
the nail and the nail fold that produces it.
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