15 Fingernail Signs You Have Health Issues

Your body communicates when something is wrong. The color and state of your fingernails can let you know when something is going awry inside your body. Sometimes they can be minor vitamin deficiencies and other times more serious conditions. These changes can be subtle, or blatant and it’s worth noting any differences because many diseases are reflected on your fingertips. As always these are warning signs and it’s important not to rely solely on your nails for a health check. Consult with a medical professional who can consider other symptoms and run blood tests.

1. Red nails 

 

If your nails go from a pink shade to a darker red, you might have heart disease. If the redness extends to the sides of your nails and cuticle, this might be a sign of the autoimmune disease Lupus. There are other possible explanations for this reddening, but it’s best to consult with your doctor, who can run tests.

 

 

2. Unusually white nails 

This phenomenon is often called Terry’s nails and has three possible explanations. One is that you have developed a fungal nail infection, often accompanied by reddened or dark fingertips. Another reason could be that your nails have begun to detach from the nail bed and the blood supply is interrupted. Thirdly, this is also a side effect of chemotherapy. Terry’s nails also might indicate that you have a more severe illness like anemia, iron deficiency, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, organ failure or hyperthyroidism.

3. Thick or overgrown nails 

 If your nails are growing thicker and faster than usual, you might be suffering from a serious fungal nail infection. You might also notice that the nails have become discolored. These symptoms are common results of having either psoriasis or arthritis. 

 

 

4. Detached from the nail bed  

When nails begin to detach from the nail bed without trauma or pressure, you might have a hormonal imbalance. Similarly, if your nails have separated, you might be suffering from hyperthyroidism – a condition where your thyroid gland is releasing too many hormones into your system. For both scenarios, a doctor can recommend treatment to reverse these conditions. 

 

 

5. Dark vertical stripes  

Many people ignore stripes on their fingernails because they don’t cause any pain however some can indicate very serious illnesses. If you find that you have dark vertical stripes, known as linear melanonychia. This could be a sign of Subungal Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that only affects the nail bed.

6. Blue nails 

If you find your nails suddenly have changed to a blue or purple tinge, it’s likely you have developed hypoxia, a lack of oxygen, often triggered by poor circulation to your feet, ears, and hands. Impaired circulation is easily reversible and is not a serious health issue unless it goes untreated.

7. Dents or Depressions 

 If you start seeing dents or depressions on the surface of your nails this might be a sign of eczema, psoriasis, or reactive arthritis, a form of arthritis that like Lupus, finds your immune system attacking your joints. More than half of psoriasis sufferers experience nail depressions or dents, and therefore it’s recommended that you consult with a dermatologist. 

 

 

8. Discolored nails 

Nails should naturally by a healthy pink color and when you notice them altering shades you should take note. If they turn brown, this may indicate that you have a thyroid disease or are malnourished. Green nails indicate a severe fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis or even jaundice, tuberculosis, sinusitis, or lympheodema. If you are taking prescription drugs like antimalarial pills, you might find yourself with grey tinged nails. 

 

 

 

9. Spoon nails

In medical circles, this is called Koilonychia, a condition known for causing nails to become excessively soft and appear scooped out, much like a spoon. This symptom commonly indicates hemochromatosis, a liver condition where there is too much iron being produced in your system. Spoon nails also commonly indicate hypothyroidism. There are other diseases such as heart disease, anemia and impaired blood flow that are associated with this phenomenon.

 

 

 

10. Brittle nails 

 Characterized by thin, frail, crumbling nails this common nail problem often indicates a deficiency in vitamins, with vitamin B7 being the usual culprit. This can be easily reversed with an over-the-counter multivitamin supplement. Frail nails are also often associated with nail psoriasis, thyroid disorders, or fungal nail infections. 

 

 

 

11. White stripes 

While dark striped nails usually indicate cancerous growth, white stripes are more commonly seen as indicative of a disorder. It usually indicates an imbalanced or a non-nutritious diet, lacking in proteins. This problem can easily be resolved with an increase in proteins rich foods such as fish, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and lean meats. 

 

 

12. Curved nails 

This condition is sometimes called nail clubbing and involves an unnaturally large nail bed, curving around the tips of the fingers. It is not an overnight condition and can take several years to form. The cause is often hypoxia, a lack of oxygen. It is not a symptom to ignore as it can be associated with serious diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, lung problems, AIDS and cardiovascular concerns. curved fingernails health warning.

13. Loose nails  

Loose nails not caused by injury can signify fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis, amyloidosis (excess protein in the blood), hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis or Raynaud’s disease a.k.a. poor blood circulation. In rarer cases, severe allergies to some antibiotics are known to loosen nails from nail beds.

14. Blue nail base 

 

If you find your nails are a white shade on a blue nail base, this might be a sign of a nutrient deficiency such as a lack of iron. When the nails are extremely white and the base blue or purple, this could denote a problem with the liver or pancreas. It is also a common symptom in the initial stages of diabetes when your body is not able to process and metabolize sugars correctly. 

 

 

 

15. Yellow nails 

 Usually, yellow nails are a sign of an unpleasant fungal infection and it’s advisable to purchase anti-fungal tablets or a topical cream to treat this. You can also treat it with a more natural solution such as applying essential oils. Yellow nails can also be indicative of more serious illnesses namely a lung problem, such as fluid accumulation around the pleurae (a lung membrane) or emphysema.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine

Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in color, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist.

1. Medical name: Acral lentiginous melanoma


Melanoma under nail

Medical name: Acral lentiginous melanoma

Dark streak
If a fingernail or toenail has a new or changing dark streak, it’s time to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. That dark streak could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.


Not every dark streak is a melanoma, but it’s always good to have a dermatologist examine one. Caught early and treated, that may be the only treatment you need.

Allowed to grow, treatment becomes more difficult.

 

2. Medical name: Onycholysis


Nail lifting up

If a nail starts to lift up so that it’s no longer completely attached, you’ll likely see white discoloration, as shown here. When a nail lifts up, the cause is often:

• A fungal infection
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Injury from an aggressive manicure
• Injury form cleaning under your nails with a sharp object

A dermatologist should examine any nail that’s lifting up. You may need treatment to clear an infection. A dermatologist can also give you some tips that may help the new nail grow out normally.

 

3.  Medical name: Paronychia

Redness and swelling around a nail

If you have redness and swelling around a nail, you may have an infection. When diagnosed early, you can often treat an infection with soaks and antibiotics. If an open sore forms, you’ll need more extensive treatment.

 

4. Medical name: Paronychia

Greenish black color

When bacteria cause a nail infection, the nail can turn greenish black as shown here.

Without treatment, a nail infection tends to worsen. Treatment can get rid of your pain and tenderness and help clear the infection..  

5. Medical name: Pitting

Pitted nails

If you have dents in your nails that look like they were made by an icepick, this could be a sign that you have a disease that affects your entire body.

People who have pits in their nails may have:

• Psoriasis
  
• Atopic dermatitis
  
• Alopecia areata
• Seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis is important. Dermatologists are the specialists who diagnose and treat these diseases. Treatment can help you feel more comfortable and prevent the disease from worsening.

 

6.  Medical name: Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nails

Wearing red nail polish without a base coat or smoking can turn your nails yellow. If your nails turn yellow, thicken, and seem to stop growing, it could be a sign of something going on inside your body.

Lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause yellow nails. You may also have a serious nail infection, which requires treatment.

 

7.  Medical name: Beau lines

Deep grooves (or gaps)

Lines that run the length of a nail are common and usually nothing to worry about. If you see deep grooves that run the width of your nail like the ones shown in this picture, it means that something slowed (or stopped) your nails from growing for a while.

When something causes your nail(s) to completely stop growing for a while, you may see a gap. If this happens, you’ll have a place on your nail(s) that’s missing nail. The medical name for this condition is onychomadesis (on-ah-coe-ma-dee-sis).

A fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress can cause your nails to grow slowly or stop growing.

If you cannot think of what could may have caused your nails to grow slowly or stop growing, see your dermatologist or primary care doctor. Once you find and get rid of the cause, nails often start growing normally.

 

8.  Medical name: Onychogryphosis

Ram’s horn nails

This happens when the nails thicken and overgrow. Some people get Ram’s horns because the condition runs in the family.

If you have a disease, such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems, you may also develop Ram’s horn nails.

Cutting and treating these nails requires help from a podiatrist or dermatologist.

 

9.  Medical name: Koilonychia

Thin, spoon-shaped nails

If you have thin fingernails that dip down in the middle and look like spoons, you may not be getting enough iron. People develop an iron deficiency for many reasons, including:

• Lack of proper nutrition
• A health problem with their stomach or intestines
• Sensitivity to gluten (celiac disease)
• High altitude

Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment can help you feel better.

 

10.  Medical name: Onychotillomania

Washboard nails

If you have grooves and ridges in the center of your thumb that look like the ones shown in this picture, you may have developed a habit of picking at (or pushing back) the cuticles on your thumbnails. Many people are unaware that they do this.

A dermatologist may be able to help you break the habit, allowing healthy nails to grow out.

 

11.  Medical name: Clubbing

Curved nails

The curving can begin so gradually that many people are unaware it's happening. As the nails continue to curve downward, fingertips often swell and the nails start to feel spongy when pressed on.

If you notice your fingernails start to curve, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. Curved nails can be a harmless trait, which runs in the family. Curved nails can also be a sign that you have a disease in the:

• Lungs
• Heart
• Liver
• Stomach or intestine

 

12.  Color change
A disease inside your body can cause your nails to change color. Certain color changes can be a warning sign of a specific disease, as the following table shows.

 specific disease, as the following table shows.

 

Color	Disease or other health problem
Blue nails	Not enough oxygen in your bloodstream
White nails	Liver disease, diabetes
Pale nails	Anemia
Half pink, half white nails	Kidney disease
Yellow nails	Lung disease, nail infection
Dusky red half-moons	Could be lupus, heart disease, alopecia areata, arthritis, dermatomyositis
Blue half-moons	Could be sign of poisoning

Seeing a change to your nails or the half-moons doesn’t always mean that you have a disease. Still, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes. Board-certified dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating the skin, hair, and nails. They have the expertise to tell you whether the change is harmless or requires medical testing.
This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

15 Warning Signs from Your Nails

Your body communicates when something is wrong. The color and state of your fingernails can let you know when something is going awry inside your body. Sometimes they can be minor vitamin deficiencies and other times more serious conditions. These changes can be subtle, or blatant and it’s worth noting any differences because many diseases are reflected on your fingertips. As always these are warning signs and it’s important not to rely solely on your nails for a health check. Consult with a medical professional who can consider other symptoms and run blood tests.

1. Red nails
If your nails go from a pink shade to a darker red, you might have heart disease. If the redness extends to the sides of your nails and cuticle, this might be a sign of the autoimmune disease Lupus. There are other possible explanations for this reddening, but it’s best to consult with your doctor, who can run tests.
 

2. Unusually white nails
This phenomenon is often called Terry’s nails and has three possible explanations. One is that you have developed a fungal nail infection, often accompanied by reddened or dark fingertips. Another reason could be that your nails have begun to detach from the nail bed and the blood supply is interrupted. Thirdly, this is also a side effect of chemotherapy. Terry’s nails also might indicate that you have a more severe illness like anemia, iron deficiency, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, organ failure or hyperthyroidism.
 

3. Thick or overgrown nails
If your nails are growing thicker and faster than usual, you might be suffering from a serious fungal nail infection. You might also notice that the nails have become discolored. These symptoms are common results of having either psoriasis or arthritis.
 

4. Detached from the nail bed
When nails begin to detach from the nail bed without trauma or pressure, you might have a hormonal imbalance. Similarly, if your nails have separated, you might be suffering from hyperthyroidism – a condition where your thyroid gland is releasing too many hormones into your system. For both scenarios, a doctor can recommend treatment to reverse these conditions.
 

5. Dark vertical stripes
Many people ignore stripes on their fingernails because they don’t cause any pain however some can indicate very serious illnesses. If you find that you have dark vertical stripes, known as linear melanonychia. This could be a sign of Subungal Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that only affects the nail bed.
 

6. Blue nails
If you find your nails suddenly have changed to a blue or purple tinge, it’s likely you have developed hypoxia, a lack of oxygen, often triggered by poor circulation to your feet, ears, and hands. Impaired circulation is easily reversible and is not a serious health issue unless it goes untreated.
 

7. Dents or Depressions
If you start seeing dents or depressions on the surface of your nails this might be a sign of eczema, psoriasis, or reactive arthritis, a form of arthritis that like Lupus, finds your immune system attacking your joints. More than half of psoriasis sufferers experience nail depressions or dents, and therefore it’s recommended that you consult with a dermatologist.
 

8. Discolored nails
Nails should naturally by a healthy pink color and when you notice them altering shades you should take note. If they turn brown, this may indicate that you have a thyroid disease or are malnourished. Green nails indicate a severe fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis or even jaundice, tuberculosis, sinusitis, or lympheodema. If you are taking prescription drugs like antimalarial pills, you might find yourself with grey tinged nails.
 

9. Spoon nails
In medical circles, this is called Koilonychia, a condition known for causing nails to become excessively soft and appear scooped out, much like a spoon. This symptom commonly indicates hemochromatosis, a liver condition where there is too much iron being produced in your system. Spoon nails also commonly indicate hypothyroidism. There are other diseases such as heart disease, anemia and impaired blood flow that are associated with this phenomenon.
 

10. Brittle nails
Characterized by thin, frail, crumbling nails this common nail problem often indicates a deficiency in vitamins, with vitamin B7 being the usual culprit. This can be easily reversed with an over-the-counter multivitamin supplement. Frail nails are also often associated with nail psoriasis, thyroid disorders, or fungal nail infections.
 

11. White stripes
While dark striped nails usually indicate cancerous growth, white stripes are more commonly seen as indicative of a disorder. It usually indicates an imbalanced or a non-nutritious diet, lacking in proteins. This problem can easily be resolved with an increase in proteins rich foods such as fish, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and lean meats.
 

12. Curved nails
This condition is sometimes called nail clubbing and involves an unnaturally large nail bed, curving around the tips of the fingers. It is not an overnight condition and can take several years to form. The cause is often hypoxia, a lack of oxygen. It is not a symptom to ignore as it can be associated with serious diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, lung problems, AIDS and cardiovascular concerns.

13. Loose nails
Loose nails not caused by injury can signify fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis, amyloidosis (excess protein in the blood), hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis or Raynaud’s disease a.k.a. poor blood circulation. In rarer cases, severe allergies to some antibiotics are known to loosen nails from nail beds.
 

14. Blue nail base
If you find your nails are a white shade on a blue nail base, this might be a sign of a nutrient deficiency such as a lack of iron. When the nails are extremely white and the base blue or purple, this could denote a problem with the liver or pancreas. It is also a common symptom in the initial stages of diabetes when your body is not able to process and metabolize sugars correctly.
 

15. Yellow nails
Usually, yellow nails are a sign of an unpleasant fungal infection and it’s advisable to purchase anti-fungal tablets or a topical cream to treat this. You can also treat it with a more natural solution such as applying essential oils. Yellow nails can also be indicative of more serious illnesses namely a lung problem, such as fluid accumulation around the pleurae (a lung membrane) or emphysema.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

3 Simple Steps to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenails

If you’ve ever suffered from an ingrown toenail, you know how debilitating the pain can be, and how wearing shoes can feel painful. This is why we’ve collected several home remedies and recommendations to treat and prevent ingrown toenails.
What are ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows in the wrong direction, growing into the fleshy sides of the toe instead of outwards. This can lead to discomfort and pain when wearing closed shoes, and even to an infection if left untreated. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed.
What causes ingrown toenails?
The main causes of ingrown toenails are genetics, wearing shoes that are too tight on the toes, or trauma to the toenail area.
Treatment and prevention:
1. The Cotton Ball method

• Begin by soaking your feet in hot water (as hot as you can stand) and Epsom salt (or povidone-iodine or potassium permanganate) for 20-30 minutes twice a day. By soaking your feet you soften the toenail, and the salt/PVP prevents infection by killing the bacteria in the area.

• Trim your nail carefully, making sure it’s straight and not curved, without pointed parts at the edges. Curved toenails are more likely to become ingrown.

• Use tweezers to gently push a cotton ball in the ingrown area, so that it raises the nail, preventing it from growing back into the toe.
• Replace the cotton daily to prevent further infection. 

• If the toe is already infected, use an infection-preventing ointment (such as Neosporin) on the infected area and bandage it. Avoid wearing socks or shoes when you’re home, because the area needs to breathe.

2. Use lemon

• By placing a thin slice of lemon on the toe and wrapping it in gauze overnight, you allow the lemon’s natural acidity to kill off any infection.

3. Soften the toenail with oil

• Use Tea Tree oil or baby oil on the affected area to soften the toenail, which will reduce any pain when wearing shoes by lowering the pressure put on the nail. 

Prevention:

• Always trim your toenails, preferably every 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid pedicures while suffering from an ingrown toenail – it may lead to a full-blown infection.
• Don’t wear shoes that are too tight.

Warnings:

• If the toe is infected and swollen with pus around it, see a doctor.
• Do not remove the cuticles from your toes if you suffer from ingrown toenails.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                       PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

 
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