Are 'COVID nails' a sign that you had coronavirus?: Check out for these changes to your fingernails

The main signs of COVID-19 are fever, a cough, fatigue and a loss of your sense of taste and smell. Signs of COVID-19 in the skin have been noted too. But there's another part of the body where the virus appears to have an impact: the fingernails.

Following a COVID-19 infection, for a small number of patients the fingernails appear discoloured or misshapen a number of weeks later - a phenomenon that's been dubbed "COVID nails".

One symptom is a red half-moon pattern that forms a convex band over the white area at the base of fingernails. This seems to present earlier than other COVID-related nail complaints, with patients noticing it less than two weeks after being diagnosed. Multiple cases have been reported - but not many. 

 

Red half-moon nail patterns like this are generally rare, and previously haven't been seen so close to the nail base. So having this pattern appear like this could exclusively be an indication of a COVID-19 infection. 

 

The mechanism underlying this half-moon patterning remains unclear. A possible cause could be blood vessel damage associated with the virus itself. Alternatively, it may be due to the immune response mounted against the virus causing mini blood clots and discolouration. Importantly, these marks don't appear to be anything to worry about, as patients are otherwise asymptomatic - although it is unclear how long they stay for, having lasted from between one week to over four weeks in the cases reported. 

Signs of physical stress A few patients have also found new horizontal indentations in the bases of the nails of their fingers and toes, which are known as Beau's lines. These tend to appear four weeks or more after a COVID-19 infection. 

 

Beau's lines occur when there is a temporary interruption in nail growth due to a physical stress on the body, such as an infection, malnutrition or side-effects of medications such as chemotherapy drugs. While it's plausible that they're caused by COVID-19, they're definitely not an exclusive symptom of the disease.

As nails grow between 2mm and 5mm a month on average, Beau's lines tend to become noticeable four to five weeks after the physical stress happens - as the nail grows, the indentation is revealed. The timing of the stressful event can be therefore estimated by looking at how far the Beau's lines are from the nail base. There's no specific treatment for Beau's lines, as they tend to eventually grow out if the underlying condition has resolved. 

 

Currently, the available evidence suggests that there's no association between the severity of COVID-19 infection and the type or extent of nail changes. 

 

Other unusual findings  

The above are the two more common COVID-related nail complaints, but researchers have recorded some other unusual occurrences as well. 

 

One female patient's nails loosened from the nail base and eventually fell out, three months after her infection. This phenomenon is known as onychomadesis and is thought to happen for similar reasons to Beau's lines appearing. This patient didn't receive treatment for these changes as new healthy nails could be seen growing underneath those that detached, indicating that the issue was beginning to resolve itself. 

 

Another patient, 112 days after testing positive, witnessed orange discoloration to their nail tips. No treatment was given and the discoloration had still not resolved after a month. The underlying mechanism behind this is unknown. 

 

And in a third case, a patient had horizontal white lines appear on their nails that don't disappear with pressure. These are known as Mees' lines or transverse leukonychia. They appeared 45 days after testing positive for COVID-19. These tend to resolve with nail growth and do not require treatment. Mees' lines are thought to be caused by the abnormal production of proteins in the nail bed due to systemic disorders. 

 

A mystery - for now 

 

Although these three conditions all followed a COVID-19 infection, because we only have limited patients to look at in each case, it isn't possible to say yet whether they were caused by the disease. It is entirely possible that all three are unrelated to the condition. 

 

Indeed, even with the Beau's lines and red half-moon pattern, there is still a long path to confirm a definite link between these changes and COVID-19 as well as the mechanisms behind them. For all these conditions, we'll need many more cases to be reported before we can say with certainty that there's a link. 

 

Plus, even if there is a causative link, it's important to remember that not all patients with COVID-19 will have these nail conditions. And some of these abnormalities may not necessarily mean someone has had COVID-19. At best, we should regard these as potential indicators of a past infection- and not definitive proof.

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

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12 Ways COVID-19 Can Sneak Into Your Home

The Coronavirus epidemic has been very devastating and scary for many. Many countries around the world have shut down as everyone is encouraged to stay home unless they go out to buy necessities such as groceries. Those will always remain open and when you go grocery shopping, you will be encouraged to wear masks, gloves, and to stay 6 feet away from others as well.
Even if you are very careful, there are still 12 ways that COVID-19 can sneak into your home. Let’s talk about those now.

#12 – Packages And Mail

Even though the virus does not stay on the packaging for more than a day, you can still bring it in if someone who is infected has delivered your mail or package. Therefore, why not keep it in the garage for a day and allow it to die. When you take the mail or packages inside, you must wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.

#11 – Through Your Door

Even though people have been maintaining the 6-foot rule of staying away from you but if the doorbell rings by say, a food delivery driver and leaves the meal in a bag on your doorstep, it is easy for the virus to be transported into your home. The best thing to do is to not touch the doorbell or the area around it. When you grab the package, keep it on the floor while removing the contents. Then wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.

#10 – Used Gloves

Many people tend to take their used gloves into their homes and toss them in their own trashcans. You don’t want to do that. You want to toss your gloves in a public garbage can and then wipe your hands with disinfectant wipes on the way home. Then wash your hands right away when you walk in. Therefore, never bring your used gloves home.

#9 – Your Used Mask

If you are wearing a cloth mask, you will stay protected as long as you use it carefully and correctly. And you will also do your part in stopping the spread. As soon as you walk into the home, be sure to throw your cloth mask into the washing machine in hot water. Therefore, if you must leave the house several times a week or if you are an essential worker, you need plenty of cloth masks on hand.

#8 – Your Pet

Your pet will not catch the virus. However, if your hands are infected and you touch your pet, then others in your home will end up with the virus after they touch the beloved dog or cat. If you want to give your dog a cuddle, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

#7 – The ATM

People don’t realize that using the ATM is a sure way to transfer the virus to your hands. This is why it is important to wear gloves when you are out. When you take them off in your car and dispose of them, be sure to have disinfectant wipes to wipe your hands. Then when you get home, wash your hands thoroughly.

#6 – Your Fingernails

Are you a nail biter? Or did you have finger food and you did not wash your hands after? If you are an asymptomatic carrier, then you licking your fingers or biting your nails is a sure way to pass the virus around as you touch things. If you must do those things, be sure to wash your hands right after.

#5 – Your Shoes

Your shoes are most definitely contaminated as you will be walking into supermarkets that likely has the virus on the floor. As soon as you get home spray your shoes with Lysol or any other disinfectant spray and leave your shoes on the mat by your door. Don’t wear your shoes inside your home.

#4 – The Gas Pump

You don’t know who is using the gas pump. It could be someone who has the infection and that means you will end up with the infection as well if you are not protecting yourself while you use the gas pump. Wear gloves when you use it, and then rinse and repeat the tip from the previous point to keep your home safe.

#3 – Your Kids

Your kids will likely be carriers and asymptomatic. They will not realize the importance of hygiene and there is a good chance they can bring it in even if they stay within the premises by touching poles or fences even when they are in their own backyards. They need to realize how important it is for them to keep their hands extremely clean during the pandemic.

#2 – Your Towels

That towel that you are using to dry your hands likely has those germs on it and the virus itself. This is why it is highly important to wash your towels often so you can lower the risk. Better yet, use paper towels that you can throw out after use.

#1 – Your Clothing

The clothes that you wear once you are out and about can easily pick up the virus as its spikes attach itself onto clothing. You will want to wash your clothes often and even though it is not realistic to wash your clothes daily, keep them off of furniture after you take them off.

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

Great Uses for Lemon Peels

Lemons have a lot to offer: they’re delicious, refreshing and have an aroma that can upgrade many dishes. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice to a cup of water in the morning can do wonders for our level of alertness throughout the rest of the day. But what about those lemon peels? 
 

If you like to add lemon to your diet on a regular basis, you probably throw the peels in the trash. Did you know, however, that the peels are incredibly rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers that can increase your food’s nutritional value, aid in house cleaning, and even be used to maintain your skin’s health? The following recipes will show you how you can add lemon peel to your day-to-day life with ease.

1. Homemade Lemon and Herbs Butter Would you believe that you can enjoy this delicious butter without going to a fancy restaurant? Simply turn the plain butter you’ve got at home into a gorgeous and delicious lemon and herbs butter you can enjoy at every meal.
 

Ingredients:
• ¼ cup chopped mixed herbs (such as chives or parsley)
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
 
Preparation:
1. In a bowl, mix the butter, zest, and herbs. Stir and season to taste.
2. Transfer the content to a baking sheet, roll it into a cylinder and fold the edges.
3. Wrap the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
4. Refrigerate until the mixture solidifies. The butter can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for 3 months.

2. Candied Lemon Skins This is an unusual treat, and if you want to keep the peel's sour flavor, just use less sugar than called for in the recipe.
 

Ingredients:
• 4 large lemons
• 2 cups of sugar
• 8 cups of water

Preparation:
1. Peel the lemons and cut the peel into thin strips.
2. Place the peel on a cutting board and remove as much of the fruit as you can using a sharp knife.
3. Boil 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot. Add the peel strips to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. This will remove most of the bitterness in the peel. Remove the peel strips from the water.
4. Repeat the process 2 more times, using fresh water each time.
5. Empty the pot, add 2 new cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Let it simmer to produce a sugary syrup.
6. Lower the heat and add the lemon peel. Cook the strips in the syrup for an hour – they should become soft and translucent. Use a fork or tongs to remove the strips from the syrup and leave them on a drying rack to dry out – this should take a few hours.
 

7. After removing the strips from the water, you can sprinkle sugar on them. (optional)
8. Move the dry peel pieces to a sealed container. The dried peel pieces will stay fresh for several days at room temperature, or for several weeks in the fridge.

3. Add Some Zest to Your Olive Oil Transform your plain olive oil into a delicious and nutritious lemon-oil. This upgrade will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of lemon zest.

Preparation:
Combine the zest and oil in a sealable jar and leave it for 2 weeks. Give the jar a good shake every few days. Finally, use a sieve to remove the zest from the oil and store in the fridge.

4. Jazz Up Your Drinks with a Lemony Ice-Cube Add some extra flavor to any drink you serve this summer by adding a couple of fancy lemon ice-cubes. Cut the lemon peels into spirals and remove as much of the fruit as you can from them (this will make it less bitter). Cut the spirals to fit in an ice tray, fill the tray to the half-way point and put one spiral in each segment, making sure a small bit stays out of the water. After freezing, you’ll be left with fancy-looking ice cubes.

5. Make a Lemon-Pepper Seasoning Mix This seasoning mix can work for almost any kind of dish whether it’s a salad, fish, or chicken. Preparation is very simple, and the ingredients are 100% natural.
 

Ingredients:
• Zest from 5 lemons
• ⅓ cup black pepper (whole)
• ¼ cup salt (optional)

Preparation:
1. In a bowl, mix the zest and black pepper.
2. Line an oven tray with a baking sheet and spread the mix on top of it.
 

3. Bake the mixture for about an hour at 150°C (300°F), until the zest is completely dry. To make certain that the whole tray bakes evenly, remove it from the oven after 30 minutes and give it a shake, and then place it back in the oven.
4. Grind the pepper-zest mix in a food processor or a coffee grinder.
 

5. Once the mixture is ready, you can add salt if you wish.

6. All-Natural Ant and Pest Repellent
Place small pieces of lemon peels along your windowsills, doors, and any other cracks and holes that ants use to sneak into your house. Ants hate the scent of lemon, so they’ll be reluctant to return to that area again. The peels are also particularly effective against fleas, making them an ideal solution for pet owners that want to protect their 4-legged companions from those nasty parasites.
 

7. Freshen Up Your Home The scent of fresh lemon can freshen up your home and get rid of unpleasant smells quickly and easily.

Freshen up the fridge: Place a few small pieces of lemon peel in the fridge. The skin will absorb any unpleasant odors while setting off its own citrus scent.
Freshen up the trash bin: Put a few pieces of lemon peels at the bottom of the bin to absorb the bad odors.

Freshen up closets: Sun-dry lemon peels and put them in small potpourri bags. Add spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and put it in your closets to keep them smelling fresh.

8. Effectively Clean Surfaces and Utensils The lemon’s natural acidity is antibacterial and can help you clean many things in the kitchen.

Clean plaque residue in kettles: Fill the kettle up with water, add a few thin slices of lemon peel, and boil the water. Allow the boiled water to sit for an hour, and then empty and wash the kettle.

Remove the smell of coffee: If your coffee maker’s pitcher is starting to smell like old coffee, empty it, put some lemon peels, a few pinches of salt and some ice-cubes. Shake well and wash the pitcher.

Freshen up the dishwasher: If your dishes come out of the dishwasher smelling somewhat funky, add some lemon peel to the next load. This cleans both the machine and removes any foul-smelling residue.

Clean and deodorize cutting boards: After washing your cutting board with water and dish soap, rub the surface with the outside of a lemon peel. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse.

Clean your microwave: Fill a bowl halfway with water and add a few pieces of lemon peels. Pop it in the microwave and run it on high for 5 minutes. The heat will boil the water, and the lemon-infused steam will clean the sides and top of the microwave. Once it’s done, remove the bowl (Careful! It’s hot!) and wipe down the surfaces.
Save your utensils: If you have old knives, pots, or any other metallic utensils that have lost their shine or have grime that simply won’t go away, there’s an effective solution you can use - sprinkle some sea salt on the utensils, then rub them with a lemon peel. Rinse and watch how all the dirt, grime, and stains wash away.

9. Foot Spa If you want to soften any hard skin on your soles, boil water with lemon peels and let it cool down. Add ¼ cup of milk (bovine or almond), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a few drops of essential oil of your choice. Pour the mixture into a tub and soak your feet in it for 20 minutes, then dab your feet dry.

10. Polish and Brighten Your Skin with a Homemade Scrub This homemade scrub will help to soften your skin, in addition to brightening any sun damage it may have experienced. Similar to other exfoliating agents, avoid using this scrub on wounds or sensitive and irritated skin, as well as skin riddled with acne. To make this scrub, you’ll need to extract the lemon’s natural oils.

Ingredients for lemon oil:
• Lemon peels
• Coconut oil

Preparation:
1. Wash and dry the lemon peels.
2. Cut the peels into long, thin strips.
3. Put them in a large pot and pour the coconut oil on top.
4. Let the oil lightly boil for 5 minutes, and then put the mixture on the side to let it absorb all the aroma and flavor.
5. Sift out the peels and pour the liquid into a jar. (Store in a cool, dry place).
 

Ingredients for the scrub:
• Unrefined sea salt
• ⅓ cup lemon oil
• A few drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Preparation:
1. If you use crude sea salt, grind it down to prevent damage to the skin.
2. Mix the ingredients and transfer the mixture to a jar. Store in a cool, dry place.

Use:
Before turning on the water in the shower, put some of the scrub on a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or your bare hands. Rub your skin with the scrub in circular motions, and then proceed to shower regularly.

11. Morning Face-Wash Many kinds of face washes contain alcohol and are thus not recommended for daily use, as the alcohol dries out and irritates your skin. You can rub the outside of a lemon peel onto your face before rinsing it. Avoid contact with the eyes.

12. Pamper Your Hands Lemon peels can help you with most hand and arm-related issues, and can even help your fingernails shine.

Fingernail bleach – Clean stains from your fingernails by gently rubbing them with a lemon peel.

Soften elbow skin – Sprinkle some baking soda on the outside of a lemon peel and place it against your elbow. Twist the peel as if you’re juicing it for a few minutes, then rinse your elbow.

Lighten age spots – If you have age spots on your hands and arm, you can use lemon peels to lighten them by rubbing a small piece against the stain and leaving the juice on for an hour. Avoid sunlight until you wash yourself to prevent damage to your skin. 

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