Our Fingernails Give Us a Window to Our Health

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by: Todd Mumford
Tags: fingernails, health, health news

(NewsTarget) Nails can reveal much about your state of health as many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails.

- White nails could be a sign of liver disease
- If half of the nail is pink and half is white, this might mean kidney disease
- Heart conditions could be indicated by a red nail bed
- A yellowing and thickening of the nail with slowed down growth rate may be caused by lung diseases
- If you are anemic, you could have pale nail beds
- Yellowish nails, with a slight blush at the base area can be a sign of diabetes

Dermatologists will be quick to point out that many nail disorders can result from poor nail care:

A bacterial infection can lead to redness, swelling and pain of the skin folds around the nails or a green discoloration of the nail. Injury or frequent exposure to water and chemicals is often the culprit.

Warts may be found in any portion of the nail and can cause the nail plate to change shape. Interference with nail growth can destroy the nail. Warts are viral infections that affect the skin surrounding or underneath the nail. As they can be painful and even spread, it is best to treat them early on.

Mucinous cysts are clear, jelly filled papules at the base of the nail which can become painful and may even damage or deform the nail.

Dark spots or streaks appearing on a nail, which are not the result of an injury, must be examined by a dermatologist. It could be melanoma which is the most lethal form of skin cancer.

Psoriatic nails are a problem with many people who suffer from psoriasis or psoriasis arthritis. The signs are pitting, rippling and discoloration of the nail. The skin beneath the nail may develop a reddish-brown discoloration or separate from the nail bed, crumble, and even split.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes thickening of the nails and may be present at the same time as the nail psoriasis. Psoriasis affects the nail when it is actually being formed, so it is difficult to treat.

Nail fungus may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause discoloration, thickening and crumbling edges, which are an unsightly and potentially painful problem. Treat nail fungus quickly. Diet is important in helping to treat nail fungus. You should include more probiotics - that is good bacteria - in your diet which can be yoghurt and kefir as well as the more unusual Olive leaf extract. Keep your hands and nails dry as fungus thrives in warm most areas.

Take special care of your nails:

- Keep them as short as possible.
- Protect loose nails from damage because trauma will often trigger or worsen any nail condition.
- Avoid vigorous cleaning and scraping under the nails. Handle your nails gently.
- Use 3 capfuls of tar bath oil in a bowl of warm water to soak your nails for at least 20 minutes. Then rub moisturizer into each nail.
- Avoid applying any nail hardener or artificial nails until your nail condition has cleared up.
- Use a natural safe treatment such as one made from essential oils to treat nail conditions or seek the advice of an expert.

As well as being on show, our nails are very important to our general wellbeing so take note of any change in their condition and treat accordingly.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treat...

http://www.skinsite.com/info_nail_care.htm

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/...

About the author

Todd Mumford is staff writer for Amoils.com - a provider of 100% natural treatments for a variety of conditions - and writes on a wide range of alternative and natural health topics.