Nail Health Chart: Common Problems and Treatment

A nail health chart is a visual aid that can assist you in recognising typical nail abnormalities and possible underlying medical conditions. These are some typical nail health issues and what they could mean −

• Yellow nails − A fungal infection, smoking, certain nail polishes, or acrylic nails can all lead to yellowing of the nails. Rarely, nail yellowing may be an indication of a more serious underlying medical problem, such as diabetes or liver disease.

• White spots or lines − Little stress to the nail bed may result in small white spots or lines on the nails, which are often unharmful. White patches or lines on the nails, however, may occasionally be an indication of a more serious underlying medical problem, such as renal illness or anaemia.

• Ridged nails − Vertical nail ridges are a common indicator of ageing and are typically not harmful. However, horizontal ridges on the nails can indicate a thyroid issue or malnutrition, which are more serious underlying health conditions.

• Brittle nails − Nails that are easily broken or cracked can be a result of a lack of certain vitamins or minerals, repeated exposure to water or chemicals, or both.

• Spoon-shaped nails − Iron-deficiency anaemia may be indicated by nails that are spoon-shaped and have edges that curve upward.

Nail Health Common Problems

The following are some typical nail health issues −

• Nail fungal infection − Fungal infections can result in thickened, brittle, discoloured, and occasionally painful nails. Antifungal drugs can be used to treat fungus nail infections, which are more common in toenails than fingernails.

• Ingrown toenails − A toenail becomes ingrown when it penetrates the epidermis around the nail bed, resulting in pain, edoema, and redness. Warm water soaks for the injured toe, wearing open-toed footwear, and in some circumstances surgical removal of the offending nail are all possible treatments.

• Beau's lines − A nail injury, disease, or nutritional inadequacy can cause Beau's lines, which are horizontal depressions or ridges. Beau's lines typically develop over time on their own.

• Spoon-shaped nails − Nails with a spoon-like form, also known as koilonychia, can indicate iron deficiency anaemia. The nails become concave, brittle, and thin as a result of this disorder.

• Vertical ridges − Vertical ridges on the nails are mostly innocuous and are a common ageing indicator. But, if additional symptoms, including alterations in nail colour or shape, are present along with the ridges, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying medical disease.

To avoid issues with nail health, it's critical to maintain appropriate nail hygiene, which includes keeping nails clean and dry, refraining from biting or picking at them, and wearing shoes that fit properly. It's crucial to consult your doctor if you detect any noticeable changes in the look or feel of your nails so they can rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Nail Health Treatments

The following are some remedies for typical nail health issues.

• Fungal nail infection − Antifungal drugs, either ingested or topically applied, as well as surgical excision of the diseased nail are possible treatments for a fungal nail infection. It's crucial to visit a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and course of therapy.

• Ingrown toenails − An ingrown toenail can be treated by soaking the injured toe in warm water, wearing open-toed footwear, and staying away from tight shoes. Surgery to remove the damaged nail may be required in more serious cases.

• Beau's lines − Beau's lines typically disappear on their own with time, but it's vital to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment if they are severe or present with other symptoms including changes in nail colour or shape.

• Nails that are spoon-shaped − To treat iron-deficiency anaemia, spoon-shaped nails may require iron supplements or dietary adjustments.

• Vertical ridges − In most cases, vertical ridges on the nails are unharmful and do not need to be treated. The presence of additional symptoms along with the ridges, however, may point to a more significant underlying medical disease that has to be treated.

Conclusion

In general, maintaining good nail hygiene can help prevent problems with nail health, including keeping nails clean and dry, refraining from biting or picking at them, and wearing shoes that fit comfortably. It's crucial to consult your doctor if you detect any noticeable changes in the colour or texture of your nails in order to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to decide the best course of action.