Healthy nails are fine and consistent in color. Anything else that affects the development or look of the fingernails or toenails might indicate a problem. A person’s nails may reveal a lot about their overall health. New York nail problems are insignificant in most situations and may be readily remedied. Mostly, the cause might be a medical problem that needs medical care and treatment.
Understanding nail problems
Fine, uniformly colored nails are a sign of health. You may acquire vertical ridges, or your nails may become brittle as you age. This is entirely safe. Spots caused by damage should heal together with the nail. Spots, discoloration, and nail separation can be caused by trauma to the fingers and hands, viral warts (periungual warts), infections (onychomycosis), and some drugs, such as chemotherapy. Certain medical disorders might also cause your fingernails to change color. These alterations, however, might be challenging to interpret. The look of your fingernails is insufficient to detect a specific ailment. Also, a doctor will establish a diagnosis based on this information, your additional symptoms, and a physical exam.
How do fingernails develop
Understanding how nails develop might help you make lifestyle adjustments to improve your nail health.
- Nail plate: The nail plate is the hard section of the nail. The nail plate, like hair, is mainly composed of a protein known as keratin. Because the nail plate is not made up of live tissue, it is impossible to improve its health. While the damage may be avoided there, the key to healthy nail health starts in the nail bed.
- Nail bed: This is the tissue beneath the nail. If the nail breaks off below the fingertip, the nail bed may be exposed. The nail matrix, located at the base of the nail, is where nail development begins. Long-term nail health treatments benefit the nail bed, matrix, and surrounding skin. When these places are healthy, the nails can grow longer and stronger.
Causes of nail problems
The following are the most common causes of nail problems:
- Injuries or nail biting.
- Staining your nails, such as smoking or using a lot of nail varnish.
- Not clipping your nails regularly or cutting them at an angle.
- Your hands are frequently immersed in water or cleaning solutions.
- A fungus infection of the nails.
When to visit a physician
Nail issues can be symptoms of various illnesses requiring medical attention and treatment. Many nail anomalies are innocuous, but others are symptoms of underlying medical disorders. People should pay attention to all their bodily cues rather than just their nails because they are generally not the initial indicators but one of many symptoms. Consult a specialist if you are concerned about any of the below nail problems symptoms:
- Discoloration (white streaks, dark streaks, or alterations in nail color).
- Alterations in nail form (clubbing or curling).
- Modifications in nail thickness (thickening or thinning).
- Nails that have brittleness.
- Nails with pitting.
- Bruising around the nails.
- Swelling or redness around the nails.
- Ache around the nails.
- A nail separated from the skin.
Strong, healthy nails are not just beneficial for your manicure; some signs may suggest more severe health issues. You should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you have a nail problem. Call Lumos Dermatology® to schedule your meeting today to determine which nail problem therapy suits you.
