Look at your fingernails… Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They’re uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
But if you notice that your fingernails are somewhat different from the above, then it is very likely that one of the under listed fingernails anomaly might apply to you.
COLOUR YELLOW?
This could be related to a disease such as typhoid or diabetes. Yellow fingernails are also due to excess use of acrylic paint, smoking or aging. If its yellow, thick and crumb-like, then there could be a fungal infection which should be treated by visiting a dermatologist.
DISCOLOURED OR DARK IN COLOUR?
This shows that there is probably an injury under the fingernails which resulted to bleeding, and the blood got clogged. The goodness is with time, it will go. But if the dark discolouration is persistent, it is strongly advisable that you see a doctor immediately!
BLUISH NAIL BED?
Nail beds are the tissues lying under the nail plate. Bluish nail beds can be attributed to a condition know as Nail Bed Cyanosis. This condition occurs when the red blood cell is low on oxygen thereby causing the nail beds to take on a blueish colour. This is an important pointer to show that there is a problem that needs to be fixed in your system. See a doctor immediately.
DRY OR CRACKED?
Excess use of nail polish can cause the nails to become brittle. Swimming alot can also dry out the nails due to the chlorine which is used in treating swimming pools. Aging also brings about brittle, dry or cracked nails.
WHITE SPOTTED?
Relax, it may not necessarily be a cause for alarm as this goes away with time, although, it is usually as a result of nail trauma. This can also be due to fixing of artificial nails or the aftermath of a manicure.
CURVED UPWARD?
This is related to consumption of excess iron, infection, anemia, or psoriasis.
CURVED DOWNWARD?
This happens as a result of dilation of the blood vessels due to low oxygen in the blood. This is associated with Acute Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), lung, bowel and kidney diseases.
PINK STRIPED?
Known as Terry’s nails. When the nails have pink strips at the tips, this could be a sign of aging, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, etc.
Just like other exterior body parts, nails are strong informants that tell us that something is going on within our bodies which may require medical attention or a change in lifestyle. Ensure to never neglect what your nails are trying to tell you.
Read more on beauty here.
About The Writer
Uchechi Nwakanma covers beauty on Glazia. She is a mass communicator passionate about showcasing life’s unique beauty via writing, photography and videography. Connect with her on LinkedIn