Many of us look, trim, and – yes – bite on or chew our nails (please stop!) without giving them much thought. Per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nail health – just like skin health – is vital.
Let’s take a step back and ask a question: what are nails, exactly?
Wikipedia provides an excellent definition:
“A nail is a horn-like envelope covering the tips of the fingers and toes in most primates and a few other mammals…Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin.”
Keratin is the same protein products in your skin and hair.
Now that we’ve got the mini-physiology lesson out of the way let’s discuss six things that nails can reveal about your health.
HERE’S WHAT YOUR NAILS SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH:
1. DRY, CRACKED OR BRITTLE NAILS
Dry, cracked or brittle nails is indicative of exposing your hands to frequent water submersion. If you’re a dishwasher, diver, fisherman, or swimmer, you’ve likely experienced this symptom on occasion.
It’s also worth mentioning that dry nails may reveal a Vitamin A, B, or C deficiency. Brittle nails may result from frequent use of nail polish remover or chemical exposure (from household cleaning products, for example.)
2. PARALLEL RIDGES
Parallel ridging of the nails, known as ‘Beau’s lines,’ show an abnormality in nail growth. Beau’s lines may be a sign of diabetes, psoriasis, or a zinc deficiency. They can also be the product of nail trauma, or a high fever that sometimes accompanies a severe illness.
3. PUFFY NAIL FOLD
If skin surrounding the nail cuticles are puffy and red, this is referred to as nail fold inflammation. Infection can cause nail fold inflammation, as can a connective tissue disorder such as lupus.
4. “CLUBBING”
Clubbing occurs when the fingertips become engorged, and your nails curve downward. It’s common for the nails to appear almost sickly white, which is often representative of a sign of low oxygen in the blood. Clubbing has been associated with heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and lung disease.