Nail health: What your nails tell about your health?

Your toenails and fingernails are made up of the laminated layers of a protein called Keratin ( produced by keratinocytes) which grows from the base of the nail. Nails which do not have grooves or pits and have smooth surfaces are considered to be healthy. Sometimes nail health reflects a lot about your overall health. It becomes a matter of concern for some people when vertical ridges which run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail develop on the nails of the fingers though these are harmless. These ridges become even more prominent as the age increases. The lines and spots on the nails caused due to injury eventually grow out and recover. Completely healthy nails are spot free and do not have discolouration and are consistent and uniform in colour.

What should be done to take care of your nail health?

In order to pamper nails and keep them safe and healthy:-

• Practice hygiene for good nails:-

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Trim nails straight across and then make them round from the tips. Use clippers, nail cutters or sharp manicure scissors.

• Apply moisturizer:- 

Use the lotion to rub on nails and cuticles so as to keep them moisturised and smooth just like the rest of the hand.

•  Keep the nails of the fingers clean and dry:-

Clean nails prevent bacteria from growing under the nails. Use rubber gloves while working often in water because prolonged use water can lead to split in the nails.

• Apply a protective layer:-

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Using a nail hardener that can strengthen the nails especially which are weak or brittle.

• Use biotin:- 

According to some research, biotin is a nutritional supplement responsible for strengthening brittle or weak nails. Consulting a doctor regarding this is recommended.

What should be avoided so as to protect the nails?

To prevent the nails from getting damaged avoid:-

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• Biting nails or cuticles:- 

Habits of biting nails or picking cuticles can damage the nail bed because germs might enter the nail even with the minor cut and may lead to infection.

• Using harsh nail care products:- 

Limit or restrict the use of nail care products which contain harsh chemicals such as nail polish removers because using them too often might harm the natural nails.

• Pulling off hangnails:-

Gently clipping off the hangnails is better than pulling them off because it might also rip or tear off a live tissue along with it.

• Ignoring symptoms of nail related problems:-

If you face any problem with your nails or see symptoms related to some health issues then report to a good dermatologist at the earliest without ignoring the problem or discomfort. Explore Gytree’s expert curated “dermatology packages” to know more.

Manicure and Pedicure tips for nail health :-

• Stick to licensed salons only.
• Trust only licensed technicians.
• Do not remove your cuticles as they seal the skin to the nail plate. Therefore, the removal might turn out to be a cause of skin infection.
• Reply only on sterilised tools throughout the process so as to prevent the spread of infection of any kind.
• Do not neglect your nails and follow a proper skin care routine so as to keep them strong and healthy naturally.
• Consult a dermatologist if anything goes wrong in the process.

When to see a dermatologist?

Approach a doctor if any abnormal condition is reported suddenly, such as:-

• If there are changes in the colour of the nails such as dark streak under the nail or discolouration of the entire nail.
• Changes in the shape of the nail like curled or clubbed nails.
• Sudden thinning, thickening and brittle structure of the fingernails.
• Nails failing to grow out.
• Bleeding around the nails.
• Nails getting separated from the surrounding skin.
• Pain or swelling around the nails.