WHAT ARE YOUR NAILS TELLING YOU? DO YOU COVER THEM UP WITH COLORS?

Nail health

How should healthy nails look? Healthy nails should be semi-

transparent, light pink, and intact, possibly with a white lunula (little moon) just above the cuticle.

Individual nails may on occasion get small white lines or dots. It maybe an infection which should get treated.

Health conditions - Nail color changes When the whole nail appears cloudy or

white, it indicate heart disease, renal failure, liver cirrhosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

A clear indication that nails are not in a healthy state is their brittleness. Brittle nails start to crack even under minimal pressure.

Health conditions - Nail color changes… Broken finger nails are also a result of vitamin

deficiency or malnutrition. Nails turn yellow when exposed to detergents,

nail paints and prolonged use of antibiotics. Acrylic nails can cause fungal infections and

damage to the nail bed.

Health Conditions - Nail Color Changes… Separation of nail from the nail bed can

be caused due to thyroid problems, iron deficiency, psoriasis or injury.

Fragile nails with horizontal and vertical ridges are signs of vitamin B deficiency.

Concave nails are a result of iron deficiency.

White spots on the nails indicate lack of zinc.

Look out for symptoms

Nail health is not all about a manicure and pedicure.

It also includes looking out for symptoms.

If your nails start to look different to you in any of the ways described above, consider it a sign to call your doctor.

Eat Well!

Eat healthy food: Leafy vegetables, carrot, broccoli, citric fruits, tomatoes, walnuts, soy beans, egg yolks are absolutely important for healthy nails.

Biotin supplements can be taken to avoid nail breakage.

Keep the body hydrated as lack of moisture leads to dry and broken fingernails.

Remedies

Soak nails in olive oil to strengthen them.

Massage nails for proper circulation. Keep nails well moisturized. Apply a

moisturizing cream and wear cotton gloves at night to treat brittle nails.

Take Care!

Avoid frequent use of nail polish removers that dry off nails.

Also, keep your fingers safe from excess moisture, which makes them weak and fragile.

Always wear gloves to protect your nails from detergents and other chemicals.

Dry hands well after using water. Fungal infections which affect the nails should be

treated with anti-fungal creams.