8 Common Causes of Nail Problems
Often, our nails are overlooked after they have served out the purposes for which we needed them, yet they are very important in protecting our fingers and toes. Nail problems could be unsightly and most of the time, painful if not treated. Therefore, knowing the cause of your problem is the first step towards healthier nails. Let’s look at the eight common causes of nail problems.
1. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are one of the most common nail problems, usually involving toenails. They thrive in warm and moist areas on the body, which is why these infections commonly cause thick, discolored, brittle nails. You may also see a yellow, brown, or white discoloration in the nails which will start to crumble eventually. Fungal infections are difficult to wipe out and usually take a few months for the treatment to cure them. Although over-the-counter antifungal medications work, prescribed medications are sometimes necessary for persistent infections. To protect against fungal infections, keep your feet dry, wear breathable shoes, and avoid going barefoot in public showers and swimming pools.
2. Trauma and Injury
Physical trauma to the nail is quite a common problem. It includes minor events such as when you bullishly stubbed your toe or when you slammed your finger in the door. More serious physical trauma to the nail results in subungual hematoma (bleeding in the nail bed), onycholysis (nail separating from its bed), and the complete loss of the nail. The nail will nearly always grow again, although it does take a few months. Placing ice on the area that hurts and swells eliminates or relieves most of the pain immediately; however, if there is a severe injury, or signs of infection occur, go to see a professional.
3. Psoriasis: When Your Immune System Affects Your Nails
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder well known due to its involvement of the skin. It could, however, secondarily involve the nails. Nail psoriasis commonly presents as pitting (small pits in the nail’s surface), discoloration, and thickening of the nail. Involvement of the nail may sometimes go to the point where it separates from the nail bed. There is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatments can help the symptoms. They include topical applications, phototherapy, or oral drugs. In case of a suspicion of nail psoriasis, one should visit a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
A major influencer of nail health is your diet. Deficiencies in some of the nutrients may lead to some nail problems such as brittle nails due to inadequate vitamin B7 or concave and spoon-shaped nails from a lack of iron. Insufficient protein intake causes softened or peeling nails. To obtain healthy nails, it’s important to have a diet rich in the respective vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Foods like eggs, nuts, whole grains, and lean meats are great for healthy nails. If you suspect a nutritional deficiency, though, definitely check in with your doctor for proper testing and advice.
5. Ageing: Natural Changes in Nail Structure Over Time
As we age, our nails change naturally: they may thicken or become thinner, brittle, or develop ridges. These are probably all part of the normal aging process and are likely not indicators of any health problem. However, they can make nails more susceptible to other issues.
Attention to the nails as they age involves keeping the nails well-moisturized, being gentle with chemicals and not overdoing it with trimming or filing actions. Pay attention to any sudden or dramatic changes in your nails as you age, and consider talking with your healthcare provider to be sure it is not sending an underlying signal of another condition.
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6. Chemical Exposure: The Hidden Danger to Nail Health
Repeated exposure to strong chemicals can really weaken your nails. These are ordinarily contained in both cleaning solvents used within the home and beauty products, for example, acetone-containing nail varnish or polish remover. They have the characteristics of making nails dry, brittle, and easily split or peel off. Provide your nails some protection by wearing gloves in case you use cleaning products or work with chemicals. Choose only acetone-free, and not too strong, nail varnish removers as much as possible, and let your nails rest from time to time; that way, they can breathe and recover. When it comes to more serious nail problems that persist, do not hesitate to see a dermatologist.
7. Medications and Treatments
Some medications have certain effects that directly affect the nails. For instance, some antibiotics can bring about discoloration in the nails, while chemotherapy drugs can result in brittle or ridged nails. In addition, some other medications may affect the form and structure of the nails, such as beta-blockers and certain acne medications. The changes in the appearance of the nails are normally temporary and will go away as soon as stopping the medication. But you should contact your doctor if you are taking long-term medication when you notice differences in your nails. They may be able to modify your treatment or recommend how to minimize the impact on your nails.
8. Systemic Diseases
Systemic diseases often manifest a symptom in the nails. For example, liver disease can cause Terry’s nail, in which the nails take on an appearance of being white with a dark band at the tip; renal disease may result in half-and-half nail appearance, in which the bottom half is white while the top half is brown in color; these discolorations may also be brought on due to lung disease or heart conditions. Diabetes can cause the nails to yellow and introduce them to a plethora of fungal infections. Several diseases of the heart and lungs may be an explanation for clubbing of the nails. These nail changes can sometimes be early indicators of underlying health issues, highlighting the importance of paying attention to nail health.
Our nails can tell a lot about our overall health. While most nail-related problems are minor and care of the nails, along with good lifestyle modifications, helps in sorting out these problems, some may require medical attention. If you feel your nail health is a cause for concern, don’t hesitate to contact a health professional for advice and treatment. Your good, healthy nails don’t just look nice; they are a part of good health.
