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Beautiful, clean and strong nails say a lot about a person. Well-groomed nails are not only a matter of social perception. Beautiful nails are also an indicator of your health. It works the other way around too. If your nails suddenly change color, are soft, break or you notice any other anomaly, you should take notice. Unhealthy-looking nails are very often warning signs that something is wrong with your body.
Pay attention to your nails and give them regular care
Times are hectic and one sometimes doesn’t have time to focus on one’s health. But nails must be cared for regularly. You should at least cut your nails. Women often also give them nourishing care or go for a manicure. During these care rituals pay attention to the details. Changes in nails can be very inconspicuous at first, so it is necessary to observe their development. The earlier you start dealing with problems with your nails, the better.
Types of changes you should definitely not underestimate
- Yellow nails – one of the most common problems among smokers. In their case the nails on the index and middle fingers usually turn yellow. The skin on the fingers and hands is then similarly discolored. If this condition is worsening, you should consider whether it would be better to at least reduce smoking. Your nails can also turn yellow for other reasons. A yellow color of the nail bed and skin in general is typical for people suffering from jaundice. Nails can also yellow as a result of taking certain medications (antibiotics, beta-carotene, tetracyclines). And last but not least, it can also be a consequence of frequent nail polishing
- White spots – we’ve probably all had them at least once in our lives. White spots on nails are usually not a sign of a serious disease. You probably have a deficiency of zinc and iron. It is therefore necessary to replenish the missing vitamins and minerals. Include more meat, nuts, eggs and green vegetables in your diet. If a change in diet does not help, it is possible that the white spots indicate a more serious disease such as psoriasis, protein deficiency, heart failure and cancer
- Brown nails – this shade usually signals improper thyroid function. If you suspect you suffer from this condition, you should undergo blood tests. Brown nail color is also typical for people who suffer from bulimia or anorexia
- Black nails – a black nail usually develops after an impact, when a hematoma appears under the nail. It is nothing serious and over time it will be absorbed or grow out. If it does not disappear, in exceptional cases it can be a melanoma, which is a malignant tumor and you should therefore visit a doctor as soon as possible! The most effective treatment is timely treatment
- Blue or purple nails – nails colored like this signal severe poisoning! If you are taking medications and your nails turn bluish, immediately contact your doctor and consult with them about the prescribed amount of medication
What should healthy nails look like?
We have listed the most common changes in the appearance of nails. But what should absolutely healthy nails look like? Healthy nails have a flesh color, are shiny and firm with a white tip. They do not have deep grooves nor are they wavy. Poor nail appearance does not necessarily mean a health problem. Often it is the result of neglected care.
