What will tell the nails about health?
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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The appearance of a person always reflects any internal diseases : it can be expressed in puffiness, hair loss, pigmentation, peeling, and also changing the texture and color of the nails. However, they often try to get rid of such problems by cosmetic means, without even knowing what might be behind it.
Read also: How to "not pick up" nail fungus?
Try to consider your nails well, because they can tell a lot about your health.
- Nails are frayed, vertical bands appeared on the surface
This may indicate an inadequate production of hormones by the thyroid gland. This disease is called hypothyroidism. In addition to changing the nail plates, the person has dry skin and hair, as well as pallor, sometimes this condition is accompanied by hair loss.
- Peeling of the nail plate from soft tissues
Often this process begins with the fourth or fifth finger. If you see that the nails begin to move away from the nail bed, then most likely the cause of this is hyperthyroidism - a disease in which the thyroid gland produces hormones in excess, and this leads to excessive and rapid growth of the nails and leads to their deformation. In addition to problems with the nails, there is a shift in the eyeballs forward (eyes bulging), increased appetite, sweating and weight loss.
- Deepening across the nail
Can appear on one nail, and maybe on all nails, having the same location. This may mean that a person is suffering from diabetes, psoriasis or Raynaud's disease. Changes in nail plates can be caused by drugs used in chemotherapy and beta-blockers.
- White stripes in the transverse direction
Can reflect problems with the liver, cardiovascular system and kidneys. However, most likely, white strips on the nails indicate a lack of zinc and iron in the human body.
- Holes and notches on the surface of the nail
This deformation is called a "thyme symptom". The uneven surface is well felt when touched and with unaided eyes. Often such a symptom is a sign of psoriasis. The earlier the treatment of the disease begins, the greater the chance of a speedy recovery.
- Pale and corroded place in the center of the nail
If you put your hands on the table with your hands down, the deformation will be clearly visible. These changes can lead to a lack of iron in the body, which is called iron deficiency anemia.
- Wide nails curving at the tip of the finger
In conjunction with the thickening of the terminal phalanx, this can talk about lung disease, in particular, lung cancer, as well as heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver. If you also notice the appearance of shortness of breath, cough or pain in the right upper quadrant - this is a serious reason to seek help from a specialist.