Nail Problems that you should take a closer look at

Your fingernails can give you some signs that you may need to take a closer look at or even want to get or seek medical attention. This is for information only and if you are concerned you should seek advice from your physician.

Here are some signs that you should pay attention to:

Yellow discoloration
Yellow nails could result from stains (i.e. smoking) or could result from a condition that causes the nail growth to slow down. Yellowing in your fingernails could be the result from a respiratory condition like chronic bronchitis. It might also result from lymphedema – which is the swelling of the hands. In the case of yellow nails, the nail actually thickens and new nail growth slows down and that results in the yellow colorization. Although this condition may be a sign of a respiratory disease, you can also have yellow nails without a respiratory issue. See also: Yellow Nails

Nail clubbing
Nail clubbing is when the tips of your fingers enlarge and your fingernails actually curve over and around your fingertips. This condition results from low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a sign of lung problems or disease. It could also be the result of other health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or cardiovascular disease or a liver problem.

Onycholysis - separation of your nail from the nail bed
This is when your nails become loose and can even separate from the nail bed. This condition could be the result of an injury or infection to the nail; a drug reaction or reaction to a acrylic nails; a thyroid problem or even psoriasis.

Beau’s Lines (horizontal ridges or indentations)
These lines run across your nails and unlike normally harmless vertical ridges (which run the same direction as your nail grows). The horizontal lines or indentations occur because growth in the nail matrix or under the cuticle has been interrupted by a serious sickness or disease such as malnutrition, diabetes, circulatory problem or even an illness with a high fever.

Nail Fungus
Fingernail or toe nail fungus often may start as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. It can then spread deeper into your nail and cause it to change color (usually darker), look dull, get misshaped, get thicker or even develop “crumbly” edges and it may even have a slight odor. In addition to not looking very good it can also sometimes be pretty painful. see also: Toe Nail Fungus FlexiNail Fungus Relief

Nail pitting
Nail pits are small indents or depressions in the nail itself. They might be the result of a nail injury, but are also common to those with psoriasis (scaly skin patches). The pitting nails often accompany conditions that can damage your nails cuticle. This can include chronic dermatitis of your fingers (alopecia areata) which is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Pitting can actually cause your nails to crumble in some cases.

Opaque or white nails (Terry’s nails)
With this condition your fingernails look opaque but up at the end of the nail near the tip is a dark band. This may only be a sign of aging but it could also be a sign of a more serious illness like a liver, heart or nutrition issue.

Koilonychias - curled nails
Curled fingernails or spoon nails is called koilonychias. The nails are soft and look scooped out or like a spoon. The “scooped out” area or depression can usually actually hold a bit of liquid. This type of nail could be an indication of iron deficiency anemia.



For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Steps to Help Prevent Nail Fungus

Here are some steps to you can consider to help prevent nail fungus and nail infections. If you have had it before you may be more likely to contact it again. consider these things:

Try to keep your feet dry and keep your toes and feet clean.

Change your socks everyday (and don't share socks or shoes)

Try not to walk barefoot in public areas (change rooms / showers)

When you can, take a break from shoes and socks

If you do have nail fungus or fingernail fungus try to wear dish gloves when doing the dishes or other stuff around the house. When you are done the chore, turn the gloves inside out to allow them to dry out.

If we are talking about the fingernails, then avoid fake nails!!


see also: Nail Problems Fungus Relief

What Causes Verticle Fingernail Ridges?

Vertical fingernail ridges are ones that start under the cuticle and extend to the end of the nail. These are not to be confused with horizontal nail ridges (running across the nail).

The actual source or cause of these vertical ridges is unknown, but heredity is thought to play a role. These ridges tend to become more prominent as we age. Vertical ridges do not pose a health problem - although sometimes the nail becomes weaker at these ridges and will split.

There is NO product on the market that can make these ridges go away. If you are getting splitting at these ridges then gently file the ends of your nails to help stop snagging. Also a penetrating nail conditioner not only helps maintain your nails, but it is an excellent way to lessen the chances of your nail cracking or breaking at these ridges.

Again, don't confuse vertical ridges with horizontal ridges. If your nails change color or have HORIZONTAL ridges you should see your doctor as this could indicate a health problem.

see also: Nail problems FlexiNail nail conditioner

Nail Conditions: Onycholysis, Onychodystrophy, Onychomadesis, Onychomycosis, Koilonychia and Subungual Hematoma.

Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed. This condition can also be associated with trauma, nail fungus, infection or as a reaction, allergy or side effect to nail enhancement products or certain drugs.

Onychodystrophy is a deformation of the nails that can result from cancer chemotherapy. It may include discoloration of the nail (dyschromia).

Onychomadesis is the term for the separation and falling off of a nail from the actual nail bed. This can sometimes be caused by infection, a minor injury to the nail matrix, a systemic illness or even as a reaction to chemotherapy.

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium) is a contageous infection caused by fungus. Thick, discolored, chalky or crumbling nails is often the result. Milder cases are sometimes treated with topical antifungal applications to attempt to avoid the potential side effects of oral medication. Consult with your physician on the best option for you.

Koilonychia is when the nail curves upwards and forms into a spoon shape. This is thought to be caused by iron deficiency. The nail starts to change and become brittle and then changes to the cupped spoon-shape.

Subungual hematoma is when blood pools under the nail. This creates pressure and can often be painful. It may be the result of an injury or repetitive minor injuries (like running in shoes that don't fit properly). Often the pressure is released by drilling or melting a hole in the nail to release the blood.

That's enough "ony" words for tonight.

What is Onychophagia? Nail Biting

Nail biting is a compulsive oral habit that effects about a third of children and up to half of all teenagers.

Extreme nail biting can cause very painful fingertips, painful hangnails and broken skin around the nails that can be susceptible to infections. Bacteria can also be transmitted from under the nail to the mouth (especially if right after going to the washroom).

Treatment usually involves an inexpensive polish type application that releases a really bitter taste to discourage the biting.

Nail Ridges. A very common question

We get questions about nails ridges all the time - so thought this would be a good place to start a discussion.

Some nail conditions like vertical ridges are harmless. These ridges extend from under the cuticle to the end of your fingertip. They tend to become more pronounced as you age. Just so you don't waste a lot of money trying to get rid of them - you can't. You can make the overall nail look better which takes away from the focus on the ridges. But please don't buy products to get rid of ridges.

Horizontal ridges are a different story and indicate that you should pay closer attention or even seek medical attention. These indentations that run across your nails (from side to side) are usually called Beau's lines and can appear when growth at the area under your cuticle is interrupted. This might occur because of an injury or severe illness.

If you have a nail problem that persists or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consider getting it checked out.

Feel free to visit FlexiNail for more information or comment on any notes posted here and I'll do my best to try to answer them.