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.



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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

Toe Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Infection (onychomycosis) - Brief Overview:
Both fingernails and toenails can be affected, although toenail fungus is usually more common.

Symptoms: Infected nails can start off with just a small spot that can then take over the whole nail. An infected nail can become thick, yellow or dark and can even get "crumbly".

What Causes a Fungal Infection: The fungi (sometimes the same as causes athlete's foot) will "colonize" body parts like hair, nails and skin that are made of keratin. In some cases, a yeast infection may take hold.

Some Things that Increase Risk of Nail Infections: Infections can be more common in nails that may already be in a weakened state (an injury to the nail; elderly nails that may be unable to defend against the infection). Also having nails submersed in water for long periods of time or excessive moisture or sweating in the socks or even walking around barefoot in common public areas.

If you think you may have nail fungus or a nail infection you should see a physician and they can take a sample and determine if you do.

see also: Toe Fungus Relief

Nail Problems: Yellow Nails

Yellow nails could result from stains (i.e. smoking) or could result from a another condition that causes the nail growth to slow down.

Smoking: Tar and nicotine can stain the nails. Some people try to soak the fingernails in lemon juice or use dissolved denture pills which may help, but stopping smoking will definitely do the job.

Nail Polish: Always wearing nail polish can deprive the nails of oxygen and cause stains. Some polish may also have ingredients that can stain the nail. Two things you can do to help: give your nails a break from polish once in while and consider using a clear coat before applying dark nail polishes that might stain.

Nail Fungus: If your nails turns a dark yellow it could be an indication that you have nail fungus. It could start as a small spot and then take over the whole nail. To read more on nail fungus, search this site or visit NAIL FUNGUS.

Possible Medical Conditions: 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, but if you are concerned you should have it checked out.

See also: other nail issues

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.