Fingernails can be an excellent barometer of overall health. In many cases, changes in the appearance of fingernails can be the first sign of an undiagnosed medical problem such as a circulatory problem, iron deficiency anemia or thyroid disease. Such signs as ridges in the fingernails, discolorations and changes in the contours of the nail base can be important signs of illness.
Vertical nail ridges are seen rather commonly and usually are not signs of serious illness. On the other hand, horizontal nail ridges may indicate the presence of an underlying illness or medical condition, although this is not always the case. Horizontal nail ridges run from one side of the nail lengthwise across to the other side. One special type of horizontal nail ridge that may indicate underlying illness is called Beau’s lines.
Beau’s lines give horizontal, deeply grooved ridges in the nails which may be slightly darkened in appearance. There are a variety of causes for these distinctive ridges including a previous injury to the nail bed, malnutrition, certain medications, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The ridge which characterizes Beau’s lines occurs when growth of the nail is temporarily arrested due to an underlying illness, nutritional or metabolic problem. If you have this type of horizontal nail ridge, see your doctor right away.
Sometimes the growth of the nail is briefly interrupted due to more common factors such as brief changes in nutritional status or slight trauma to the nail matrix. This can result in the formation of horizontal nail ridges secondary to brief interruptions in nail growth. These are usually not a cause for concern, although it would be advisable to consult with your doctor if you have obvious horizontal nail ridges since they can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or other underlying disease.
Here are some tips to keep your nails healthy:
• Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals • Avoid long soaks in the tub • Repair fingernail splits or tears with nail glue or clear polish • Use nail polish remover no more than twice a month. If you polish your nails, touch up the polish in the meantime. When you do use nail polish remover, avoid those that contain acetone • Limit manicures • Rub moisturizing lotion into your fingernails after washing your hands and after removing nail polish • Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed. Round the tips in a gentle curve
Adopting a diet that is beneficial to your body overall will help your nails. There are some who believe that Biotin, a B vitamin, is helpful to the skin, hair and nails while others say this has not been proven.
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HI Anonymous and welcome to EmpowHER.
Fingernails can be an excellent barometer of overall health. In many cases, changes in the appearance of fingernails can be the first sign of an undiagnosed medical problem such as a circulatory problem, iron deficiency anemia or thyroid disease. Such signs as ridges in the fingernails, discolorations and changes in the contours of the nail base can be important signs of illness.
Vertical nail ridges are seen rather commonly and usually are not signs of serious illness. On the other hand, horizontal nail ridges may indicate the presence of an underlying illness or medical condition, although this is not always the case. Horizontal nail ridges run from one side of the nail lengthwise across to the other side. One special type of horizontal nail ridge that may indicate underlying illness is called Beau’s lines.
Beau’s lines give horizontal, deeply grooved ridges in the nails which may be slightly darkened in appearance. There are a variety of causes for these distinctive ridges including a previous injury to the nail bed, malnutrition, certain medications, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The ridge which characterizes Beau’s lines occurs when growth of the nail is temporarily arrested due to an underlying illness, nutritional or metabolic problem. If you have this type of horizontal nail ridge, see your doctor right away.
Sometimes the growth of the nail is briefly interrupted due to more common factors such as brief changes in nutritional status or slight trauma to the nail matrix. This can result in the formation of horizontal nail ridges secondary to brief interruptions in nail growth. These are usually not a cause for concern, although it would be advisable to consult with your doctor if you have obvious horizontal nail ridges since they can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or other underlying disease.
Here are some tips to keep your nails healthy:
• Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals
• Avoid long soaks in the tub
• Repair fingernail splits or tears with nail glue or clear polish
• Use nail polish remover no more than twice a month. If you polish your nails, touch up the polish in the meantime. When you do use nail polish remover, avoid those that contain acetone
• Limit manicures
• Rub moisturizing lotion into your fingernails after washing your hands and after removing nail polish
• Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed. Round the tips in a gentle curve
Adopting a diet that is beneficial to your body overall will help your nails. There are some who believe that Biotin, a B vitamin, is helpful to the skin, hair and nails while others say this has not been proven.
Hope that helps,
Pam
November 2, 2014 - 2:51pmThis Comment
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