One of the components of the primary diagnosis, which is used when examining a patient, is an examination of the nails. Knowing what changes in the nails can be caused by one or another failure in the internal work of the body, you can consult a doctor and with his help identify a hidden disease in a timely manner. Considering specific signs and comparing them with possible symptoms, you yourself can approximately determine the state of health by changes in nails: their shape, color, density, etc. And estet-portal.com will tell you what these signs are and what diseases can be determined from them .
Thyroid diseases: reflection in nail changes
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism – diseases that excessively increase or decrease the activity of the thyroid gland respectively, can be identified not only by weight gain or loss, but also by changes in the nails.
Detachment of the nail plate from the tissues of the finger – onycholysis – may indicate hyperthyroidism. Bacterial and fungal infections often accompany onycholysis due to the penetration of dirt and moisture at the site of detachment of the nail plate.
Spoon nails (koilonychia) may be one of the external symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Next, we will look at the following diseases and changes in the nails:
- cardiovascular disease;
- nail biting, lung problems and diabetes;
- arthritis;
- nutrient deficiencies, melanoma and fungus.
Change in color of the nails can be a sign of cardiovascular disease
Changes in the color of the nails may indicate diseases of the heart and blood vessels. For example, a heart valve infection or vasculitis can cause bleeding at the base of the nails. They look like stripes of red or red-brown color.
The so-called drum sticks – a possible symptom of congenital heart failure. A pale or bluish tone of the nail also suggests cardiovascular problems. Don't be too lazy to get checked out by a doctor!
Nail biting, lung problems and diabetes – characteristic nail changes
The habit of biting nails is often inherent in nervous and restless people. Untidy appearance – this is not so bad, the penetration of infection through wounds or the oral cavity is much more dangerous.
Read also: 8 bad habits that will reveal what you are hiding
Persistent yellowness of the nails that does not go away after the use of brighteners may indicate the presence of diabetes. It is assumed that such a change in the nails is associated with the combination of collagen proteins and glucose.
Blue nails (especially if accompanied by blue lips) may indicate a lack of oxygen due to the following problems:
- low hemoglobin;
- COPD;
- chronic bronchitis;
- emphysema;
- pneumonia
- asthma.
Also, a bluish tint to the nails can be a symptom of heart disease. In any case, blue nails cannot be ignored – seek immediate medical attention.
Change in nails may indicate arthritis
The following are "arthritic" diseases that can cause nail changes:
- osteoarthritis: brittle nails due to selenium deficiency;
- psoriasis: yellow, grooved nails, hemorrhages at the base of the nails;
- lupus: swollen nail fold;
- rheumatoid arthritis: reddening of the lunula due to treatment of the disease with prednisone;
- Kawasaki disease: onychomadesis – complete detachment of nails.
Read also: The habit of crunching your fingers – the right way to get arthritis?
Nutritional deficiencies, melanoma, fungus and nail changes
Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and iron are essential for maintaining proper condition of nails, skin and hair. Deficiency of iron, biotin and protein causes characteristic changes in the nails.
Pale and whitish nail beds – anemia symptom. Iron deficiency often accompanies spoon nails; thinning and vertical furrows – also characteristic problems.
Melanoma – the most dangerous of crayfish – may also hide under the nails (acral lentiginous melanoma). This skin cancer is rapidly progressing. Therefore, if you notice dark lines under your nails, see a doctor.
If the area around the nails hurts, itches, turns red, you should check with a doctor – this can be a sign of an infection, as well as a fungal infection. Fungus – a very common nail problem that causes them to change: thickening, brittleness, bluish-green tint.
Bacterial infections that affect the skin under the nail can cause complete nail loss, and viruses can cause warts around or under the nails.
Paying attention to changes in nails is a must, says estet-portal.com. Remember that external changes (for better or for worse) reflect internal changes. Do not neglect your health and follow the rules of hygiene when performing a manicure.
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