Nails tell a tale
Nail problems do not exist in isolation from the rest of the body. Such problems are actually a good indicator of a systemic disorder; rather than trying to fix the cosmetic symptom, look at what the body is telling you through the nails. Toxicity, including some medications, can cause nail changes, as can nutrient deficiencies. Also, certain nail treatments can affect the rest of the body.
Nail biting
Nail biting may be caused by parasites, which use this route to reinfest your body since you can end up swallowing their eggs. The desire to bite the nails is a craving which may be puzzling because it provides no real pleasure and resists efforts to stop by using willpower or self-condemnation. Many people, even those who have bitten their nails for decades, find that they lose the desire to bite their nails after being treated for parasites. Also, dental adjustments can end the habit; once teeth are moved even slightly, the experience just doesn’t feel the same and isn’t as fulfilling.
Nail fungus
Nail fungus, especially of the toenails, is fairly common. It is usually an indication of fungal overgrowth in the body, which should be dealt with. Although there are antifungal preparations that can be applied topically, the fungus infection within the body needs to be addressed.
Acrylic nails, by keeping the nail surface closed off to the air, provide an ideal breeding ground for nail fungus. Habitually used nail polish can have a similar effect.
Thickened, crumbly, whitish nails are called onychomycosis, a fungus disease related to tinea, or “jock itch”.
Separation from nail beds
If the nail separates from the nail bed, this can be due to fungus infection, hyperthyroidism, or reaction to chemical contact.
Odd nail shapes
Nails can grow in unusual shapes. Although these can simply be due to heredity, they can indicate health problems.
- Curved nails, especially those that affect the big toe in the elderly, can be a result of poor circulation or thyroid disease.
- Flat nails can also be a result of poor circulation.
- Bumps in the nail can occur in arthritis. Nails that are square and wide suggest hormonal disorders.
- Nails that are spoon-shaped or have lengthwise ridges may be an indication of iron deficiency.
- A sideways groove or depression in the nail where it stopped growing temporarily can be caused by injury, illness, high fever, surgery, or severe allergic reaction.
- Spooning, or concavity, of the nails can be caused by exposure to strong solvents.
- Pitting or small indentations can occur with alopecia, or hair loss.
Colors
Various conditions can cause nails to change color. Such color changes are an indication that associated health conditions should be checked out.
- Yellow nails: This can be staining caused by nail polish or other products, or from smoking. They can also be a sign of digestive or lung problems.
- Pale nail beds: These can be caused by anemia, liver disease, or kidney failure. Whitish nails with pink near the tips can mean liver disease such as cirrhosis
- Bluish nail beds: These can be from heart or circulation problems, or lung problems that result in not enough oxygen to the extremities.
White spots
White spots beneath the nails, often accompanied by a loss of taste and smell, can be early warning signs of zinc deficiency, which can in turn be caused by mercury in tooth fillings or cadmium in cigarettes. These toxic metals fight with beneficial zinc for biochemical binding sites in the body like players in a game of musical chairs fight for chairs. These white spots grow out but tend to recur until the underlying deficiency is remedied.
Peeling and splitting nails
Sometimes nails peel, or they crack and split either vertically or horizontally. Fungal nail infections are often the cause of brittle nails, as is hypothyroidism or nutritional deficiency. Nails that chip, crack, peel, and break are often caused by mineral deficiencies, which are often secondary to food allergies or low digestive enzymes. Lack of beneficial oils can also contribute to this condition, which is easily remedied by adding these oils to the diet.
Nail polish and acrylic nails
As mentioned, habitually used nail polish can keep the nail bed from breathing properly, which can lead to fungus growth. In addition, nail polish remover and nail polish contain acetone, a strong solvent which is strong enough to dissolve lacquer so it certainly dissolves lipids (fats) in the body, the cells, and nerves.
Acrylic nails expose the wearer and cosmetologist to some potent chemicals when the nails are put on and when the gap is filled in. Permanently deformed or discolored nails can result from acrylic nail caused fungus infection or lack of blood circulation to the nail bed, potentially leading to the wearing acrylic nails indefinitely to cover up the damage, perpetuating the problem.
Get them checked out
If your nails show changes such as the ones in this article, get them checked out by practitioners at CAM. Nail problems aren’t just cosmetic; they can be powerful diagnostic clues as to what is really going on.
