Our fingernails reveal a lot about our overall health. For instance, if you have a vitamin deficiency, nails may become brittle, weak, rough, and lose their smoothness. So, if you have weak and brittle nails, if they are not growing properly, or have grooves on them, instead of rushing for expensive nail treatments, check if your body lacks crucial vitamins and minerals. Luckily, a healthy and balanced diet can fix nutritional deficiencies, or you may also take nail health supplements. Here, we have listed the symptoms of common nail disorders and what they indicate. Scroll down.
Iron deficiency (or anemia) is the most common cause of Koilonychia. Lack of iron and vitamin E deficiency in your body makes the nails brittle (1). If this condition is caused due to anemia, you may also notice other symptoms, such as:
It can also be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. A study found that people living in higher altitudes often experience this condition (2).
Ayurveda Treatment For Nail Fungus Infection
Compared to vegetables and other sources, your body can easily absorb iron from poultry and meat. However, if you are a vegan, the doctor may prescribe iron supplements, along with vitamin B12 supplements.
In case Beau’s lines are caused by any other underlying health issue, the doctor will diagnose and treat it accordingly. Often, treating the underlying medical condition helps in making the lines disappear. Consult your doctor immediately if you see these lines on your nails.
XAn eating disorder commonly characterized by distorted body image, obsession over weight, and extreme food restrictions. , malnutrition, and irregular eating habits and is attributed to poor food, water, and nutrient intake. Deficiency of iron, calcium, and zinc causes Onychorrhexis (1).
Yellow Nails: Cause, Cure And Prevention
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Your nails are thinner, weaker, and brittler when your body doesn’t get enough calcium. You could see that they shatter quickly and don’t appear to be as robust as they once were. Even though the components of bones and nails are different, they are similar enough that having difficulties with your nails might be a sign of issues with your bones’ density.”
Doctors may prescribe retinoid drugs (for oral intake) to treat brittle nails, depending on the underlying cause of your condition. Mostly, self-care measures can help improve the condition of your nails.
Deficiencies of calcium, zinc, and B vitamins are the main causes of this condition (1). Treatment with these vitamins has reportedly helped in treating this condition.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms: Toenail Fungus Could Be An Indictor Of The Condition
If the condition is caused due to nutrient deficiency, including these nutrients in your diet can help cure it. Consume these foods:
If nutrient deficiencies cause the condition, it will be gone when your body gets an adequate supply of those nutrients. Usually, the white spots go away as your nails keep growing. If the condition is caused by any other underlying condition (an injury or illness), it needs to be treated separately.
These are mostly caused by trauma (injury to the small blood vessels underneath the nail bed). However, splinter hemorrhage is also caused by vitamin C deficiency (in some cases).
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Since in most of the cases, splinter hemorrhages are caused by injuries or infections, healing the injury or infection will heal your nail automatically. However, your doctor may conduct laboratory tests, such as blood culture (to detect any bacterial or fungal infection). Sometimes, such hemorrhage under the nails may indicate a type of melanoma
XThe most severe type of skin cancer that develops when the skin pigment-producing cells become cancerous. . If your doctor suspects melanoma, they may also conduct a biopsy.
Stop intake of biotin supplements at least 2 weeks prior to any lab procedures as biotin can interfere with lab tests (like immunoassays).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Warning On Fingernail That Could Help Quick Diagnosis
Dr. Chacon says, “There are various reasons why your fingernails may have ridges, including renal and thyroid disorders, stress, and many more. Vertical nail ridges may increase in number or prominence as we age due to changes in the nail’s cell turnover.”
A balanced diet rich in all essential vitamins and nutrients is key to eliminate vertical ridging. This is a fairly common issue and can be easily treated. Have a balanced diet that includes:
The doctor may give you nutrient supplements to make up for the nutrient deficiency. Apart from that, self-care is also important to avoid any unnecessary injury to the nails.
What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health
Hapalonychia, also known as eggshell nails, is caused due to malnutrition, especially the deficiency of vitamins A, B6, C, and D. Low calcium level is also one of the causes of this condition (3).
The doctor may prescribe biotin and vitamin supplements, which can help you if you have biotin deficiency. Also, avoid any nail cosmetics and nail procedures (manicures) if you see that you have soft nails.
Nail clubbing may indicate other serious health ailments, such as lung and heart issues. So, if you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Treating these health conditions will help in reducing the nail deformity.
What's Causing White Spots On Your Nails?
Anemia is the most common cause of pallor of the nail bed. This condition is associated with low levels of iron in your body.
A diet change is the best way to deal with anemia that causes pallor of nail beds. Design a diet plan to combat anemia and consume these foods:
XThe natural pigment that gives color to hair, eyes, and skin, and is produced by special skin cells called melanocytes. on the nail bed, and that is why you see those longitudinal strips on your nails. Apart from malnutrition, several other factors may activate the melanocytes. They include:
From Vitamin Deficiency To Heart Related Issues, Know Symptoms Visible In Nails Linked To Health Conditions
If your condition is caused due to malnutrition, eating healthy is the only way to reduce the pigmentation on your nails. Consume:
Treatment options for melanonychia depend on its cause. If the cause is an infection, the doctor may give you antifungal medicines and antibiotics.
Taking good care of your nails is equally important. Here’s a list of a few dos and don’ts to keep your nails in good condition.
Top Health Tips On Treating Treating Nail Fungus
Weak and brittle nails are often signs of vitamin and nutrition deficiency. There are several nail conditions that may affect you if you do not consume enough vitamins and minerals.
Though we have already discussed all the major and minor causes of nail conditions, you should check out the infographic below to learn which vitamin or mineral deficiency causes which condition.
Vitamin deficiency may result in weak and brittle nails. Lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins may cause melanonychia, leukonychia, splinter hemorrhages, beau’s lines, onychorrhexis, and koilonychia. These conditions may cause symptoms like nail plate infection, nail injury, white spots and patches on your nails, and longitudinal furrows. Consuming a healthy diet with pork, beans, red meat, dark green veggies, almond, whey protein, dairy products, eggs, legumes, seeds, and fruits may help heal vitamin deficiency nails. You may also fix this condition with medicines and other treatment options.
Taking Care Of Your Nails
Yes, this particular vitamin B deficiency can result in an unusual darkening of the nails or perhaps a bluish color if left untreated for too long.
The half-moon shapes on their fingernails are called lunulae. It is a part of the nail matrix and contains the blood vessels, nerves, and lymph. However, lunulae may or may not be visible, and their nail appearance indicates underlying conditions.
Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan is a dermatologist in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He has 14 years of experience in this field. He is a regular contributor to newspapers and has also authored a book. He is a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) and specializes in Dermabrasion, Scar Treatment, Dental Fillings, Anti...more
What Nails Reveal About Your Inner Nutrition Status
Ramona is an editor at with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more3 Ways To Keep Insects And House Flies Away During Monsoon Reading Signs Your Nails Give When You Are Vitamin Deficient 7 minutes Next Why Scratching Your Acne / Pimples In Your 30s Is A Big No-No
Your nail health can reveal a lot about your overall well-being. Nutritional or vitamin deficiency can make your nails weak, rougher and less smooth. If you notice that your nails are weak or brittle, or if there are grooves, don't rush to get expensive nail treatments. Instead, examine whether your body is deficient in vital vitamins such as Biotin and minerals. A healthy diet and proper supplementation can help to correct nutritional deficiencies. This blog will discuss common nail problems—their symptoms, and how to take care of your nails.
Toenails and fingernails are made of keratin, a protein crucial for healthy nails, skin and hair. Your nails are constantly growing and shedding. It mainly consists of 3 layers. The nail plate is visible to you when you look at your nails. The nail bed lies underneath the nail plate. Surrounding the nails are nail folds- simply the skin that folds back into the nails. The cuticle and the lunula are located within the nail plate. The first is the tissue that
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