Let your nails speak to you about your overall health and well-being.

People often wonder why when undergoing a surgical procedure, the nurse requests that you not have nail polish on any of your nails. This allows the anesthesiologist to immediately see if you are deprived of oxygen if you turn bluish-gray. Our fingernails and toenails are very effective windows into our general health and well-being and should be taken special note.

NAIL GROWTH: Everyone experiences different rates of nail growth. Our nails are like our hair growth, sometimes fast, other times slow. This speed depends on several factors. Nails often grow faster in summer than in winter. Men’s nails tend to grow faster than women’s, except possibly during pregnancy and old age. Sometimes the nails on a person’s dominant hand (the hand that uses the most) grow the fastest. The growth rate of fingernails often exceeds that of toenails as well. On average, fingernails grow 2-3 millimeters in a month and toenails grow 1 millimeter per month. Illnesses, hormonal imbalance, and aging can slow nail growth. If you notice a sudden or even gradual change in this rate and it’s not related to your medical condition at the time, it’s best to see your doctor.

COMMON NAIL DISORDERS: Although rare in children and youth, nail disorders affect a large number of seniors and the elderly. As we age, our nails thicken and become more susceptible to fungal nail infections. Circulatory problems and medication use, which also tend to increase as we age, increase the risk of developing an unusual nail condition.

Common nail conditions to be aware of include:

WHITE SPOTS

Most often it is caused by minor trauma, such as catching a finger in a door. Small spots appear when the base of the nail is injured. These white spots are very common and will eventually grow larger and are not a cause for concern. But if you suddenly see a series of white patches and you don’t remember hurting your nail or the white patches don’t seem to grow, be sure to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. White spots can also indicate an infection or other medical condition.

SPILL BLEEDING

It appears as a thin red to reddish-brown vertical line resembling a splinter under the nail. This can happen when the blood vessels in the nail bed are damaged. The most common cause is injury to the nails. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause a splinter hemorrhage, so have them examined by a dermatologist if you don’t remember hurting your nails.

INGROWN TOENAIL

This common nail disorder occurs when the corner of the nail curves downward into the skin, causing discomfort and pain. Large toenails are particularly vulnerable. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or poor posture can lead to this common nail problem. Ingrown toenails can be painful and sometimes lead to an infection. Proper treatment by a podiatrist or pedicurist can prevent problems.

DARK SPOTS OR STRIPES

If a dark spot or streak appears on any nail and it is not the result of an injury, it should be examined by a dermatologist. This could be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Psoriasis can also affect the nails.

While most minor nail injuries heal without treatment, serious nail disorders require medical attention. The following nail problems should be reported to a dermatologist immediately:

• Change in the color or shape of a nail, indicating a fungal growth under the nail bed
• Swollen skin or pain around a nail
• Visible black or white line on a nail
• Gold tooth ridges on a nail

Nails can reveal a lot about your overall health, and many serious diseases and conditions can be detected by looking at changes in your nails. The most common serious health conditions that nails can reveal could include:

Liver Diseases – White Nails

Kidney diseases: half of the nail is pink, half is white

Heart conditions: the nail bed is red

Lung diseases: yellowing and thickening of the nail and slower growth rate

Anemia – pale nail beds

Diabetes – Yellowish nails, with a slight blush at the base

If you notice any of these unusual changes to your nails, be sure to see a specialist right away!

TIPS FOR NAIL CARE TO AVOID DISORDERS:

Many nail disorders are the result of poor nail care, so developing good nail habits can help. To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend:

1. Keep your nails clean and dry. This helps prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from building up under the nail.

2. Cut nails straight across, rounding them slightly with a nail file at the tips for added strength. Be sure to use clean, sharp nail scissors, sterilized nail clippers, or a good glass nail file to ensure you’re using bacteria-free equipment. Filing the nails at the tips weakens them.

3. Keep nails in shape and free of snags by filing with a “fine” texture glass file.

4. Avoid biting your nails and never pick your cuticle.

5. Trim toenails regularly to keep them short. This minimizes trauma and injury.

6. Soak feet in warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per pint of water) for five to 10 minutes when toenails are thick and difficult to cut, then apply lactic acid or urea cream. This softens the nails, making them easier to cut.

7. Avoid “pulling” ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. See a dermatologist or podiatrist for treatment.

8. Wear shoes that fit well and alternate the pairs.

9. Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could indicate a serious problem.

10. Be especially vigilant about nail problems if you have diabetes or poor circulation. At the first sign of a problem, see a dermatologist.

Our nails have a myriad of uses…they protect and support the tissues of our fingers and toes. Having fingernails allows us to scratch an itch, remove a sore, or scratch a decal! A simple glance at your nails can alert your doctor to an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. An observant doctor will always look at the condition of your nails during a physical exam.

Let your nails tell you how healthy you are at all times!