A
nail-biting finish is a common proverb at the advent of an anxious moment.
However, many indulge in this activity, leading to ugly nails.
Nails
are an integral part of the body, yet they are the most neglected. Though hand
washing and hygiene have benefits for fingernails, footnails are not properly
cared for. Biting nails often leads to ugly fingernails and can cause a host of
diseases, as germs are present in nails.
Nails
are formed of keratin, a hardened protein. The condition of nails indicates
whether a person is suffering from a disease.
Diseases
The
finger or toenail may have a dark streak, which can be melanoma, leading to
skin cancer. When the lifts up, it may lead to white discoloration due to
fungal infection, psoriasis, or an injury while going in for a
manicure/pedicure or while cleaning nails and hurting oneself. Redness and
swelling are other forms of disease that can occur. The surrounding areas
around the nails may become sore and painful due to infection. The
greenish-black color of the nails is caused by bacterial infection. Pitted
nails can indicate the occurrence of an upcoming disease like psoriasis, atopic
dermatitis, and alopecia areata. Yellow nails indicate lung diseases and
rheumatoid arthritis in an individual. Overgrowing and thickening of nails lead
to Ram’s horn nails, where anyone with psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation
problems may encounter the issue. Curved nails can affect the lungs, heart,
liver, etc.
Prevention
The
above symptoms call for a dermatologist’s intervention. Healthy nails lead to
good well-being. However, people habitually use harsh chemicals and colors on
nails, only adding stress. Using artificial nails and injuring yourself while
cleaning them often brings health risks.
Dermatologists
suggest keeping nails short and trimming them often to avoid the spread of
diseases. Sharing nail clippers with others and keeping the finger and foot nails
dry after a wash will bring much-needed relief. If nails are discolored, it is
always advisable to approach a medical practitioner to determine if any
underlying diseases are present.
Approach to healthy nails
Without
knowing the ill effects of chemicals in nail enamels, people unthinkingly use
the products, realizing later that these products have harmful substances.
Artificial nails, fish pedicures, etc, may look fancy. However, nails
experience trauma, bacterial infection, etc., leading to health hazards. People
have the habit of overlooking the nails and going for medical intervention.
Following basic hygiene and not going for harmful products will keep the nails
healthy, and seeking the proper guidance will help keep nails healthy.
