Many changes that we can notice on the nail plate are not just a cosmetic problem that can be eliminated by visiting a beauty salon. Frequently observed changes in the appearance of the nail may indicate a serious disease, so they should not be underestimated.
- white spots and stripes – this is the so-called drummer’s finger or vitiligo. They are a sign of cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis or heart disease
- yellow color of the nail plate — it may be the result of smoking cigarettes. The discoloration is mainly those of the fingers where the cigarette is held. Another cause of discoloration may be taking certain medications, psoriasis, ringworm or jaundice.
- gray-blue tint of the plate — is very rare, but is most often a sign of poisoning or a side effect of taking certain medications. This shade may also appear in people with peripheral circulation disorders and copper metabolism disorders
- green tint of the plate — this is a sign of a bacterial infection. It could have occurred during a minor cut, such as when cutting cuticles and contamination of the wound
- circular dotted cavities — are a sign of psoriasis
- dystrophy of the nail — atherosclerosis, diabetes, changes in blood vessels. It can also indicate an incorrect choice of footwear, e.g. high-heeled shoes with a toe or ill-fitting children’s shoes
- nail dysplasia, i.e. their abnormal structure – may be a symptom of liver cirrhosis, eating disorders or atopic dermatitis
- nail overgrowth — characteristic of diabetes
- transverse and longitudinal furrows – transverse furrows can be a sign of poisoning, diabetes, infectious diseases, nail development disorders, including the nail matrix; longitudinal and vertical furrows deepen with age or are a signal of hormonal disorders or problems with the circulatory system
- concave nails — mean chronic disorders of the gastric mucosa, e.g. inflammation; they are also a sign of problems with the hormonal balance or iron deficiency (symptom of anemia)
- nail splitting – it is the result of injuries or improper use of a nail file – the best is a glass one, which does not cause severe injuries. A split plate may also indicate that the thyroid gland is not working properly – in this case, hypothyroidism. Supplement your diet with B vitamins
- dulling of the plate – loss of gloss may be genetically determined – ask your parents or grandparents about their nails at our age. Dullness can also be the result of contact with detergents. Then wear gloves when cleaning. If, next to the lack of gloss, we notice yellowing or browning of the plate, it is possible that you suffer from diabetes
- raised nail plate – they resemble a watch glass – they are round and bulging, and the fingers are extended in the upper part. This may mean disorders in the work of the digestive tract, congenital heart defects or chronic lung diseases
- clawed nail – the plate is thickened, elongated and bent like a claw, its color changes to yellow or grayish. This is a sign of injury, chronic pressure on the nail, like ill-fitting footwear. It may also be associated with peripheral circulatory disorders