What your nails reveal about your health and how we can keep our nails healthy
It is said that grooves, stains, discoloration or brittle nails can indicate certain health problems. This is not 100 percent proven, but there is always evidence to support this. In some cases, however, there are also very simple explanations for changes to the nail, such as washing your hands too often or frequent use of nail polish remover. In the best case scenario, an expert should always be consulted to clarify the exact cause.
How is a nail actually made?
Our nails on our feet and hands consist mainly of a hard horny substance known as keratin. This in turn is formed from dead and highly compressed skin cells. These skin cells are pushed out of the nail matrix, the nail root, and are then deposited on the nail bed, where they harden. As the replenishment of dead skin cells takes place continuously, our nail grows: on average 0.5 to 1.2 millimeters per week. A normal nail is usually 0.5 mm thick and slightly curved. The nail plate is normally fused, with the exception of the front nail area, the nail edge. Our nails are not only a beauty factor, but also have the important function of protecting our sensitive fingertips with a large number of nerve cells.
Nail care and tips from an expert
A healthy nail is firm, smooth and slightly shiny. If small irregularities or discolorations occur, these can be easily removed with a file, but it is important to ensure that not too much of the nail plate is removed. A polishing file can be used to give the nail surface a slight shine. The correct nail cut is also important, as many mistakes can be made here. Nails should always be kept short and straight, preferably shortened from the outside in. Nails that are rounded or shortened too deeply on the sides can lead to inflammation or painful ingrowths, which should be avoided at all costs. In the worst case scenario, this can pave the way for bacteria or other germs. If you are unsure, it is better to consult an expert. This also applies to the cuticle, which provides natural protection. If the cuticle is removed, germs can enter more easily and cause inflammation. Frequent hand washing, regular disinfection or contact with cleaning products can attack the nails, so either wear gloves for protection or apply good care immediately afterwards.
When is it advisable to see a doctor?
If white spots are visible on one or more nails, this may be due to slight bumps or injuries during the growth phase; possible small air bubble inclusions are often the cause and are harmless. Yellowish to light brown spots, on the other hand, can be a sign of nail fungus (also known as onychomycosis, more on fungal nail diseases >> here) or psoriasis (more on this in the blog article >> on nail psoriasis). Dark brown to black spots can even be an indication of cancer and should always be examined by a doctor. Longitudinal grooves in the nail plate, on the other hand, are harmless and tend to be a symptom of the ageing process. Caution should be exercised with transverse grooves, as they are an indication of an infection (which has been overcome); if these remain for a longer period of time, an expert should also be consulted. Brittle or soft nails may indicate a nutrient deficiency, which is often due to an unbalanced diet with a lack of zinc and biotin (vitamin D), among other things. A healthy and varied diet is said to strengthen the resistance of the nails, and dietary supplements can provide support if necessary. In the case of long-term problems, however, it is important to consult an expert in order to identify and correct any deficiencies. Sometimes, however, the reason may simply be a lack of moisture. Good care with ingredients such as witch hazel, plant-based betaine, jojoba oil or licorice root, such as in Spirularin nail serum, can provide optimal support for nails.
Do you have any questions? Then feel free to contact our experts. You can find more topics and guides on nail and skin care in our blog.