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Brilio.net - Nails are often only considered a part of the body that requires aesthetic treatment. However, behind their simple appearance, nails can provide important clues about a person's health condition. Changes in nail color, texture and shape can be a sign of various health problems, from nutritional deficiencies to chronic diseases. Being aware and understanding of the medical indications of nails can help you detect the disease early and take necessary preventive measures.
Healthy nails are usually pink, strong, and do not break easily. However, changes in nails, such as turning white, yellow, or even bluish in color, can indicate certain health problems. For example, bluish nails can be a sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen, which may be caused by lung or heart problems. Meanwhile, horizontal white lines on the nails, known as Mees lines, may indicate arsenic poisoning or kidney problems.
Nail texture also has its own story. Nails that break easily or are brittle could indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as iron or biotin. In addition, nails that are wavy or have an uneven surface can be a sign of psoriasis or other autoimmune diseases. Not only that, changes in nail shape, such as nails that curve inward (koilonychia) or outward (clubbing), can indicate serious health conditions such as anemia or chronic lung disease.
Paying attention to changes in your nails can make you more alert to signs of disease and immediately consult a medical professional. Along with this, maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle also plays an important role in maintaining healthy nails and the body as a whole. So, start paying attention to your nailsthey may be holding important secrets about your health.
Here, brilio.net has summarized from various available sources, Tuesday (21/5), the condition of changes in your nails as a sign of serious illness so that you don't find out too late.
Condition of nail changes as a sign of disease.
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Cyanosis indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood due to various medical conditions. A bluish color will appear on the nails which is often caused by breathing or blood circulation problems, such as lung disease (for example, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart disease, or blood vessel disorders. Apart from that, blue nails can also occur due to exposure to extreme cold temperatures which cause vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the extremities.
If your nails turn blue suddenly or persistently, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to restore normal oxygenation in the body.
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Melanonychia is a condition characterized by discoloration of the nails that usually appears as a black or brown line running the length of the nail. This color results from increased production of melanin by cells in the nail bed, known as melanocytes.
Melanonychia can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the nail, infection, use of certain medications, and medical conditions such as Addison's disease or melanoma. Even though it's often not dangerous, it's a good idea to remain alert if these signs start to appear on your nails. This is related to several cases of homochromatosis disorders, thyroid disease, malnutrition, and HIV disease that give rise to this sign.
It is important to see a doctor if black lines appear on the nails, especially if the lines appear irregular or growing, to minimize the possibility of a more serious condition, such as subungual melanoma.
Intern/Robiul Adil Robani
photo: Twitter/@fafaahfah
Pale nails are often caused by decreased blood flow or anemia, where the body lacks red blood cells or hemoglobin. This condition can also be related to other health problems such as malnutrition, thyroid disorders, or liver disease. In addition, pale nails can be a sign of aging or exposure to certain chemicals.
It is important to pay attention to changes in nail color and seek medical assessment if nails remain pale for an extended period of time, as this can help identify and appropriately treat any underlying health problems.
photo: freepik.com
Yellowing nails often indicate a fungal infection, but can also be caused by other medical conditions. Fungal infections of the nails, or onychomycosis, cause thickening, discoloration, and deformity of the nails. Additionally, yellow nails can be a sign of chronic lung disease, diabetes, or skin conditions such as psoriasis. Slow nail growth and thickening can also be an indication of a more serious systemic problem such as lymphatic disease or respiratory disorders.
Jaundice or icterus is a condition where the skin, mucous membranes and eyes become yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. This condition can also impact the nails, causing discoloration that may include yellowing of the nails.
Jaundice is usually a symptom of an underlying problem such as liver disease (e.g. hepatitis or cirrhosis), bile duct disorders, or excessive hemolysis. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin properly, this pigment builds up in the body and causes a yellow color.
If you experience yellowing nails along with other symptoms such as yellow skin and eyes, fatigue, or stomach pain, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to address the underlying cause of jaundice and prevent further complications.
photo: freepik.com
Lunula is the semicircular part that appears at the base of the nail. Under normal conditions, the lunula can appear white. Red lunulae can be caused by cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart disease or hypertension, which affects blood circulation. This condition can also be related to autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or metabolic problems, including diabetes. In addition, red lunulae can indicate a systemic infection or certain poisoning.
If you notice persistent or new discoloration of your lunula, it is important to consult a medical professional, as this could be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires further attention and treatment.
photo: Twitter/@NICU_Musings
Nail-Patella Syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of nails, bones, and sometimes other systems in the body. People with NPS usually have underdeveloped or abnormal nails, which may be small, split, or unusually shaped. In addition, they often experience problems with the patella (kneecap), which can be in the form of an incompletely formed patella or a dislocated patella.
NPS can also affect other bones, causing deformity in the elbows and armpits, and sometimes affects the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney disease. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning it only takes one copy of the gene to be mutated to cause this syndrome. If a person exhibits symptoms of NPS, genetic evaluation and medical consultation are highly recommended for diagnosis and management of this condition.
photo: Twitter/@LozeauMD
Sunken nails or koilonychia are often caused by iron deficiency anemia, where nails become thin and spoon-shaped. This condition can also occur due to exposure to certain chemicals or repeated trauma to the nails. On the other hand, convex or clubbed nails are characterized by enlargement and thickening of the fingertips which makes the nails curve downwards.
Clubbing is often associated with chronic health problems such as lung disease (for example, pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer), heart disease, or gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease. Both of these changes in nail shape require medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.
(brl/tin)
