Your nails are more than just an outward sign of beauty. They can also be an indicator of overall health. Nail changes, whether in the form of ridges, discoloration, or other abnormalities, can be a sign of underlying health problems.
It is important to pay attention to such changes and know what they might mean. In this guide, we explain what could be behind the various nail changes.
What are nail changes?
Nail changes are deviations from the normal structure and appearance of the nails . They manifest themselves in a variety of ways. For example, they can
- as fine to deep grooves,
- localized dents
- or unusual curvatures in the nail surface may occur.
Discoloration , be it a
- yellowish shimmer ,
- dark spots
- or bluish changes are also common signs .
In addition, nails can become brittle , splinter , or become unusually thick or thin .
All these changes affect the appearance and texture of the nails and can affect overall well-being.
Nail structure in detail: structure and design
Nails are complex structures made up of multiple layers . They protect the delicate tips of your fingers and toes and play an important role in fine motor skills.
The structure of your nails is important for understanding nail changes .
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Nail plate: The nail plate is the visible part of the nail, which consists of several layers. It is hard and translucent and protects the underlying structures.
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Nail bed: The nail bed is the skin under the nail plate. It supplies the nail with nutrients and is responsible for the growth of the nail.
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Lunula: The lunula is the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail. It is often whitish and marks the area where the nail grows.
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Nail Matrix: The nail matrix, often simply referred to as the "matrix," lies beneath the nail moon and is the area where new nail cells are formed. These cells are constantly dividing and multiplying, causing the nail to grow. Damage to the matrix can impair nail growth or lead to permanent nail changes.
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Cuticle: This is the thin layer of skin that covers the base of the nail and seals the space between the nail plate and the surrounding skin. It protects the nail and the nail matrix from bacteria and possible infections.
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Nail folds: The nail folds are the folds of skin that surround the sides and base of the nail. They help hold the nail in place and provide additional protection against foreign bodies and infections.
- Free edge: This is the part of the nail that grows beyond the end of the finger or toe. It is the part that most people cut or file when they take care of their nails.
What nail changes are there?
Nail changes can come in different forms and have different causes . Some are harmless, while others can indicate more serious health problems.
Grooves in the fingernails
Grooves in the fingernails are common and can occur in two main forms: longitudinal grooves and transverse grooves .
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Longitudinal ridges run from the base of the nail to the tip and are often a normal sign of aging.
- Transverse grooves run across the nail and can indicate an underlying health problem.
Expert tip: If you notice ridges in your fingernails, it is important to note the type of ridges and any accompanying symptoms.
Nail discoloration: everything you need to know!
Have you ever noticed that your fingernails or toenails are changing color ?
Nail discoloration can be a sign of many things, from harmless causes to more serious health signs .
If you notice discoloration of your nails, it is important to note the color, pattern and duration of the discoloration and consult a doctor if necessary.
White spots on fingernails
A single white spot on a nail can often be surprising, but it is usually harmless and can be caused by minor injuries or bumps. However, if you notice several white dots or spots on the nails, it could indicate a deeper cause .
Multiple white spots, also called leukonychia, can be caused by a number of factors.
Leukonychia: When nails turn white
If your nails appear white , it could be leukonychia . This condition, in which the nails turn white, can be caused by a variety of factors , from injuries to certain diseases . It is important to know the exact cause in order to act accordingly.
Half and half nails
Half-and-half nails are nails where half near the nail bed is white and the tip half is red or brown. This particular nail discoloration can occur on both the hands and feet.
They can be a sign of health problems , especially of the kidneys . If you notice such discoloration, it is advisable to consult a doctor to find out the exact cause.
Frosted glass nails
Frosted nails , also known as Terry nails , have a cloudy, almost completely whitish discoloration. This particular appearance is often a sign of vascular changes in the nail bed. Common causes can be
- Liver cirrhosis,
- Heart failure
- or diabetes mellitus.
If your nails have this milky appearance, it is advisable to have an expert determine the exact cause.
Darkening of the fingernails
Dark discoloration of the nails can be caused by
- Medicines,
- Diseases
- or external influences such as nicotine.
For some people, it is harmless melanin deposits , for others it can be a sign of serious diseases such as skin cancer .
A bruise (nail hematoma) under the nail, often caused by injury, can also lead to dark discoloration. If unusual or persistent discoloration occurs, a doctor should always be consulted.
Yellow discoloration
Yellow nails can be caused by anything from nail polish to infections or tobacco smoke . If your nails are turning yellow and it is not due to an external influence, the cause should be investigated further.
Bluish fingernails
Bluish fingernails can be a sign that not enough oxygen is getting to your fingertips . This can indicate heart or lung problems . If you notice such discoloration, it is important to take it seriously and seek medical advice.
All nail deformations at a glance
Dents in the fingernail: Dents and waves in a toenail or fingernail represent a change in the surface of the nail plate. They are flat with sloping edges and have an irregular border.
Dents can be caused by increased keratinization of the nail cells and occur, for example, in psoriasis.
Spoon nails: With so-called hollow or spoon nails, the nail becomes increasingly flatter and forms a dent. This nail change is also known as a bowl or eggshell nail.
The causes are varied, from chronic iron deficiency to circulatory disorders to hormonal and metabolic diseases.
Wavy nails: If dents appear in large numbers, it may appear that the nail is growing in a wavy manner. This can be caused by various nail changes.
Pitted nails / dotted nails: Psoriasis can cause so-called pits or dots to form. These are round, more or less deep defects on the surface of the nail plate.
They appear to those affected as small dents and occur more frequently on the fingernails than on the toenails.
Cracked and brittle nails
Your nails can tell you more than you think. Brittle fingernails or cracked nails are not just a cosmetic problem. They can be caused by frequent contact with
- cleaning products,
- Chemicals
- or nail polish remover.
Malnutrition, hormonal changes or certain diseases such as hyperthyroidism can also affect the nails.
Splintering fingernails
There can be various reasons for fingernails to split . External factors such as contact with aggressive substances are often to blame.
But deficiencies in the body , such as a vitamin deficiency, can also cause nails to become brittle and split. The perception of dents or waves can also give the impression that the nail is splitting.
You can read about the top 10 vitamins for your nails here.
Split nails
A split fingernail can not only be painful, but also an indication of health problems . If fingernails split, this can indicate nutritional deficiencies or other illnesses .
The splitting can occur along the nail or across it. Inadequate nail care can also lead to split nails .
Dystrophic nails
If your toenail stops growing or you notice a nail growth disorder, this could indicate a dystrophic change.
Such problems can arise for a variety of reasons, from injuries to certain diseases. The nails can become thinner, change shape or discolor.
Nail plate detaches
It can be alarming when your fingernail or toenail separates from the nail bed . This phenomenon, also called onycholysis , can be triggered by a variety of factors, from injury to infection .
In some cases the nail may fall off completely, while in other cases only part of the nail is affected.
Treating nail changes: tips and solutions for healthy nails
Nail changes can not only be annoying , but sometimes also painful . However, you are not helpless when it comes to problems with your nails.
A targeted onycholysis treatment , for example, can help restore the structure and health of the nail and increase self-confidence.
Beautiful nails with the Nail Care Pen: Finally feel good again
The Nail Care Pen is an innovative product that has been specially developed to care for your nails in the event of a nail fungus infection . It offers cosmetic support and can be used as a complementary treatment for cosmetic care. Thanks to its ingredients,
- such as tea tree oil , which contributes to the antibacterial, regulating and cleansing effect,
- and aloe vera , which increases the elasticity of the nail bed, it can also help to reduce nail discoloration.
In addition, the Nail Care Pen contains the natural ingredient lemon juice , which increases the permeability of the nail and "opens" it at the cellular level.
This allows the pen's active ingredients to penetrate deeply and act directly on the nail root. This allows the vitamin E it contains to work particularly effectively.
It helps stimulate nail growth and repair damaged nail structure . With the Nail Care Pen you can strengthen and protect your nails while promoting the growth of healthy, beautiful nails.
What are possible causes of nail changes?
Changes in the nails can indicate various health problems or deficiencies . It is important to know the causes in order to take appropriate measures.
Common causes of nail changes:
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Malnutrition: A deficiency in certain nutrients can have a direct impact on nail health.
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Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women, can cause nail changes.
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Fungal infections: Nail fungus is a common cause of discolored, thickened and brittle nails. Read here how you can treat nail fungus .
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Trauma: Injuries to the nail bed or nail can lead to changes.
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Diseases: Various diseases, including thyroid disease and diabetes, can cause nail changes.
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Medications: Some medications can have side effects on the nails.
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Zinc deficiency: A lack of zinc can lead to white spots on the nails.
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Chemical exposure: Frequent contact with chemicals can damage nails.
- Age: As you get older, your nails can become thinner and more brittle.
Conclusion
Our nails are not only a reflection of our external beauty, but also a window to our inner health. They deserve to be treated with care and attention.
If you want to do something good for your nails, why not use the Nail Growth Serum of Health Routine? It is specially designed to help your nails grow stronger and healthier.
Remember: healthy nails are an aesthetic feature and a sign that you respect yourself. You can start giving your nails the care they deserve today.
FAQ
When should you see a doctor about nail changes?
If you notice persistent, unusual or painful changes in your nails, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist . Nail changes can often be an early warning sign of more serious health problems.
It is always better to be safe than sorry and seek professional advice to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment options.
Diagnosis of nail changes: What tests are carried out?
To diagnose the cause of nail changes, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the affected nail. This may include a visual assessment, a questioning about possible symptoms, and in some cases, a nail sample for laboratory analysis.
With an accurate fingernail diagnosis, the doctor can then recommend the best treatment strategy.
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