White spots on the fingernails, discolouration or brittle tips: Many become nervous when they notice changes in the nails. But what is harmless and when should you take action? These diseases can be read on the nails.
Our fingernails mainly consist of keratin, a horny substance made of water-insoluble proteins. A healthy nail is smooth, the nail bed shimmers pink and the nail tips show a white border. If you take a closer look, you can usually see age-related, slight longitudinal grooves.
grooves: on some or all nails?
If some nails show deep transverse grooves, this indicates an injury to the nail bed or a disruption in nail growth. The wrong manicure and minor injuries can trigger the grooves as well as an illness with a high fever. An inflamed nail fold can also cause the grooves. If all nails have transverse grooves, there may be a sick liver or other infections behind them. A zinc deficiency is also conceivable.
deformations of the nail: spoon nail and watch glass nail
If the fingernail sinks inwards, doctors speak of the so-called spoon nail. Iron deficiency can be a possible trigger, as can Raynaud’s syndrome, a circulatory disorder of the hands.
If the nail bulges upwards, it is a watch glass nail. This indicates an undersupply of oxygen and indicates diseases of the heart and lungs. Another warning sign is when the fingertips enlarge. Diseases of the liver or intestine can also be associated with a watch glass nail.
White spots: mostly harmless
White “crescents” on the nails – so-called lunulas – are usually harmless. Small injuries and bumps as well as a wrong manicure are usually to blame for the nail change. White horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can indicate a protein or vitamin deficiency. A blood test then gives important information. If the nails show a cloudy white color (frosted glass nails), a sick intestine or a sick liver may be the trigger.
Tan discoloration: often cause small bleeding
If there are small brownish spots on the fingernail, in most cases the bleeding is small, triggered by bruises. These grow out over time. If the stains remain in place, they may be liver spots or skin cancer under the nail plate. Medications, such as certain antibiotics, can also cause brown discoloration.
Fragile nails: The cause can be a lack of nutrients. (Source: Photosampler / Getty Images)
Brittle nails: Nail fungus as a trigger
If the nails keep breaking off or splintering, there is often a stressful hand care behind it. Frequent hand washing with soap dries out the nails, as does the use of nail polish and nail polish remover. It helps to take care of your hands and nails with a cream after washing and manicuring.
If the nail structure does not improve, there may be a lack of nutrients behind the symptom. A sick thyroid is also possible, as is nail fungus. nail fungus is also shown by yellowish and brownish spots or a yellowing of the entire nail. As the process progresses, the nail thickens. In the advanced stage it can deform strongly and even detach.
If the nail comes off, this indicates circulatory disorders
A detached nail can also indicate circulatory disorders, such as in the context of diabetes mellitus or one arteriosclerosis, A sick thyroid is also a possible trigger. After injuries, the nail plate can also come off the nail bed. In addition, certain medications have a negative impact on nail stability, including preparations for the treatment of psoriasis.
If the nail changes, better to the doctor
In summary, it can be said that if the nails change in color, shape or consistency, which are not due to a mechanical injury, a doctor should always be consulted. This is the only way to rule out serious diseases or identify them early.
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