Nail health and overall wellbeing go hand-in-hand. Your hands are amongst the most exposed portions of your body, and as such, your fingernails act as an early warning system when something isn’t quite right in the body. Ignoring potential problems with your nails could indicate deeper health worries, so it’s important to pay attention to their condition and state of wellbeing.
Nail health may seem trivial, but keeping them clean and healthy will give you the opportunity to spot signs of major health issues that may otherwise go undetected. For example, discoloration of the nails can signal the presence of diabetes, as certain metabolic disorders may yield an appearance of yellowish nails. While it’s certainly not cause for alarm, it’s wise to have a doctor check it out.
discoloration of the nails can signal the presence of diabetes
Your nails should have an un-ridged, smooth texture. Bleeding, peeling or excessive thinning can be a tell-tale sign of a vitamin deficiency or simply a lack of sufficient amounts of protein or healthy fats in the diet. Furthermore, the presence of hangnails – or dry, ripped off skin at the end of the nail – can indicate overly dry skin and can cause you discomfort. According to experts, dry skin can be avoided by using lotions and soaps with a low pH level (around 7 is best).
Bleeding, peeling or excessive thinning can be a tell-tale sign of a vitamin deficiency or simply a lack of sufficient amounts of protein or healthy fats in the diet.
Another important aspect of nail health is filing your nails properly. Filing should be done at least once per week on both toenails and fingernails to keep them healthy. However, it is essential to use the correct filing technique. Holding the file in an angle over the nail and slowly moving it backward and forward should be avoided because it will make the nail edge rough and jagged. The proper technique is to move the file in only one direction and to stop when the nail is at its desired length.
Holding the file in an angle over the nail and slowly moving it backward and forward should be avoided because it will make the nail edge rough and jagged.
Keeping nails manicured is also a great way to encourage healthy fingernails and toenails. Brittle nails can be cared for with a deep moisturizing treatment that both your hands and feet can benefit from. Carefully trimming and filing your nails, adding cuticle oil to soften and buff the nail edges, and then adding a clear topcoat finish with nail strengthener, can keep new nails strong and shiny.
Finally, another way to ensure healthy nails is to monitor the appearance of your fingers and toes for any sign of disease. Pay attention to any discoloration, scaling, wrinkling, thickening, greenish tint, small bumps, or roughness that may be present. Some of these conditions can be caused by infections, circulation issues, diabetes, or a fungal problem.
Nail health is an important part of overall well-being. While it may not be the most noticeable part of your daily routine, paying attention to your nails and how they look can provide you with vital information about your overall health. With a few simple changes to your nail care routine, you can ensure that your nails stay healthy and you can address any nail-related issues before they develop into serious health problems.
