The state of your nails is a pretty good reflection of your overall health. Read on to find out if you should be concerned.
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Brittle nails
Brittle nails can be caused by things like washing dishes or exposure to harsh chemicals like nail-polish remover, but they can also point to nutritional deficiencies or ageing. If your diet hasn’t changed and you’ve simply been washing more dishes than normal, there’s a simple solution. Get into the habit of lathering on a nourishing hand and nail cream immediately after washing your hands. Opt for a cream that is enriched with vitamin-E extract.
Pitting
Small round holes in nails are called pits. These can be caused by psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, raised bumps or plaques with white flakes on skin. They can also be caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune type of hair loss that typically occurs on the scalp but can also appear on the body. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available. If your pits are not caused by bumping your nails or physical activity, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any other issues.
Thickening and discolouration
According to mayoclinic.com, if you have severe discolouration and thickening of the nails, these may be signs of kidney or liver disease, heart and lung conditions, and anaemia or diabetes. Whitening of the nails is normally a sign of natural ageing and is not a major concern for older women, but if you are noticing dramatic changes in the colour of your nails, it’s best to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
PHOTO: iStock/gilaxia
