Fingernails and Health

Fingernails are really wonderful little creations. 

We have found ways over the centuries to decorate them, grow them and enhance them with jewels and painted designs. We elongate them with gels and acrylics or buff them to a high shine. What woman hasn't been exasperated when a perfect fingernail breaks just before a party or big date?  

Many men also enjoy a manicure and keep their nails in immaculate shape. But did you know that the fingernails are excellent harbingers of your overall health and well being? Just giving a good look at your nails can tell you a great deal about what's going on inside you.

Fingernails are actually extensions of your epidermis, the outer layer of skin, and are composed of keratin, a protein. They grow about a quarter of an inch per month and are in place to protect the tender nail bed and nerve rich fingertips.

Healthy nails are a pinky, rosy color, indicating an abundant blood supply and are smooth and strong. Here are some tips on what your nails might be telling you if they aren't in good shape.

Concave nails, or "spoon shaped", indicate a lack of iron. Sometimes they have vertical ridges as well. Yellow, upward curving nails may be a very early warning of serious illnesses such as diabetes, lupus or lymphatic disorders. Those little white spots mean you may need more zinc.

Brittle or dry and peeling? You need more vitamin A. Splitting nails can be caused by a lack of stomach acid and poor digestion. If your nails are rounded or "clubbed" at the ends, you need more B vitamins. This can also indicate a heart condition, so see your cardiologist for an opinion.

Also, if you have black spots under the nails this can indicate endocarditis or a bleeding disorder Big, square nails can indicate a hormonal imbalance. Keeping an eye on your nails can give you a "heads up" about your health, which is why I now advise my patients to forego the acrylics.

Confession? I have been addicted to them myself, and it has taken two years for my nails to return from thinner than paper to anything resembling normal.  There have been times I have wanted to relapse into my old unhealthy habit, but I am persevering in spite of my conceit!

Vanity can cause massive infections of the nail bed, fungus infections, tuberculosis of the skin and cracking and bleeding of the cuticles. Fake nails also harbor all types of bacteria and are impossible to keep truly clean.

A study of nurses with acrylics found that they had twice as much bacteria under their clean nails as did those with natural nails. Yet another reason for healthcare professionals to wear gloves.

Keep an eye on your nails and keep ahead of your health!  

Dr. Kleine regrets she cannot give advice by phone or e-mail.  To make an appointment please call 631.472.8139 or e-mail her at  Drfootsi@myway.com