What Causes Fingernail Problems

Well-cared, beautiful fingernails contribute to the beauty of hands. Women are crazy about painting and decorating their fingernails to indicate that they are really careful about their appearance. Fingernails are also indicative of good overall health of a person. But, sometimes you may suffer from various problems of fingernails such as white spots on the nails or brittle nails. There are a number of causes and medical conditions that can lead to various fingernail problems.

What Causes Fingernail Problems?

There are many different types of fingernail problems, ranging from mild and harmless to serious. Some of the common problems of fingernails are black nails, brittle nails, ridges, crumbling nails, leuconychia or white spots and infections. Some problems are hereditary, while others may result from a lack of appropriate nutrition, inadequate hygiene and improper nail care. Some problems are minor and can be treated with simple remedies, while some problems are severe and can lead to chronic disorders. In such cases, you need to seek medical treatment immediately.

Some of the common causes of fingernail problems are diseases, infections and injuries. Changes in the shape, texture and color of the nails may be due to nail fungus (onychomycosis). Bacterial infections can lead to changes in the nail color. There may be painful areas of infection under the nails or in the surrounding skin. In case of severe infections, there is a risk of losing the nail. Viral warts can lead to change in the nail's shape. Certain infections can cause red streaks in the nail bed (splinter hemorrhages).

Certain injuries or trauma to nails can cause various nail problems. Crushing of the nail base can lead to permanent deformity in the nails. Chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the nail may result in a washboard nail. A long-term use of moisturizer or nail paint can make the nails brittle. Minor nail injuries can cause leukonychia (small white marks on the nail plates).

There are certain nail problems that indicate various medical conditions. Horizontal ridges on the fingernails (Beau's lines) are due to anemia or malnutrition. Abnormal heart anatomy and lung disorders such as lung cancer or infections which affect the oxygen levels in the blood can lead to clubbing of the fingernails. Onycholysis (pitting and splitting of nail plate) and nail dystrophy (chronic destruction of nail plate) may be due to psoriasis. Thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to onycholysis or brittle nails. Kidney disease, Hodgkin's disease or heart disease can cause horizontal white lines in the nails. Vertical splitting of the nails indicate calcium deficiency. Vertical red lines in the nails are due to rheumatoid arthritis or high blood pressure. Iron deficiency or deficiency of calcium or vitamin A can cause brittle nails. Blue nails indicate circulatory and pulmonary problems such as asthma or emphysema. Yellow nails represent liver problems, lymphatic system problems or diabetes. White spots on nails are due to zinc deficiency.

In order to avoid fingernail problems, you should opt for a nutritious diet rich in calcium, iron, fibers, vitamins and minerals. You should avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals as well as protect them from any kind of injury. Keep your nails healthy and beautiful by following good nail care regimen.