18/09/2024
Do you ever look at your nails and wonder why you have white spots or ridges on them?
Split nails or cracked nails can be problematic all on their own, but they can also be fingernail disorders that signal another health problem. Nail splitting and nail cracking can be due to a thyroid condition (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) or psoriasis. If you find that your nails are brittle or split or crack easily and often, talk to your doctor about health conditions that may be responsible.
Fingernails that are soft to the touch or flake apart easily are commonly caused by a lack of the protein keratin. Keratin deficiency often results from crash dieting or some other sudden dietary changes. A protein-rich diet can reverse the damage, as can taking a daily supplement of biotin, a B vitamin. Other causes of soft or brittle nails include chemicals in products used as part of a manicure or pedicure (such as acetone and methyl acrylate), and health conditions, including Crohn’s disease and anemia.
Nails that crumble and break, turn yellow, or begin to smell may signal a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis, which can affect fingers or toes. You may have picked up the toenail fungus in a public pool or locker room — any place that's moist and warm. Have your nails inspected by a doctor who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment, either with an anti-fungal cream or a course of oral antifungal medication.
Nails that have white ridges going across the nail could be down to an underlying health problem and should be checked out by your doctor.
And as for those little white marks that appear and seem to grow out with your nail - they’re harmless and may have been caused by a little trauma.
