Fingernails as mirror of one's health

CEBU, Philippines - People mostly pay attention to their fingernails for reasons of vanity, especially among women. Nail art has since become quite popular. But, in fact, the fingernails have a real serious function - they can mirror one's health condition. 

The website www.webmd.com gives an advice: Watch your nails for signs of health problems.

Oftentimes, nail problems are caused by outside forces, like exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, use of harmful nail products, or just common bodily strenuous movements, such as excessive use of fingertips in typing. But the American Academy of Dermatology says that the condition of the nails can sometimes signal a major problem in one's health.

According to New York-based dermatologist and nail specialist Dana Stern, M.D., the nails can provide a tremendous amount of information about one's general wellness. "Certain nail changes can indicate issues with the kidneys, infections of the heart, anemia, lung disease, and even exposure to certain poisons," she says.

At the website www.menshealth.com, North Carolinian dermatologist and nail specialist Chris Adigun, M.D. adds that "it is because diseases that affect the whole body can change the blood flow, growth patterns, or shape of your fingernails and toenails in ways you may notice long before any other symptoms show."

White nails may hint of a liver condition, half pink/half white nails of a kidney disease, yellowing and thickening of the nail, slowed growth rate of lung disease. Pale nail beds may mean anemia,  yellow-tinged nails with a slight blush at the base can be a symptom of diabetes. A group of Ireland-based doctors has also disclosed, in a 2005 study, that the earliest signs of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis might be detected in the nails. They have discovered that something called disulphide bond, present in both nails and bones, was lower in people with osteoporosis.

The health connection all the more stresses the importance of proper nail care. It does not only result in strong nails and clean hands that one can proudly flash and flaunt, it can also alert one in time of any looming health problems. 

The www.webmd.com also shares ways for maintaining healthy, smooth and slick finger- and toenails.

Leave cuticles alone. The cuticle is the body's natural defensive covering from fungus and bacteria which cause infection that harms the nail bed, leading to permanent nail damage. Once cuticle is removed, the protection is lost.

Moisturize the nail bed and the cuticle. Putting oil around the cuticle and nail bed helps to moisturize the entire nail, reducing the incidence of nail breaking or splitting.

Try biotin. Several studies have found that biotin supplement (a member of the vitamin B family) increases nail thickness and prevents nail cracking. Some nail products also contain silicon and the supplement MSM, two other nutrients associated with nail health. Experts are one in refuting the belief that eating or soaking in gelatin increases nail strength; in fact, a liquid soak may actually waterlog and eventually weaken nails, says a New York University dermatologist.

Limit professional manicures. One study shows that people who regularly indulge in mani-pedi pampering at salons are most likely to suffer from dry, brittle nails. Due to exposure to more chemicals and harsher ingredients, women who get manicures frequently suffer from chronic nail bed infections, evidenced by puffy, reddened areas around the base of the nail. One way to cut down on the risk of infection is to bring one's own tools at the salons.

Avoid acetone-based polish removers. Dermatologists say that using acetone nail polish remover is a major no-no; a number of studies reveal that it causes the nail to become brittle.

Don't overdo hand washing and limit contact with cleaning chemicals. As healthy as it can be to wash hands frequently, overdoing it can weaken the nails. If frequent hand washing or laundry can't be avoided, moisturizer must be used, rubbing a little extra around the cuticles several times a day to perk the nails up. Also, wearing rubber gloves while washing helps.

Change shampoos. Most women understand when a shampoo works well with their hair, but only few know that it may not work the same way with their nails. Experts say that this is particularly true with detergent shampoos, or those for oily hair, which are designed to strip lipids and other natural oils from the scalp.

Remember toenails, too! Experts say that toenails are more prone to problems than the fingernails because they are more often inside the shoes where fungus grows more easily. Bringing one's own instruments during regular pedicure sessions at the salon is advisable, and to never let the beautician dig under the nail or around the cuticle. Moreover, cutting toenails at an angle, instead of straight across, increases the risk of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and sometimes develop into an infection.

In the end, proper nail care is not completely a matter of vanity alone. It is a serious health matter as well. (FREEMAN)