It is often said that our hands are the windows to our souls, but our nails are the windows to our overall health.

Our nails can reveal a lot about our health and can indicate if we are lacking certain nutrients, suffering from a disorder or disease, or experiencing general health problems. In this article, we will explore the various nail diseases and disorders and their connection to overall health.

Nail Anatomy

Before we delve into the various diseases and disorders, it is important to understand the basic anatomy of a nail. Nails are made up of a protein called keratin that grows from the nail root, which is located at the base of the nail.

The part of the nail that we can see and trim is called the nail plate. The skin around the nail is called the nail fold, and the white half-moon shape at the base of the nail is called the lunula.

Common Nail Diseases and Disorders

Yellow Nail Syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition that causes the nails to become thick, yellow, and slow to grow. This condition is often associated with respiratory problems and lymphedema.

The cause of yellow nail syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a dysfunction in the lymphatic system.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. This can be caused by injury, infection, or certain drugs.

Onycholysis can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, or iron deficiency anemia.

Beau’s Lines

Beau’s lines are horizontal depressions that appear across the nails. They are often a sign of a severe illness or injury, as they form when the nail growth is disrupted. Common causes of Beau’s lines include diabetes, malnutrition, and chemotherapy.

Leukonychia

Leukonychia is a condition where white spots appear on the nails. This is typically caused by minor trauma to the nail, although it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease or liver disease.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, also known as toenail fungus, is a fungal infection of the nail. This condition causes the nail to become thick, discolored, and brittle.

Onychomycosis is more common in toenails than in fingernails and is often caused by exposure to fungus in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms or swimming pools.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to become thick, red, and scaly. This condition can also affect the nails, causing them to become discolored, thick, and ridged.

Psoriasis of the nails can be painful and can cause the nails to separate from the nail bed.

Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissue. This condition can cause the nails to become pale and brittle.

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can cause the fingers and toes to turn white or blue and can cause ridges to form on the nails.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect the nails. Hypothyroidism can cause the nails to become dry, brittle, and ridged, while hyperthyroidism can cause the nails to become soft and separate from the nail bed.

Conclusion

As you can see, our nails are a reflection of our overall health. While some nail conditions may seem minor, they can be an indication of a more serious underlying condition.

If you notice any changes in your nails, such as discoloration, ridges, or separation from the nail bed, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.