Fingernails can indicate illness

Fingernail changes indicate diseases

06/27/2012

Fingernails that turn whitish or brownish, become brittle or friable may indicate an illness. Why optical changes of the nails are often not only a cosmetic problem, explained Ulrich Klein of the professional association of German dermatologists, Professor Pietro Nenoff of the German Dermatological Society and Barbara Weigel of the Federal Association of cosmetic and pedicure companies.

A small white spot on the nail is harmless
Who does not know, now and then a small white spot on the nails. Ulrich Klein from the Professional Association of German Dermatologists gives the all clear: „These are harmless trapped air, resulting from minor injuries, for example, by a shock or if you push the cuticles too hard in the manicure to the rear.“ Nevertheless, changes in the nails should not simply be regarded as a purely cosmetic problem, because often there is a disease behind it.

What a healthy fingernail should look like, reports Barbara Weigel from the Federal Association for Cosmetic and Pediatric Care: „It is firm yet flexible, has a smooth, slightly arched surface and is about 0.5 millimeters thick. "The nail is dull-transparent and appears light pink due to the well-nourished nail bed. „Oblong and oval or maybe short and round - this depends on the shape and size of the finger bone, "says the expert on the healthy fingernail shape.

In addition to the described small white spots also isolated notches or fine, flat longitudinal grooves on the horn plate are among the harmless changes. Often, small injuries or mechanical stresses are the cause. The longitudinal grooves are also a normal phenomenon. „They are usually signs of a normal aging process and become stronger over the years. Partly they are also inherited, "says Klein.

Nail fungus and nail psoriasis are the most common
Nail fungus and nail psoriasis, however, belong to the disease-related changes in the nails. Both are common and have similar signs. „In both diseases, the horny plate thickens, becomes friable, wavy and flaky - also changes the color of the nail into yellowish brown or cloudy whites, "reports Professor Pietro Nenoff of the German Dermatological Society.What disease is present, can only be determined in the laboratory Only then can adequate treatment be carried out, especially in the case of the suspected nail fungus, it is absolutely necessary to see a doctor, reports Nenoff.If a fungus is not treated, it can spread unhindered and in the worst case, even grow inside and into poisoning to lead.

Even with a nail eczema, which can be triggered by a strong irritation of the nails, as it occurs, for example, in an allergy to cleansers or artificial nails, a doctor should be consulted. Affected individuals often have reddened scaly fingernail ridges or a rough nail surface.

In addition, inflammation of the nail can occur. The affected areas are red and feel hot. In part, pus formation occurs. „Sometimes it comes in the course of infections to a discoloration of the nails: Are the pathogens Pseudomonas bacteria, for example, they are greenish, "reports Nenoff. Cortisone albums would help both with nail eczema and inflammation.

Changes in fingernails may be of organic origin
If the nails changed visibly, there could also be a disease or disorder that only indirectly affects the fingernails, said Weigel. Thus, for example, a lack of biotin often show brittle and brittle nails. In case of iron deficiency, spoon nails are sometimes the result. „These are fingernails, whose plate is sunk in the middle and in addition to the absence of iron, among other things, can indicate anemia. "In heart or lung diseases, the nails can bulge in a glass-like shape, whitish-colored, opaque nails can on one Indicate liver disease. „Also under investigation necessarily include spot dark discoloration under the nail, "says Klein. In the worst case, it was black skin cancer.

In addition to a balanced, healthy diet, the right care promotes the health of the nails. „You should take care of them regularly and follow some basic rules, "says expert Barbara Weigel, saying that nails should never be cut too short to avoid ingrowth and care should be taken to avoid the cuticle, which acts as a shield against pathogens Sharp cleaning products should also not come into contact with the fingernails.

Skinned fingernails - mirror of the soul?
According to estimates by child and youth therapists, about ten percent of children chew on their fingernails. But even adults are affected by nipples chewing. Internal restlessness, tension or stress are indicated by many as the cause. Sometimes it can simply be boredom, as the social pedagogue Gritli Bertram from Hannover reports. She urges parents not to threaten their children with punishment or sanctions if the children do not stop nail-biting. Punishment has led to additional stress in those affected, which makes nail biting even worse. „Parents should take time for their children to look for the cause. You can think about a solution strategy together with the child“, so Bertram. Rewarding strategies are often a suitable way. After each week without finger nails chewing, the child will receive a reward like an ice cream or a movie. (Ag)