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Nails not only enhance the beauty of hands, but some changes in them can also give indications to the health of the body. The color, thickness, surface texture and way the nails grow can sometimes indicate nutritional deficiencies, infections or certain health problems. However, it is not necessary that every change is a sign of some disease. Injury, age, nail polish and everyday activities can also cause changes in nails.

This is the reason why it is not right to draw conclusions about any disease by looking at the nails. But if any unusual change is seen suddenly or continuously in the nails and other symptoms are also present along with it, then it should not be ignored. In such cases, it is safer to get checked by a doctor.

What to understand if you see yellow nails?

Slight yellowing of nails can occur due to many reasons. Nails may also appear yellow due to prolonged use of nail polish, smoking or fungal infection. If the nails start thickening, breaking or a layer of dirt appears beneath them, there may be a possibility of fungal infection. In case of persistent problem, it is better to consult a dermatologist.

white marks on nails
Small white spots on the nails can often appear due to injury or minor damage to the nail. Seeing these, it is not right to immediately assume calcium deficiency. Usually, these marks move forward as the nails grow and gradually disappear when cut.

Be careful if you see deep lines on the nails
Light vertical stripes on the nails may also appear normally as we age. But if a dark brown or black strip suddenly appears on one of the nails, especially if it becomes wider or seems to spread to the surrounding skin, then it is important to get checked by a doctor. One should not try to correct such changes with home remedies alone.

If nails are very brittle
Frequent nail breakage and splitting can be caused by excessive contact with water, detergent or chemicals. Sometimes nutritional deficiency or other health problems can also be the reason for this. Avoiding keeping hands in water for a long time and using strong chemicals, wearing gloves and applying moisturizer can help in nail care.

spoon shaped nails
If the nails start sinking in from the middle and the edges appear raised upwards, then it is called koilonikhia (spoon nails). This may sometimes be associated with iron deficiency, but it may also have other causes. Therefore, if such nails are seen, it is not advisable to take iron supplements without checking.

Adopt these habits for nail health
Keep nails clean and dry, avoid cutting them too short and avoid repeatedly biting or pulling the cuticle. Eat a balanced diet, which contains adequate protein, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients. If persistent changes in nails, pain, swelling, unusual change in color or signs of infection appear, consult a doctor. Nails can provide some indications of the body’s health, but they are not a substitute for definitive diagnosis of disease.