We often overlook subtle changes in our bodies, especially the features on our fingernails. These seemingly insignificant phenomena are actually the "barometer" of health given to us by nature.
White spots, crescents, and vertical lines on the nails are all closely related to our health.
Today, let's take a look at what white spots, crescents, and vertical lines on the nails represent, and what diseases may be triggered.
1. White spots on fingernails: potential health hazards
White spots on the nails, also known as "leukonychia," usually appear as punctate or thread-like white patches on the nails. These white spots are not just skin blemishes, but may indicate an underlying health problem.
1. Digestive problems
When white spots appear on the nails, we should not only consider the skin problem, but also be alert to the deeper body signals hidden behind it. These white dots are actually the "translators" of the internal conditions of our bodies.
Gastroenteritis is a common condition of the digestive system, and its symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. When gastroenteritis occurs, the body's ability to absorb nutrients is severely affected. The growth of nails requires adequate nutrition, especially vitamins and minerals. If the supply of nutrients is insufficient, the growth of the nails can be affected, resulting in the formation of white spots on the nails.
It can also be acid reflux. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows backwards from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth. This condition not only causes stomach upset, but also affects the absorption of nutrients. When acid reflux occurs frequently, the growth of nails is also affected, leading to the appearance of white spots.
2. Malnutrition
Vitamins are key nutrients for maintaining healthy nails. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, and D can all lead to white spots on the nails. Vitamin A helps maintain the normal function of the skin and when deficient can lead to thin, brittle nails. B vitamins are involved in metabolism and may cause white patches on the nails when deficient. Vitamins C and D play an important role in nail hardness and healthy growth, respectively.
In addition to vitamins, minerals are also key factors in nail health. For example, minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium all have a significant impact on nail growth and health. Iron deficiency can lead to thin, brittle nails, zinc deficiency can affect the normal growth and repair of nails, calcium is the main mineral that makes up nails and when deficient can cause nails to become softer, and magnesium is an important element for maintaining nail elasticity and toughness.
3. Other diseases
White nail spots can also be some rare diseases. Although these diseases are uncommon, we still need to understand them.
The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland that secretes hormones that affect many functions in the body. When there is a problem with the thyroid gland, such as hypofunction or hyperactivity, it can affect several systems in the body, including nail growth. Hypothyroidism can cause thin, brittle nails and even white spots. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can lead to thickening, rough nails.
Anemia is when there is not enough amount or quality of red blood cells in the blood to provide an adequate supply of oxygen to the body's tissues. When the body tissues do not get enough oxygen, the growth of the nails can also be affected. Anemia can cause thinning, tarnishing, and even white spots on your nails.
2. Crescent moon: reflects the condition of qi and blood
The crescent moon is a white, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail, which is the new, not yet fully keratinized part. The size and shape of the crescent moon can reflect the condition of the body's qi and blood.
1. Crescent moon and qi and blood
The size of the crescent moon is closely related to the degree of filling of qi and blood. A crescent moon that is too small or disappears may indicate a lack of qi and blood, which can lead to problems such as fatigue and weakened immunity. In addition to the size, the shape of the crescent moon also reflects the condition of the body. If the edges of the crescent moon are blurred or irregularly shaped, it may indicate some kind of health problem in the body. The proportion of the crescent moon on the nail can also provide some information. A crescent moon that is too large or too small can indicate an imbalance in the body.
Take a moment each day to observe your nails, especially the crescent moon part, and notice changes in size, shape, and proportions. Continue to observe for a period of time and note the changes in the crescent. This helps to spot subtle but important changes so that action can be taken in a timely manner.
2. Abnormal crescent shape
When the body's metabolism slows down, the new nail is unable to fill the entire nail bed in time, resulting in blurred edges of the crescent. It can also be an infection or inflammation, such as a fungal infection (nail fungus) or other inflammation that can cause the crescent surface to be unsmooth.
3. Vertical lines: signals of aging and disease
1. Aging phenomenon
As we age, our nails also age. This is not only manifested by the appearance of vertical lines, but can also include hardening of the texture, tarnishing, etc. It may also have something to do with our salary or the environment in which we study. Prolonged exposure to chemicals, dry environments, or frequent manicures can accelerate the aging of nails, leading to increased vertical lines.
While most vertical lines are just a normal sign of aging, they may also reflect some health problems. For example, if the vertical lines darken in color, have a brittle texture, or are accompanied by abnormal changes in other nails, it may be related to malnutrition, certain diseases, or side effects of medications.
2. Signs of illness
A female nail nevus is a pigmented nevus that appears at the base of the nail and can cause dark, vertical lines to appear on the nail. Female nevi can sometimes be malignant, so if you notice that the vertical lines are abnormally darkened or have other changes, it is recommended to see a doctor in time to check that poor liver function may lead to brittle nail texture and increased vertical lines.
Long-term alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or chronic hepatitis can cause this change. Thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency, etc., may also affect the growth of nails, resulting in increased vertical lines.
The color of the vertical lines is also an important basis for determining health, and black or brown vertical lines may be a sign of a nail nevus or other pigment abnormality. If these vertical lines suddenly darken in color or change in shape, red or purple vertical lines may indicate poor circulation, lack of oxygen, or heart problems, and should be highly vigilant.
4. How to deal with these diseases?
1. A balanced diet, adequate water intake, and moderate exercise can all help maintain healthy nails.
2. Avoid frequent manicures, which may cause the nails to become thinner and brittle, increasing the formation of vertical lines.
3. Pay attention to hand care, use moisturizing hand cream, and take regular hand care to help slow down the aging of nails.
summary
The vertical lines on the nails are the marks that accompany us with the years. While most of the time they are just normal aging phenomena, we still need to keep an eye on how they change as they may reflect our health.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper care, we can delay the aging of our nails and keep them shiny and healthy.