What your fingernails might say about your health
Dr. Katherine Garrity, dermatologist at Aurora Medical Center in Summit, Wis., explains how your fingernails’ appearance can indicate certain health issues.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Thanks for the article, but there is one thing that was not mentioned. At times my nails, how do I put this, unlayer themselves. When this happens, I can actually peel off the top layer of the nail(though only up to a certain point, never has it unlayered anywhere near the cuticles. And it doesn’t happen all the time. Sometimes I cut my nails and let them grow out, they unlayer. Then the next time, my nails grow strong, long and beautiful.
What would cause that?
Great question Mandie! My nails do the same-peel off in layers at the tip. Did you ever receive an answer from this site?
ahchealthenews.com Please publish your answers .
I don’t have any medication or health related issues that caused my nails to do this but I was not protecting my hands (gloves) when doing dishes. Constant exposure to hand sanitizers didn’t help either. I started using Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream and Ella & Mila (a 7 free) clear nail polish. The combination of these products grew my nails well enough to wear color nail polish (7 free) on occasion. Do not use emory boards, use the glass files, they do less tearing of the nail fiber. Until your nails are stronger try not to traumatize them by peeling stickers and picking at things. I use the less harmful nail polish removers and gloves when I do everything. All of these products are available on Amazon and are not terribly expensive. My nails are looking and feeling much better.
I’m 72. My nails developed terrible ridges until I started taking hair, skin, and nail vitamins. They contain vitamin E & biotin.
My nails are soft on some and brittle on others. I barely hit them into something and they break, peeling at the ends, and weird color (medium pink, dark pink, to white, to the tip). I’ve tried hair, skin, and nail vitamins for years and no change. I’ve tried the strengthening cuticle oil and polishes and nothing works/helps. I need help to know what’s wrong so I can fix it. My doctor is clueless.
Hi Dawn,
My nails had the same problem–all my life. I started an ionic Iodine supplement because it was supposed to help with reducing thyroid nodules and I ended up with fixing a whole bunch of problems I have been dealing with for years. I now have fngernails that are not brittle or break, I am not cold all the time, I can wear turtlenecks (pressure on thyroid no longer uncomfortable), I sleep better at night, I wake up rested in the morning, I am not depending on caffiene to get thru the day, better mood, and on and on. Just 3 drops a day (225mcg) has changed my life. Check out the iodine deficiency articles –most people are not aware and big pharma doesn’t care because it is an inexpensive fix. My first iodine patch test (on forearm) faded/absorbed in about 2 hours (highly iodine deficient) started on the supplement and now it takes about 24 hours which is more normal. In Japan, they get around 3000 mg/day and USDA says 150mcg is enough. It isn’t. Japan also has lower occurences of breast and prostrate cancers, longer lifespan and fewer thyroid issues. I think they are on to something. I feel a whole lot better and fixed a whole bunch of problems I have been dealing with for years–just by adding the iodine supplement. I am 61.
What type of nutrition are ridged nail people typically lacking in?
What about a dark vertical line?
Please get checked out if you have. Brown streak in your nail. Do it sooner than later. It could be a sign of significant health issues
I have always had dull and severe ridges in mY nails. I too am curious what nutritional deficiencies I may have
Hi,
My nails have vertical cracks to the nail bed. Since I have thin nails, they split by the time they reach the finger tip. What can I do?
Sincerely,
Judith
My nails have become strong and healthy by taking collagen powder. Once a day in my morning coffee and….WOW!