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Your nail health can reveal a lot about your overall well-being. Nutritional or vitamin deficiency can make your nails weak, rougher and less smooth. If you notice that your nails are weak or brittle, or if there are grooves, don't rush to get expensive nail treatments. Instead, examine whether your body is deficient in vital vitamins such as Biotin and minerals. A healthy diet and proper supplementation can help to correct nutritional deficiencies. This blog will discuss common nail problems—their symptoms, and how to take care of your nails.
What Do Vitamin Deficiency Look Like In Nails?
Toenails and fingernails are made of keratin, a protein crucial for healthy nails, skin and hair. Your nails are constantly growing and shedding. It mainly consists of 3 layers. The nail plate is visible to you when you look at your nails. The nail bed lies underneath the nail plate. Surrounding the nails are nail folds- simply the skin that folds back into the nails. The cuticle and the lunula are located within the nail plate. The first is the tissue that connects to the nail fold, the nail plate, while the second is the white, half-moon-shaped region at the base.
Nail problems are associated with the deficiency of 1 or more vitamins. The most common deficiency is Vitamin B12 deficiency. Have you ever had issues with your nails? Many people have problems with their fingernails. Experts suggest taking vitamins or biotin supplements can fix the issue. The vitamins help the nails to grow and get stronger. The nails can also be affected by vitamin deficiency. The five signs of vitamin deficiency in your nail's biotin supplement are splitting nails, white spots, discolouration, dry and brittle nails, pitting and grooving. Let's discuss these five signs in detail.
1. Splitting of Nail
Vitamin B 12 deficiency and lack of protein can cause the splitting of nails. Nail splitting can also be caused by iron deficiency.
2. White Spots
Many of us are under the misconception that white spots on the nails are caused by calcium deficiency. But white spots are due to iron and zinc deficiency. Taking zinc and iron supplements can help to get rid of white spots. You can also apply Vitamin E or grapeseed oil on your nails to help to strengthen nails, prevent white spots and split nails.
3. Discolouration
Discolouration of nails is often due to a fungal infection. Fungus nail treatment includes the use of anti-fungal cream, ointment and antibiotics. Applying oregano oil or garlic oil is also recommended for fungus nail treatment.
Also Read : Tea Tree Oil For Nail Fungus - How To Apply And Its Effects
4. Brittle Nails
Exposure to harsh chemicals such as washing your hands too often and overexposure to detergent and nail products can make your nails brittle. Your nails might become brittle or crumbly and have a yellowish tinge. This condition of nails is mainly due to the use of harsh products on the skin and nails.
Iron deficiency- anemia could also make your nails brittle. It could affect the toenails as well.
5. Pitting Nails
The appearance of dents or dimples on the surface of the nails is known as the pitting of nails. The pitting of nails is due to a lack of Vitamin D deficiency. An allergic reaction or auto-immune disorder also causes it.
6. Grooves
Grooves on the nails can be a symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
7. Spoon Nails
As the name implies, this is a condition in which the nail has a depression in the center, as if it were capable of holding water like a spoon. It is due to the deficiency of Vitamin C.
Also Read : 20 Amazing Vitamin C Benefits For Skin,Hair And Health
8. Central Ridges in the Nails
Deficiency of B Vitamin, i.e., folic acid, can lead to ridges in the center of the nails. The lack of proteins and iron can also lead to ridges in the center of the nails.
How To Improve My Nail Health?
Nail care is vital to add strength and integrity to your nails. You can make your nails look great by giving them a little TLC. Here are some simple nail care tips.
Dos
- Make sure your nails are clean and free from dirt. This will prevent the growth of microbes under your nails.
- Trim and clip your nails with sharp scissors or clippers. Be careful not to pick at or bite your hangnails.
- Make sure they are kept dry and protected. Exposure to harsh chemicals can cause nails to become dry and brittle. This is normal if your hands are clean, and you wash them often. You can reduce the amount of water by wearing gloves while you wash dishes and using lotions to dry your hands after contact with water. Gloves can be worn when cleaning detergents or cleaning fluids are being used. This can also protect your nails.
- Do not buff your nails horizontally. Nail splitting can be caused by bouncing back and forth between your nails.
- Use an acetone-free nail varnish remover. Acetone can dry your nails, making them more fragile and prone to breaking.
- Use cuticle oil or moisturizer to massage your fingers and nails. Doing so adds strength and shine to your nails, making them appear healthy and robust.
- If your nails are too soft, you can apply nail hardener to prevent breakage.
Don’ts
- Picking your cuticles and biting your nails. This allows bacteria and fungi entry to the nail and can infect it.
- Excessive use of nail polish and other nail chemicals can make them brittle and break easily.
- Using acetone-based nail polish removers. These are very harsh and can cause dryness.
- Filing of nails frequently. This could cause split nails.
- Using fingernails to poke holes into things and open them with your fingers.
- Not removing infected hangnails.
A vitamin deficiency can lead to weak nails and brittle nails. Severe nail conditions such as melanonychia and leukonychia may be caused by a lack of essential vitamins, minerals and proteins. Nail plate infection, nail damage, white spots, patches, and longitudinal furrows can all be symptoms of these conditions. Vitamin deficient nails can be treated by eating a healthy diet that includes pork, beans, red meats, dark green vegetables, almond, whey proteins, dairy products and eggs as well as legumes, seeds, fruits, and eggs. Experts recommend taking biotin supplements to improve nail health. Various nail conditions can also be treated with medications and other treatments.
Also Read : 15 Easy Nail Care Tips And Tricks To Try At Home
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