Nail Unevenness
Unevenness on the surface of nails may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Typically, nails may change color, and the skin underneath may appear dark red. Psoriasis is a skin condition, and 10% of psoriasis cases start from the nails.
Nail Breakage
Nail breakage or splitting is often caused by repeated exposure to alternating wet and dry conditions, commonly seen in women, and in children who play in water, mud, and sand. Sometimes, it can also be seen in hormonal disorders, liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, etc. If nails are both brittle and yellowish, it’s more likely to be a fungal infection.
Nail Fold Swelling
Obvious redness and swelling of the nail fold (the skin folds covering the base of the nail) are signs of nail fold inflammation. It commonly occurs due to improper nail trimming or excessive scrubbing, leading to paronychia caused by bacterial or fungal infections, or it may also result from lupus or another connective tissue disorder.
Dark Stripes Beneath the Nail
If dark stripes appear beneath the nails, early examination is necessary. Sometimes, they could be caused by the most dangerous skin disease—melanoma.
Nail Biting
Biting fingernails may be a manifestation of long-term anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you find it difficult to stop yourself from doing so, consider seeking treatment from a professional doctor at the hospital clinic.
While changes in nails can be associated with many conditions, these changes often aren’t the initial signs of disease. Many nail abnormalities are harmless, and not all individuals with white nails have hepatitis. If you’re very concerned about the appearance of your nails, consider consulting a dermatologist.
