Our toenails and fingernails are sometimes trying to draw our attention to a dysfunction in the body. Explanations:
It’s a tiny plate of keratin, barely two centimeters square, found on the tips of our fingers and toes, the nail. If he can scratch, pull something, or even scratch himself, he can also become fragile and transform his appearance. In most cases, the abuse of cosmetics, shaking, excessive contact with moisture and water are the basis of its changed appearance, assures dermatologist Sophie Göttmann, who specializes in nail medicine and surgery. But in other cases, a change in the color, texture or even growth of the nail can be a sign of illness and therefore should alert its owner. Details.
Dermatological and emotional cause
Over time, the surface may naturally develop grooves and layers forming vertical surface lines. If the latter deepen and are accompanied by nail thinning, then we can suspect a dermatological and inflammatory pathology, or rather, lichen, says Dr. Sophie Götmann, who is also an author and illustrator. Your nails, a whole world (1). Detachment of nails with the same vein is observed in patients with psoriasis.
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According to the doctor, these two dermatological conditions (most often seen on the nails) are very often caused by emotional shocks. “Stress, severe anxiety, and any nervous effects can trigger lichen or psoriasis,” she confirms. The opposite is also possible. These manifested pathologies disturb the patient on a social and psychological level.
A sign of dissatisfaction.
Nail coloring should also attract attention. It is usually pink due to the play of transparency between the plate and the bed on which it rests. But it happens that small spots or white lines colonize the space. Contrary to popular opinion, their appearance is not an indicator of calcium deficiency. “It is related to the disruption of the formation of keratin, a fibrous protein that ensures the strength of the nail,” explains the dermatologist. It occurs in response to microtrauma during excessive manicures, such as when we push back and replace the cuticle, the nail seal. One day they will disappear. A healthcare professional wants to be reassuring. “these spots are temporary, regrowth will remove them.”
Stress, severe anxiety and any nervous consequences can cause skin disease
Sophie Göttmann, dermatologist, specializing in nail medicine and surgery
If calcium is not involved in strengthening the nail, other dietary deficiencies, however, can dull the color and increase the risk of cracks and breaks. “Vegetarian and especially vegan diets, which exclude animal proteins from the plate, a source of amino acids and iron, lead to deficiencies as well as severe anorexia. But if a person keeps a varied diet, it is enough to provide the necessary needs for nail renewal,” says Dr. Sophie Goetman.
Rare cases to watch out for
Some nail deviations are spectacular and make you want to see a professional. Starting with a yellowed nail or fingernail. If we suspect mycosis for the first time, there are other explanations for this abnormal coloring. Among the most common ones, we find that thickening of the nails, particularly of the toes, is related to microtrauma or even external factors; the use of cigarettes for coloring the index and middle fingers or the permanent application of colored varnish without a base. More rarely, this manifestation may reflect the so-called “yellow nails” syndrome. “This mysterious disease makes the nails very thick, very yellow and slows their growth. It is attributed to ENT or pulmonary disease: chronic sinusitis, bronchial dilatation, chronic infection,” explains the dermatologist.
And when the nail turns black, as a general rule, the phenomenon is caused by a hematoma associated with a blow, sometimes a narrow shoe or even a pigmented fungus. “It’s usually benign, but in very rare cases, a vertical black line that widens and changes over time can reveal early melanoma. If it is taken on time, it is curable,” assures Dr. Sophie Goetman.
Finally, isolated cases of vascular disorders are likely to alter nail physiology. “Endocarditis, a chronic infection of the heart valves, gives the tips of the fingers a concave, rounded appearance, like a watch glass,” says the specialist. In case of concern, the patient is invited to consult a chiropodist-podiatrist, a general practitioner, and to consult a dermatologist for discoloration or irregular lesions.
(1) Your nails, a whole world, written and illustrated by Sophie Göttmann, published by Acte Sud, 352 pages, €21.50.
Source: Le Figaro
