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Top Tips for Nail Health
by Peter Field
Are your fingernails embarrassing you?
Judging by the ever growing market for false acrylic nails, it would seem
that many people prefer to hide their nails.
Amazingly, the condition of your fingernails can reveal a clear picture of
your general physical and mental health.
Beau's lines
Horizontal indentations in the nails which travel all the way across can
indicate diabetes or malnutrition amongst other things. The lines can also be
the result of an accident or a previous illness where there was a high fever.
Some find that the lines simply disappear as the nail grows, while others will
have to wait until the nail grows out completely.
Clubbing of the fingertips and nails
Some conditions such as issues with the liver, heart, lungs or bowels can
cause fingertips to grow wider and the nails to curve around them. Named
'clubbing' this condition indicates that a medical check up should be
considered.
Discolored Nails
While most people know that some yellowing of the nails can be caused by
cigarette smoking (yet another reason to stop smoking), discoloring can be the
result of various medical conditions such as chronic bronchitis, especially when
taken in conjunction with other symptoms.
Some respiratory conditions are indicated by all the fingernails being a
dull yellow. Often thicker than normal, the nails have a tendency to grow really
slowly.
Fungal infections or lymphedema (swelling of the hands) could also be the
culprit.
Nails can take on a variety of colors ranging from red and black due to
blood under the nails, to a greenish tinge or even white spots. A doctor's
opinion should be sought for any long term discoloration.
Pitted Nails
Fingernails that have small indentations tend to plague people who suffer
from psoriasis or dermatitis.
Alternately pitting, taken together with hair loss, could indicate alopecia
areata, a condition caused by malfunctioning of the autoimmune system.
Dirty Nails
Nails that constantly have a thick layer of dirt under them show the world
that the person to whom they belong really does not have any respect for
themselves. Generally dirty nails of this type belong to a person who does not
care about their appearance or their health. As such, it could also be a sign of
low self esteem and depression.
Nail biting and picking
Often shown by nails which are very short, the nail biting and picking
habits generally starts in childhood and can often be linked to worry or
insecurity. There are a whole range of products available across the counter
which claim to assist in ending nail biting. Usually, these contain an
unpleasant, bitter-tasting ingredient which is painted onto the nails and
surrounding cuticle.
Without doubt, though, good hypnotherapy is the most effective and easy
treatment for nail picking and biting. Picking the nails can cause long term
trauma, weakening the nails and making them soft and easier to tear and flake.
Often the picker will be unaware that they are doing it. Wearing gloves, when
possible, makes indulging in this habit more difficult. Many people grow out of
these habits as they reach adulthood, however some cannot manage to do so.
When entrenched, both habits can be unresponsive to both will and desire and
in this case external help is usually required. Effective hypnotherapy can help
overcome both of these habits easily and rapidly.
Onycholysis
In appearance onycholysis looks as though the nails, which are opaque, are
detaching from the nail bed.
The nails will easily catch on material or other objects. Instigated by
injury, infection, thyroid issues or reactions to medication, nail products or
even by nails being left to grow too long, this condition tends to be painless,
but should be checked out by a doctor to ascertain any treatment needed.
Spoon nails
This unsightly condition is where the nails grow in a concave manner and the
sides appear to be away from the fingertips. It can be caused by an iron
deficiency. When accompanied by general tiredness, spoon-shaped nails can
indicate anemia. On a lighter note, spoon nails may be the result of a deformity
due to injury and can grow out in time.
Split Nails
Split fingernails can be prevented by regular use of moisturizer and use of
rubber gloves when doing washing up or using chemicals. Nail polish remover can
cause split nails, therefore it is advisable to use it no more than once a week.
Terry's Nails
Nails that have a pearlescent opaque appearance, often combined with a
darker area between this and the white tips are known as Terry's Nails. Some
health issues can be the cause such as heart and liver problems, however the
condition can also be caused by malnutrition or simply old age.
Vertical ridges
Narrow ridges running vertically from the cuticle to the tip of the nail may
indicate a mild dietary deficiency although this can also can be the result of
hereditary factors.
Simply by being aware of the condition of your nails and the messages they
hold, you can ensure a healthy life.
Peter Field is a leading British hypnotherapist with
clinics in Birmingham & London, England. He is Fellow of the Royal Society of
Health & Member of the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy. His
nail biting download & CD is now available. For info on
hypnotherapy for nailbiting please visit Peter Field Hypnotherapy
UK |
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