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Fingernail health can be reflective of a person’s overall health.
Nails should be hard, uniform in color, and without any chips or breaks.
Fingernail changes may be from a vitamin deficiency, injury, or an infection.
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How Healthy Fingernails Look and Feel
Healthy fingernails are shiny, smooth, and consistent in color.
The nail should not be broken or cracked.
The nails should feel firm throughout.
The cuticles should be intact and free from irritation and redness.
The changes may happen slowly over time or can occur abruptly.
The skin may appear red and swollen.
Nail Biting and Nail Health
Nail bitingis a common habit that can be hard to break.
It may seem harmless, but nail biting can lead to several issues.
It typically affects toenails but can be seen in fingernails.
It is afungal infectionin the nail bed from a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
It causes the nail to become thick, yellowed, and the nail can separate from the nail bed.
Retinoids or exposure tonail polish removercan cause nails to dry and become brittle.
Brittle nails are likely to split and break.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection of the nail fold skin.
This is the skin on the side of the nails, where the nail meets the skin.
The area can become reddened, swollen, and painful.
Green Nail Syndrome
Green nail syndrome is a nail condition due to a fungal infection from thePseudomonasfungus.
Green nail syndrome gets its name from how the nail turns a greenish color.
Onycholysis
Onycholysisis a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed.
Nail Health and Vitamin Deficiencies
Poor nail health can be linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Healthy nail care includes:
Treatments for Nail Conditions
Nail treatment will vary based on the condition.
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