Nail health: what to look out for
Changes in colour, texture a warning, writes Viwe Ndongeni
NAIL changes can be important indicators of our overall health and may also be a desperate communication that your body needs your urgent attention.
It could be anything, from spoonshaped nails, indicating iron deficiency; chronic liver disease, which turns the nails opaque-white; and vertical ridges – a harmless consequence of ageing.
If you have yellow nails, it may be anything from a fungal infection to something less serious.
Before you start panicking, or trying to book a manicure to hide your nails, we caught up with podiatrist Christian Olivier from “Treating your Sole” to find out how to combat it.
One of the common reasons for yellow nails is caused by trauma – from bumping, stubbing or breaking the nail, he says.
It will make the nail appear yellowish as the nail has lifted off the nail bed, as if the nail has lost its source of nourishment and therefore dries and changes colour. He compares it to when a leaf of a tree falls off; it will dry and change colour.
Another reason for the change in colour is nail fungus, says Olivier. Various fungal organisms affecting the nail and the nail bed can make the nail turn yellowish. The discolouration will depend on the type of fungal organism. A fungal nail infection may occur from the overgrowth of fungus in, under, or on the nail.
Fungi mostly thrive and overpopulate in warm, moist environments – just as the jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause infections.
Overuse of nail varnish is another common cause of yellowish nails, as are nail varnish removers. Colouring your nails in a dark colour regularly may also lead to discolouration of the toenails.
Different methods can be used to combat the yellowish colour – professional help, and home remedies. Podiatrist Andy Blecher recommends these treatments to help with the discolouration and fungal nail infections.
If you suspect a fungal or toenail infection, see a podiatrist who can accurately make a diagnosis and treat it.
Fungal infections can be treated with oral and topical medication. The latest, most successful, treatment is laser treatment by a podiatrist specifically trained to administer it, says Blecher.
Make sure your beautician is sterilising, disinfecting files and clippers etc between clients, as many of these infections are spread in these environments, she says.
There are over-the-counter products for fungal infections, but these should be used with caution and under the guidance of a podiatrist.
If you love nail polish, you might need to give your nails a break from polish through the winter months, as it might help with discolouration.
The right pair of shoes also makes a difference. “Make sure your shoes are fitting correctly and there is enough toe box space as tight shoes can damage nails.”
Unfortunately, if a nail is damaged due to trauma and the root of the nail is damaged, this can be permanent and there is no treatment for this, says Blecher.
“Prevention is the cure which is the message that needs to be put out there.”
Prevention is the cure to nail infections and discolouration, is the message from podiatrists