Sunny Health

Our nails pay an important role in making an impression as their condition give subtle messages to about us. Poorly-groomed nails suggest that we are perhaps not very meticulous in our work.
Even if you’re donning a neatly pressed outfit, matching shoes and stylish bags, topped off with immaculate make-up, ugly nails can ruin your image, in the same way that brownish teeth of a habitual smoker does.
Unfortunately, we tend to neglect that our nails require daily care. As such, nails get uneven and dry cuticles and dirt accumulate, passing off the message that we’re dirty and untidy, regardless of how gorgeous our outfit can be.
Hence, many women and some men are turning to manicure and pedicure parlours to beautify their hands and feet, or purchasing DIY kits for trimming cuticles and applying nail polish. However, by directly exposing our nails to so many chemicals, our nails weaken over time, breaking, peeling or in the worst case scenario, to dropping off completely!
What exactly makes up a nail? Well, a nail is a hardened form of protein that protects the nail bed and enhances the sensibility of our fingertips.
Physical damage done to our nails through constant usage of nail polish or interaction with strong chemicals like washing detergents can lead to peeling of our nails. Chemicals like washing detergents, nail polish removers, nail polish and nail glue contain acetone that can dry out our nails, leaving them brittle.
More importantly, damaged, discoloured nails suggest heath problems. We must pay attention to our nails to  ensure that we are in the pink of health.

The flesh under our nails are by nature pinkish. Very pale nails may be a sign of illness, such as:
• Anaemia
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition

One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate more serious conditions such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.


If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown.

Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.



Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.


While you may think nothing about habitual nail biting, it could be a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting and picking have also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can't stop, you should see a doctor.



Women who work most of the time with their hands and feet soaked in water and detergents are more likely to get infected with green nails.While it poses no immediate hazard, it can lead to swelling and pain, and damage to the nail. Fortunately, this isn't hard to get rid of. You can go to the pharmacy to get a precription in the form of creams and solutions to apply over it. A vinegar is also a commonly recommended home remedy for mild infections, which involves you soaking the infected nails in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes daily. However, if you see no improvement in your condition, do seek professional help.

Nail problems should not be ignored.  Many people take to nail polish or manicures to cover up discoloured or cracked nails. This is wrong as you may worsen the problem with the chemicals. Remember, beauty comes from within too. Hiding the problem does not make it go away. See a doctor if you must to set it right.

Written By: Veronica Tay

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/peeling-fingernails/
http://skincare.about.com/od/skincarefaqs/f/PeelingNails.htm
http://dermatology.about.com/cs/nailanatomy/a/nailanatomy.htm