"What Ailment Might Lead to Rotten Fingernails?"
Healthy Nails and Their Common Issues
Healthy nails exhibit a subtle whiteness and possess a certain level of rigidity. However, recurrent manicures or bacterial invasions can disrupt their normal state. If nails thicken, acquire a grayish-black hue, or develop spots, this condition is commonly referred to as "onychomycosis," a fungal infection affecting the nails. Onychomycosis stems from microbial infections and can be promptly restored to health through appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, necrotic nails or those experiencing suppurative infections may be indicative of paronychia. Among the diverse nail ailments, spongy infectious diseases prevail. Nail diseases manifest through discoloration, indentation, and structural damage. This particular infectious disease poses an 80% risk of toenail infection. With proper management, most compromised nails can regenerate into healthy ones.
Symptoms and Causes of Nail Diseases
Nail diseases exhibit various symptoms, including discoloration or spots, pain, redness, and swelling; indentation with ridges or fractures; nail damage; and dark brownish stripes. The underlying causes of nail diseases encompass infections, skin disorders, benign or malignant tumors, and systemic illnesses. Internal factors may also contribute to their development. The most probable causes of nail diseases are:
- Genetic predisposition
- Excessive exposure to water, high temperatures, and humidity
- Wearing tight shoes
- Chemical exposure
- Diabetes
- Skin diseases
- Tumors
- Overly trimming nails
- Habits of frequently picking at the skin surrounding nails
- Soil pollution
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to AIDS
Nutritional Requirements for Maintaining Healthy Nails
Nurturing healthy nails necessitates specific nutrients:
- Silicon is vital for hair, bones, and nails.
- Vitamin B, including riboflavin (B2), B12, and folic acid, aids in preventing nail brittleness when deficient.
- Brewer's yeast is abundant in protein.
- Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are essential for nail growth.
- Vitamin C is associated with hangnails and inflammation of the tissue surrounding nails.
- Protein and amino acids form the fundamental building blocks of nails and are readily absorbed and utilized.
