Table of contents:
- 1. Lack of mineral and vitamin intake
- 2. Clubbing finger syndrome
- 3. Stress
- 4. Bacterial and fungal infections
Fingernails are made of a protein layer called keratin. New nail cells grow under the cuticle, causing the old cells to thicken and harden, then push out toward the fingertips. Unfortunately, not everyone has strong and healthy nails. Fingernails that are soft, brittle, and break easily are common conditions.
Brittle nails are a mirror of a number of problems in the body that you may not have been aware of before. Anything?
1. Lack of mineral and vitamin intake
Nails that are thin and soft that can bend or break are often associated with low levels of zync and iron in the body (anemia). These three minerals have an important role in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein contained in red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, including into the nail matrix. Without adequate mineral intake, healthy nail growth will be disrupted.
Notched nail surface (nail pits) and fragile ends, often found in patients with psoriasis. In addition, inadequate intake of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, folic acid and calcium are common causes of dull and dry nails and break easily.
2. Clubbing finger syndrome
In addition, a lack of oxygen into the nail matrix can cause clubbing (clubbing nails), a condition characterized by the surface of the nail becoming convex and curving, the tip of the nail is rounded with no corners. Lack of oxygen levels in the long term (chronic hypoxia), especially in the periphery of the fingers, will stimulate the brain to dilate the blood vessels in the fingers. This clubbing condition is permanent and indicates the possibility of congenital heart and lung disease.
In addition to heart and lung disorders, this disorder can also be caused by gastrointestinal disorders (malabsorption, Chron's disease, cirrhosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome as a complication of cirrhosis) or hyperthyroidism.
3. Stress
Healthy fingernails generally grow about 1 millimeter per week (twice as fast as toenails) and it takes about six months for the nails to fully grow from the bottom up. Severe stress can speed up nail growth by overpowering its strength. In addition, stress can also trigger a subconscious habit of scratching / rubbing or biting your fingernails, causing the nail pillow to erode. As a result, the nails will become bumpy and brittle when they grow back.
4. Bacterial and fungal infections
Nails are one of the most common dermatological conditions, and most of them are caused by a fungal infection. The fungus will attack the nail bed and surface, especially on the toenails, due to moisture in socks and shoes, a major source of bacteria to breed.
If you are concerned about a change in your nails, be it texture or color, you should consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your nails and compare them to a number of possible causes of various health conditions.
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