Fingernail Lines

Posted in: Uncategorized by weddingcometrue | August 28th 2009 | no comments

Ever since 400 BC Hippocrates discovered that the nails reflect the condition of one’s body. Changes in the appearance of fingernails can be the first sign of an undiagnosed medical problem such as a respiratory disorder, iron deficiency, anemia or a thyroid disease. Such signs as ridges in the fingernails, discoloration, and changes in the contours of the nail base can be important signs of illness.

Fingernail Lines can be of two types: horizontal and longitudinal and each can symbolize different diseases and insufficiencies. Horizontal Fingernail Lines can indicate various diseases, although this is not always the case. They start from one side of the nail lengthwise across to the other side. One particular type of horizontal line that may indicate underlying illness is called Beau’s lines. They may be associated with traumas, acute severe illness, malnutrition, major metabolic condition, chemotherapy or another damaging event and can be the result of any interruption in the protein formation of the nail plate. Longitudinal Fingernail Lines may symbolize various diseases or symptoms of some diseases such as a kidney disorder, anemia or a tendency to develop arthritis. There can also be due to aging, iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and minerals or even the thyroid disease.

Both horizontal and longitudinal Fingernail Lines can be the cause of diseases but can also appear due to aging or bad nutrition. Longitudinal lines are normal only for dark skinned persons and longitudinal striations can occur as a normal part of the aging process. Longitudinal striations are accentuated ridges in the nails surface that can occur in the case of elder people. Horizontal lines are usually not a case of concern, although it would be advisable to see a doctor if they are very obvious since they can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or other underlying disease. In some rare cases, horizontal Fingernail Lines can be a sign of arsenic poisoning.

To conclude, Lines in Fingernails are in fact another barometer of our body’s health that alerts us about some disease or insufficiency that goes on inside. The best way to resolve these lines is to see a doctor that can put the proper diagnosis to your problem. There are many ways to eliminate these lines but to be sure that there is nothing to worry about the first step is to see your nail technician and your doctor and then to change your diet because the doctor will know if you are suffering from a disease or you just have some insufficiencies.