When marks appear on your nails or deformities, it may indicate that something is not right with your health. Or even Covid-19.
Naturally, the nails have a transparent white appearance with a pink base. However, in some cases marks may appear on the nails, making it necessary to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner for examinations. The doctor will evaluate your case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Furthermore, these marks on the nails may be part of the natural aging process, or the result of an injury. On the other hand, it could be a sign of some illness. For example, vitamin deficiency, hormonal changes, fungal infections, diabetes, heart and lung disease or cancer. Or even Covid-19.
In short, the appearance of these marks on the nails occurs at the expense of health problems that affect oxygenation in the body. Furthermore, they also affect the growth and development process of nails. Soon, several marks appear on the nails, changing the shape, color and resistance.
Types of nail marks
1- Marks on the nails can be a sign of Covid-19
With the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists carried out several studies and analyzed the patterns of symptoms of the virus in the body. At first, symptoms such as loss of smell, taste, dry cough and sore throat prevail. However, new studies have discovered that marks can also appear on the nails.
Furthermore, the scientist who carried out the study was Tim Spector, through the ZOE COVID Symptom Study application. In summary, this application tracks recurring symptoms in more than 4 million users around the world. Given this, he concluded that several people had marks on their nails as one of the symptoms. However, Tim Spector stated that several infectious diseases can cause this symptom.
On the other hand, a study of a 45-year-old man was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Finally, this man claimed the presence of marks on his fingernails and toenails three and a half months after being diagnosed with Covid-19. So, according to this study, brands can appear months after contagion. They are generally harmless and disappear over time.
2 – Dry and brittle
Nails that break or chip easily are related to the natural aging of the nails. However, they can also be the result of allergies to products such as nail polish, detergents, soaps and cleaning products.
On the other hand, it could be a deficiency of iron, folic acid, vitamins A, B12 or C. Since, they are the ones that produce the protein that guarantees strength and resistance to the nails. Furthermore, it also protects against diseases such as psoriasis, ringworm, hyperthyroidism or anemia.
Therefore, in these cases it is important to avoid using products that cause allergic reactions. And, give your nails a rest, avoiding manicures for 2 weeks. However, if these marks remain on your nails, you need to consult a dermatologist. Therefore, he will evaluate and recommend the appropriate treatment.
3 – Nails with white spots
White nail marks represent a condition called leukonychia. Initially, it appears due to local trauma, such as blows to a wall or door. On the other hand, hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle can also cause these spots.
In short, white spots are not a sign of illness. However, they can arise with the use of diseases such as vitiligo and leprosy, or some antibiotics.
Therefore, for these stains on your nails to disappear, it takes time for them to grow healthy. But, if they persist for a long time, you need to consult a dermatologist.
4 – Yellow spots
Yellowish marks on the nails represent the presence of health problems in elderly people. Or also, the effect of some medications on the body, such as antibiotics, or contact with cleaning products, and cigarette smoke.
Furthermore, it can also occur due to excessive intake of carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Furthermore, they can arise as a result of fungal infections, causing onychomycosis, or due to diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or bronchitis.
Therefore, it is essential to seek medical help to treat it properly.
5 – Blue nails
The bluish marks on the nails are caused by low or lack of oxygen in the blood. In this aspect, the membrane beneath the skin turns purple. Furthermore, this condition is called cyanosis, and it is common to occur in cold temperatures.
However, it can also be a consequence of circulatory problems. For example, Raynaud’s disease, respiratory changes such as emphysema, asthma or pneumonia or cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure.
Therefore, in these cases it is necessary to use gloves to warm up. Or, if it persists along with respiratory crises, seek medical help so that the problem can be resolved quickly.
6 – Reddish nails
Reddish marks on nails can be a sign of inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses or yeast. Furthermore, they arise due to trauma, such as removing cuticles, bruises, or ingrown toenails.
Therefore, this condition is called paronychia. Furthermore, some cases can cause the formation of pus on the edges of the nails.
On the other hand, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, can also be the cause of red nails. Therefore, consult a dermatologist so that he or she can recommend the correct antibiotics for the treatment.
7 – Greenish nails
Green nails, also known as green nail syndrome, result from an infection generated by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, it can appear on toenails and fingernails.
They generally do not cause pain, but the skin around the nail may become swollen, painful and red. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist and start the treatment he recommends.
8 – Marks on the nails: dark lines
In short, melanonychia happens when dark lines appear on the nails. Furthermore, it is more common in people with dark skin. However, it can also arise due to the common use of medications, such as antibiotics or zidovudine.
In short, these lines can be brown, black or gray in color, running from the base of the nail to the top. And when they develop over time, it may be a sign of melanin production. That is, a pigment that provides color to the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to see a dermatologist to treat the problem properly.
9 – Wavy nails
Wavy nails occur due to the aging of the body, common in elderly people. However, it can also occur due to skin diseases, which make the nails dry.
For example, psoriasis, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and lupus. Therefore, when you have these marks on your nails, look for a dermatologist to treat them.
10 – Marks on the nails: rounded
Rounded nails, with curved fingertips, can form slowly over time. Therefore, it is possible that many people do not notice this transformation. Therefore, they worsen over time, and begin to swell and cause discomfort.
In short, this can occur due to low oxygenation in the blood, resulting from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Or, due to liver disease, intestinal inflammation or HIV infection.
Therefore, make an appointment with a general practitioner so that he can evaluate and order tests. Therefore, he will analyze your situation, find the source of the problem and recommend the correct treatment.
11 – Nails facing upwards
Marks on the nails that point upwards, known as koilonychia, represent a condition in which the nails protrude outward like a spoon. Furthermore, they usually occur as a sign that blood circulation is not reaching the center of the nail as it should.
Therefore, it represents a symptom of a lack of iron, heart problems or hypothyroidism. Therefore, see a dermatologist or general practitioner to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
12 – A peeling nail
Nail detachment is called onycholysis, it can be partial or total detachment of the nails on the toe or hand. Furthermore, it is common to occur due to wearing tight shoes, excessive cleaning of nails or allergies to cleaning products.
On the other hand, it can also be the result of fungal infection, diseases such as psoriasis or hyperthyroidism, or the use of certain medications such as captopril or retinoids.
Therefore, avoid wearing tight shoes or over-cleaning your nails. Also, avoid direct contact with cleaning products, use gloves to handle.
However, if this displacement does not improve, consult a dermatologist so that he or she can recommend the most appropriate treatment.
So, if you liked this article, read also: How to strengthen your nails – Main care + homemade recipes.
