Why is the dead part of the skin, the nail, so important? Dermatologists call it a window to assess one’s health status. They may be dead, but what lies underneath it shows whether you are in the pink or not.
The pinkish tinge of nails points to robust health, while a yellowish tan or whitish discolouration or dark lines indicate that there is definitely something wrong with the body metabolism. It could be a liver disorder or a kidney problem or may be some other malfunction for which one has to consult a physician.
Nailing the problem
Most people are clueless about what needs to be done when something goes wrong with their nails. Dr. Chander Grover, professor of dermatology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, says that some common problems being reported at clinics include ingrown toe nails and their discolouration, mostly due to the use of wrong footwear.
High-heeled footwear alters the angle of the foot to the ground, thus exerting pressure on the toes, said Dr. Grover, an onychologist (one who treats problems of nails).
If shoes have pointed ends, the pressure from nails on the inner skin and its high-pressure contact with the footwear affect the growth of nails. In such heeled footwear, it is better to have an open toe box. However, it is always better to wear footwear where the pressure on the feet is balanced. It is also good to wear footwear which is not too tight, she added.
A lot of cosmetics are involved in keeping beautiful fingernails. While nail polish is not a bad idea, there are people who are allergic to certain chemicals contained in nail paints, said Dr. Grover. There are also gel nails and acrylic nails, now available as artificial nails. While gel nails can be considered safer, the acrylic variety, which is attached by pushing back the cuticle of the nail, interferes with the natural formation of the nail plate.
Even while grooming nails, one needs to be careful about not cutting them too close to the skin. A bit of the nail end has to be left out as a protection to the skin on the fingers. The skin on the fingers is among the most sensitive which helps a person feel.
Dr. Grover, who gave the Dr. B.M. Ambady Oration at the ongoing 46th national conference of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists here, has worked on nail biopsy too.
