Nails are essential to us for many reasons, like making our hands look better. Our nail is made of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. It grows from the area that is under your cuticle. Fingernails can predict the overall well-being of a person because they are made up of the same thing as skin which is keratin. If there's any problem within your body, such as deficiencies of vitamin or hormonal imbalance, this will show on your nail before any other parts of your body. If you don't take care of your fingernails, they can have yeast or bacterial infections. Daily health care results in healthy fingernails.

Fingernail abnormalities

You have to see a doctor if you have these on your fingernails:

• Discolouration.
• Changes in the shape of the nail.
• Changes in its thickness.
• If your fingernails become brittle.
• Bleeding around your fingernails.
• Pain around your fingernails.

Types of fingernail diseases 

Beau's lines - The depression that runs across your fingernail is called beau's line. It indicates malnourishment, peripheral vascular disease and zinc deficiency.

Clubbing - It happens when your fingernails become thick and curve around your fingertips. It indicates diseases like AIDS, cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases.

Spooning - It happens when fingernails have raised scoop and ridges outwards. It indicates an iron deficiency, heart disease, lupus erythematosus and raynaud's disease.

White spots - They are non-uniform spots and lines. It is usually the result of minor trauma and is harmless.

Mees lines - These are transverse lines of white colour. This can be a result of arsenic poisoning. If you have these lines, then it's better to see a doctor.

Onycholysis - It happens when the nail plate is separated from the nail bed and causes white discolouration. It indicates psoriasis and thyroid disease.

Pitting - They are small depressions in the nail. It is seen in people who have psoriasis.

Terry's nail - Each nail has a dark colour band. This could happen due to ageing but can also be a symptom of diabetes, liver disease and congestive heart failure. 

Puffy nail fold - It is a chronic condition which causes redness, inflammation, and swelling of the skin folds. It is usually the result of allergens, but it can also be caused by fungus.

Ways to improve your nail

• A proper nutritious diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help you maintain your fingernails' health.
• Biotin is a natural vitamin in foods like eggs, legumes and salmon. It helps to support your hair and fingernails.
• If you are not hydrated enough, then your fingernails can become damaged. So, take plenty of fluid.
• Avoid things like gel and acrylic nails.
• Keep your fingernails short because shorter fingernails are less likely to be damaged.
• Use lotion more often because it keeps your fingernails hydrated.
• Wear gloves while cleaning products because they contain chemicals that might damage your fingernails.

For most people, nail health indicates low nutritional intake because it is closely related to our body functions. Not taking care of your fingernails can result in significant problems. By following these tips, you can maintain your fingernail health because your fingernails are supposed to be smooth and free from brittles and spots.