Why Do Nails Grow From the Bottom and Not From the Top?
If you’ve ever wondered why your nails grow from the bottom, it’s not because you’ve contracted a systemic disease. Instead, your nails grow under the skin at the proximal end, called the epidermis. Fortunately, this is a perfectly normal age-related change. But there are other causes of your nail’s strange growth pattern.
Signs of systemic disease
The condition of yellowing fingernails can be a sign of various illnesses, including lymphatic and pulmonary diseases and hereditary disorders. When nails become clubbed, they may also indicate heart, lung, or sinus disease. Occasionally, these nails may be clubbed due to artery disease or an infection. The symptoms of these diseases are different, so a physician should be consulted for any signs of systemic disease when nails grow from the bottom and not from the top.
The most common condition associated with systemic diseases is the development of Beau’s lines on the nails. This condition makes it difficult to differentiate between the cause of the infection and the pin itself. This condition can be a symptom of heart disease, syphilis, pneumonia, or another illness and is often caused by trauma to the nail’s matrix. A physician should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible to diagnose this condition.
Diagnosis is usually possible through a careful examination of the patient’s nails. Newborns typically have thin nails and a triangular nail plate. The nail plate is light, causing minor forces to push down the lateral folds. This overlapping of lateral folds usually occurs without inflammation. Lovibond’s angle between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate is also affected, resulting in clubbing. Ultimately, clubbing can lead to the appearance of a clock glass.
Often, the color of the fingernails will change due to the condition. A nail may be unusually white or even black, which can signal the presence of systemic diseases. A symptom of leukocytosis is white dots or spots on the nails, indicating various conditions. Some of these conditions are hereditary, so you should seek medical advice immediately.
Normal age-related change
The nail is composed of translucent and flattened plates of keratin. Our nails are essential tools for gripping and manipulating small objects. As we age, the rate of fingernail growth slows down. Until the age of 60, male fingernails grow faster than females, but after 80, they are equal. Age-related change in nails is a common thing in the elderly population.
Although spoon-shaped nails are regular, they can also indicate other health conditions, including iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, or Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Low iron levels can be detected through a blood test, and treatment can be applied. Regardless of the cause of your spoon-shaped nails, visit your doctor to rule out any of these conditions.
Signs of autoimmune disorder
When your nails grow downward instead of upward, it could signify an autoimmune disorder. Generally associated with psoriatic arthritis, this condition is a sign of RA. Symptoms of this condition include swelling and the sensation of a sponge in the finger. Your nails could also be clubbed, a symbol of scleroderma or lupus.
How to Improve My Nail Health?
If you want healthy nails, you must pay special attention to your nutrition. Vitamins and minerals are essential, but you also need to avoid harsh chemicals and limit exposure to water. You can also take oral supplements to ensure that you’re getting the proper nutrition. Vitamin deficiencies may be the cause of weak nails. Consult a doctor if you suspect that you lack these essential nutrients. If the problem persists, a blood test can help identify the cause.
Vitamins and minerals
Despite the numerous claims on supplements that strengthen your nails, a regular diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is the most effective way to achieve healthy nails. Not only does nail health reflect the overall health of your body, but your pins also show signs of the type of food you eat. Iron-rich foods, such as meat and poultry, provide the body with the required iron. A diet high in iron-rich foods is beneficial for your nails. Iron-rich foods are also good sources of vitamin C, which increases iron absorption.
For example, vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is essential for protein and fat metabolism. It is also associated with the production of DNA and neurological function. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to changes in the nails, so it is essential to boost your vitamin B12 intake. While it is not as familiar as vitamin B12 deficiency, some people suffer from low nutrient levels.
For healthy nails, you need to incorporate Vitamin C into your diet. Vitamin C is crucial in the production of collagen, which gives the shape and strength of our body’s tissues. It is also found in our hair and teeth. Lack of vitamin C can result in brittle nails and slowed nail growth. To get your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, eat various foods rich in Vitamin C, including red and green bell peppers, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and kiwi. Some fruits and vegetables also contain Vitamin C, such as tomatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Besides vitamin B12, folate also contributes to healthy nails. It plays a vital role in red blood cell production. It also helps the body absorb iron. Therefore, this vitamin deficiency can lead to blue or bluish-black pigments on the nails. Folate is essential for nail health as it helps to produce red blood cells and transport oxygen to the nails. These nutrients help maintain the overall health of the body.
Proper nutrition
If you have weak or discolored nails, you may lack certain nutrients that are crucial for healthy nails. For example, you may be deficient in zinc or vitamin B12. You can remedy this problem by increasing your daily protein intake with lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and fortified cereals. If these measures do not improve your nails, you should discuss them with your doctor. This doctor will prescribe a diet rich in protein and zinc to improve nail health.
In addition to eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, you should also include more fiber in your diet. Nail growth and strength are closely related to your overall health, and your body prioritizes vital organs over minor bodily processes. Adding more fiber, fruits, and vegetables to your diet will strengthen your nails. Your body will thank you! You can start improving your nail health today. Just follow the tips in this article, and you’ll be on your way to healthy nails in no time.
Eating a diet rich in essential fatty acids can strengthen and moisturize your nails. However, if you’re not already getting enough of these essential fatty acids, you may be promoting the growth of brittle, dry, and yellowish fingernails. Fish is one of the healthiest animal protein sources, and you can find them in many different varieties, including salmon, tuna, white fish, shrimp, and crab. Remember to limit the amount of fish that contain high mercury levels, as these can weaken your nails.
It’s also essential to take in protein, including the renowned hemp seed protein. Hemp seeds contain high amounts of protein and iron. If your nails are brittle, you may be lacking in iron. Iron deficiency can lead to ridges and brittle nails. It’s best to get enough vitamin B12 daily in your diet to avoid this problem. In addition to animal proteins, you can eat lots of nuts and whole grains for a healthy diet rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Limiting exposure to water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for nail care, limiting exposure to water. The constant change in water content causes cells to expand and contract, causing them to become weaker. Limiting water exposure to 24 hours after applying nail polish is essential to avoid premature chipping. Wearing gloves while working with water is another way to prevent damage to your nails. Drying your nails after applying polish is also essential in nail care.
Another key to good nail health is eating high in protein foods. The nails contain collagen peptides and protein obtained from foods like eggs, poultry, and fish. Other good protein sources are nuts, legumes, and dairy products like cheese. Limiting exposure to water is also essential during cold seasons. Wear warm gloves and mittens when outside in cold weather. This way, your nails won’t become as dry as your hands.
Avoiding harsh chemicals
Various studies have shown that environmental assaults, prolonged exposure to water, and harsh chemicals such as nail polish removers have detrimental effects on nail health. In 2005, doctors in Ireland discovered the earliest signs of osteoporosis in nails. Nails and bones contain the same disulfide bond, and in people with osteoporosis, the amount of disulfide bond is decreased. Hence, using nail polish removers more than twice a month can harm nail health.
Besides preventing your nails from becoming damaged by chemical exposures, you should avoid using hand sanitizers, weakening your nails. In addition to that, you should avoid letting cleaning products come in contact with your nails, as they usually contain chemicals that can harm your skin and nails. To protect your nails, wear rubber gloves while using these products. Additionally, prolonged exposure to water can soften your nails, causing them to break more easily.
Another way to improve your nail health is to limit nail polish remover, as these contain toxic chemicals. You can also avoid acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, which can dry your nails and cause them to become brittle. Avoiding such chemicals is a good start for better nail health and benefits your whole body. It’s important to remember that harsh chemicals can affect your nails, so you should always consult your healthcare provider before using polish remover.
Before and after working with any chemical, wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure to wear goggles and appropriate disposable gloves for nail salon work. Vinyl or latex gloves are best for acetone. Replace gloves that are damaged or stained as soon as possible. These chemicals can penetrate the skin more quickly if not adequately replaced. A damaged glove can increase your exposure to chemicals. If you’re not sure whether or not a product has any of these chemicals, check the SDS.
Protecting your nails from brittleness
You can prevent nail brittleness by moisturizing them daily. Make sure to use a product containing petrolatum or glycerin, as these effectively soften the skin and nails. Using plain Vaseline or Aquaphor is also a good option. Urea is another effective ingredient that softens the skin and nails. Try using nail gels that contain this ingredient to prevent brittleness.
If you notice a yellow discoloration on your fingernails, it may signify a health problem. In addition to nail brittleness, yellow discoloration may indicate a fungus or bruising. If you see the discoloration is not clearing up within a few days, you should visit a doctor to rule out other potential issues.
Besides avoiding nail-damaging agents, you can also prevent brittleness by increasing your protein intake. Consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables can help in preventing brittleness. A dehydrated body can also lead to brittle nails, so drink enough water throughout the day. A healthy diet includes a wide variety of protein, fruits, and vegetables. If your diet lacks these nutrients, you should consider consulting a doctor.
