White spots on the nails, contrary to popular belief, do not indicate a poor supply of minerals. How to actually interpret nail changes, explains dermatologist Gregory Goldin.
White spots on the nails
For a long time, they were associated with a supposed calcium deficiency, but such spots are actually air pockets that appear most often due to minor injuries. From a cosmetic point of view, white stripes and dots on the nails, but in fact they are completely harmless.
Yellow spots and pits
Brownish-yellow, oil-like spots can appear on the plates. Also with psoriasis, depressions may appear on the surface of the nails. Upon noticing these signs, you should see a specialist.
Spoon shape The nail plate becomes sunken like a groove, curving inward and visually resembling a spoon – such a change is known as coilonychia.
The shape of the spoon
The nail plate becomes sunken like a groove, curving inward and visually resembling a spoon – such a change is known as coilonychia. The trigger for it is usually iron deficiency, anemia. Needless to say, these problems should definitely be addressed?
Brittleness
If nails become too thin and brittle, it is often due to a lack of minerals in the diet. But brittle nails can also indicate thyroid problems, so you need to watch for other possible signs of gland dysfunction.
Yellowish, thickened nails
A common such change is caused by a fungal infection, which, in turn, may indicate a weakened immune system or impaired circulation. Causes of such a disorder can be atherosclerosis (the multiplication of cholesterol plaques inside the arteries and blood vessels) or diabetes. Nail fungus needs to be treated urgently. At the same time, the cause that caused the fungal infection must be found out.
