Health

Do You’ve Striped Nails? See The Health Implications

Published

3 months ago

Jan 7, 2025.

Stripped nails, or nails with vertical or horizontal lines, can have various causes
You can prevent nail stripe by eating balance diet

Nails are an often-overlooked aspect of our overall health. Primarily composed of keratin, the same protein that forms our hair, nails can provide insightful information about our well-being by showcasing visible changes.

Eko Hot Blog reports that one such indicator is the appearance of stripes, or nail ridges and discolorations. While seemingly innocuous, these lines may signal underlying health conditions.

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Striped nails can manifest in several ways, including:

1. Vertical Ridges (Longitudinal Striations): These are thin, raised lines that can be seen from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. They are often common and often associated with aging.

2. Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines): These are depressions that run across the width of the nail. They may indicate a disruption in nail growth.

3. Discolored Stripes: These can range from white to dark brown or black and might appear as a single stripe or multiple bands.

4. Muehrcke’s Lines: These are white, paired lines that do not move as the nail grows. They can be a sign of specific health conditions.

Understanding the type of stripe on your nails is the first step in identifying potential causes.

Causes of Striped Nails

Stripped nails, or nails with vertical or horizontal lines, can have various causes. Some of the common causes include:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, protein, zinc, or iron can lead to stripped nails.

Do You've Striped Nails? See The Health Implications

• Trauma or injury: Physical damage to the nails or nail beds can cause stripes or lines to appear.

• Medication: Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics, can cause stripped nails as a side effect.

• Infections: Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections can trigger nail discolorations or stripes.

• Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease may manifest through stripped nails.

Diagnosing Striped Nails

If you notice unusual stripes on your nails, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some steps typically involved in the evaluation:

1. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your health history, medications, and any recent illnesses or trauma.

2. Physical Examination: They will examine your nails closely and may check other parts of your body for related symptoms.

3. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests might be conducted to check for nutritional deficiencies or systemic conditions.

4. Biopsy: In cases of melanonychia, a biopsy may be performed to rule out melanoma.

Preventing Nail Stripes

While some causes of striped nails are beyond your control, such as aging or genetic predisposition, others can be mitigated through proactive measures:

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support nail health.

2. Practice Nail Hygiene: Keep nails clean, trimmed, and moisturized.

3. Avoid Nail Trauma: Be gentle with your nails and avoid biting them.

4. Monitor Medication Side Effects: Inform your doctor about any changes in nail appearance during treatment.

5. Regular Checkups: Visit a healthcare provider regularly to catch potential health issues early.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While striped nails are often harmless, certain signs warrant medical attention:

1. Sudden Appearance: If stripes appear suddenly without an apparent cause.

2. Dark Stripes: Especially if they are uneven, widening, or associated with pain.

3. Additional Symptoms: Such as fatigue, weight loss, or changes in skin or hair.

EkoHotBlog

Do You’ve Striped Nails? See The Health Implications

Health

Do You’ve Striped Nails? See The Health Implications

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FURTHER READING

EkoHotBlog

Do You’ve Striped Nails? See The Health Implications

EDITOR’S PICK

FURTHER READING

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