Nail Analysis Flashcards
Nail structure
Nails can reflect the systemic and local medical history, as well as general lifestyle over the previous four–six months.Young children have a fast growth rate of about three months.
*Nail function is formed of three main structures:
1.The nail plate —a keratinised structure which continues to grow throughout life.
2.The nail bed —this is the vascular bed that is responsible for nail growth and support.
3.The cuticle —the epidermal layer between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate.
White nails
- Can be caused by anaemia, oedema, or vascular conditions.
- Apply gentle pressure to the nail bed and release. If it takes more than two seconds for the redness to reappear, it suggests anaemia.
- Consider the following possibilitiesif it fits with the client’s history:
- anaemia
- renal failure.
- liver cirrhosis
- chemotherapy treatment.
White spots
White spots like paint are linked to calcium, zinc or silicadeficiency / insufficiency.
TS: Calc phos.
Lunula: Absent
- If the lunula is absent on the thumbs, anaemia or malabsorption should be investigated.
Lunula: Pyramidal
- A pyramidal lunula might indicate an excessive manicure or trauma.
Lunula: Pale blue
- A pale blue lunula may suggest diabetes mellitus, anaemia or peripheral neuropathy.
Lunula: Red
- A red lunula may suggest cardiovascular disease, a connective tissue disorder or possible malignancy.
Terry’s nails
- Nails that are white, with a pink or brown band at the end.
Can be caused by: - Ageing.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Congestive heart failure (also produces ear lobe crease).
- Type II diabetes.
*TS: Calc sulph. And / or Nat sulph.
Brown-grey nails may suggest
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes mellitus,
- Vitamin B12deficiency,
- Melanoma.
- Lichen planus.
- Topical agents (e.g. hair dyes).
Thin, brittle nails
- These are correlated with osteopenia, thyroid disorders, severe malnutrition and common mineral deficiencies.
*Hand cream, manicures, nail varnish / varnish remover (acetone) can also increase nail dryness and brittleness.
*TS: Silica and/or kali sulph.
Potential nutritional imbalances:
*Biotin: 300 mcg x five daily can improve thin brittle nails.
*Vitamin B12: Chlorella, wild salmon, grass-fed organic meat, organic eggs; supporting digestive health (e.g. stomach acid).
*Vitamin A: Eggshell nails: Delicate and curved.
Paronychia
- Infection of the tissues adjacent to a nail —with redness / tenderness.
- Paronychiamay be due to trauma, poor nutrition (e.g. low vitamin C), low immunityand poor hygiene.
- Supplement vitamin C / increase; vitamin C rich foods.
TS: Silica.
Wicks (or hangnails)
- Can be due to too little protein, a lack of B vitamins and vitamin C.
- Dryness may indicate lowered EFA status, vitamin A and D, or hypothyroidism. It can also be caused by chemical irritants.
- May indicate a need for nervous system / adrenal support.
- TS: Kali phos.
Clubbing
- A loss of the normal angle between the nail bed and fold.
- It is thought that clubbing can begin before the effects of pathology are noticed.
- To assess for clubbing: Place both forefinger nails together and look between them. A small diamond space is normal (‘Schamroth’s window’); a lack of a diamond indicates clubbing (‘Schamroth’s sign’).
Clubbing: Causes
- Pulmonary and cardiovascular causes (80%).
- Gastrointestinal causes (about 5%), hyperthyroidism, idiopathic.
Koilonychia
- Spooning (i.e. concavity) of the nails.
- To assess: Place a drop of water on the nail. If the drop does not slide off = spooning.
