Yellow nails can be the wake-up call for a very dangerous disease – here’s when to pay attention and why.
Health is a recognizable status in every component of our body, which promptly alerts us when its normal functions are threatened. Well-being also passes through the hands and, specifically, through the nails.
If the surface of the nails shows up yellowed, damaged or stainedcould be symptomatic of one clinical condition far more worrying. Let’s find out what’s behind yellow nails, and the potential risks we run if we don’t investigate thoroughly.
Yellow nails, beware of diabetes and liver failure
The most common causes behind yellowed and damaged nails are certainly bad habits, such as smoke. Also certain cosmetics and solvents of dubious quality could be responsible for their coloring: many products on the market do not respect the composition of the nail bed, and thediscolouration it is the natural consequence. Even nail polishes containing colored pigments could change the natural color of the nail: we must therefore pay more attention to our manicure, or rely on the services of acompetent onychotechnics and qualified.
In other cases, however, yellow nails are the clear symptom of a disease in progress, and not yet diagnosed. In case of doubt it is in fact advisable to consult a specialist: you could in fact suffer from diabetes or serious liver failure. In fact, yellowing could be the sign of liver and gallbladder problems, and resorting to prompt medical treatment is at least necessary. The lymphatic system could also be involved and, in the most extreme cases, nails in poor condition could be the sign of pathologies such as HIV and AIDS. Even the condition of the hair, combined with the aforementioned symptoms, can signal imbalances in the body: it is a good idea to regularly undergo a auto check-up.
We can eventually run into the xantonichia. This pathology is very rare, and manifests itself with chronic yellowing of the nail. If the nail does not present greenish shadesit will not be a chronic disease.
The most common causes of yellow nails remain bad habits and, very trivially, fungal infections better known as onychomycosis. However, if in doubt, it is always good to get medical attention. In this way we will certainly avoid the risk of incurring debilitating pathologies and potentially dangerous.