Your body can undergo a variety of symptoms when it's trying to tell you that something is wrong. White lines on the fingernails, fingernail discoloration or texture changes in the fingernail all point to more serious conditions. In some cases,...
Ketoderm (ketoconazole) is the Canadian brand name of a prescription-level drug that may be used in the treatment of yeast or fungal infections. These include a skin yeast infection called cutaneous candidiasis, athlete's foot, bodily or groin...
Oregano essential oil, also known as oil of oregano, is steam-distilled from the leaves of the oregano plant. The earthy, aromatic liquid contains the highly concentrated properties of the oregano herb. Oil of oregano is used not to flavor Italian...
Fingernails are composed of keratin, which is a protein. The nails grow outward from their base, where the cuticle lies. There are several problems that can arise with fingernails, including dryness, brittleness and cracking. Unusual coloring,...
Pneumonia, a lung infection, is caused by several microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, states KidsHealth, a medical resource provided by the Nemours Foundation. Depending on the cause, infants with pneumonia may...
Ketoconazole cream is a topical prescription medication indicated to treat fungal or yeast infections, such as athlete's foot or skin yeast infections. This topical cream is part of a class of medications called imidazoles and works by inhibiting...
Vitamin B12 is vital in protein and DNA synthesis, and it also has the distinction of being the only water-soluble vitamin that your body stores. Because your body typically saves enough vitamin B12 to last you years, vitamin B12 deficiency is...
Nail fungal infections can affect one or more of your nails and usually begin as either a white or yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail. Common symptoms include discoloration, nail thickening and crumbling of the nail edges, which...
Unusual nail growth may signify health problems ranging from psoriasis to vitamin deficiency. If your nails have recently exhibited changing growth patterns, visit your doctor to examine the possible causes. While many of these nail problems...
Cytoxan is the brand name for cyclophosphamide, a drug known as an alkylating agent. It is used generally to fight types of cancer including skin tumors, ovarian cancer, bone marrow cancer, breast cancer and others. It also may be used to help...
Fingernail fungus can be extremely uncomfortable and unsightly. Usually marked by a discoloration of the nail, fungus can enter a nail where the skin at the nail bed has been injured through a scratch, cut or other type of wound. Fingers that...
Nails are hardened skin cells made of a protein called keratin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, our nails help to protect and support the tissues around our fingers. Unhealthy nails can warn doctors of an underlying medical...
Brittle, cracked and discolored fingernails don't make a good first impression and can be downright embarrassing. Although certain medical conditions can result in unhealthy nails, the appearance of your fingernails isn't just a matter of luck and...
Zinc is a vital nutrient required in small amounts by the human body. Many parts of the body require zinc, including the heart, brain, skin, hair and fingernails. The U.S. recommended dietary allowances are 8 mg for a woman and 11 mg for a man....
Strong, healthy nails feel smooth and look good. According to MotherNature.com, fingernails should be strong, but not necessarily too hard. Healthy fingernails should be able to withstand some bending, and should not peel, flake or break easily....
The American Academy of Dermatology states that your nails help to support the tissues around your fingers and toes. A health care professional can look at your nails if they are unhealthy, which may indicate an underlying medical condition such...
Nails, located on the top of the toes and fingers, are made up of a protein known as keratin and are similar to animal claws. A lack of vitamins can cause the nails too turn a yellow color and make them look unhealthy overall. Keeping your nails...
Nails are hardened skin cells made of a protein called keratin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, our nails serve many roles, such as protecting the tissues in our toes and fingers and enabling us to scratch. Unhealthy nails may...
Before drugstores made commercially prepared medications readily available, people used household products to treat many of their minor, everyday ailments. Vinegar, with its mild antiseptic properties, got star billing in many of these home...
Fingernails and toenails reveal volumes about your body. Nail discoloration can be attributed to reactions to medications, bacterial and fungal infections, age, smoking or melanoma. As cited by Dr. Robert W. Griffith in a December 2009 article...
An abundance of half-truths purport to be the sole cause of thin, brittle, peeling nails. The health of your nails can tell you a lot about the health of your body whenever you notice pronounced changes in nail color, shape and surface texture....
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, can infect one or more of the nails. The nails are a type of modified skin and any damage to them can allow fungus to invade. Fungus primarily causes the condition; however, yeast and mold can also cause nail fungus....
Taxol is the brand name for the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, and is typically used to treat breast, prostate, ovarian and lung cancers and Kaposi's sarcoma, according to the American Cancer Society. The drug is classified as a plant alkaloid or...
Heroin abuse is a serious problem for the user and for those around him. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is highly addictive and dangerous, even the first time a...
The generically named medicine docetaxel is sold in the United States with the brand name Taxotere. Your doctor may prescribe it for you as part of the treatment of various types of cancer including prostate cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, neck...
Split fingernails aren't usually caused by a vitamin deficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic. More often than not, they are caused by environmental hazards, such as prolonged exposure to water or trauma. This doesn't mean that a vitamin...
Selenium is a mineral found mostly in plants, with selenium content varying according to soil composition at the place where the plant was grown. Soils in the U.S. are relatively rich in selenium, and selenium deficiency is therefore quite rare....
Fingernails and toenails are living skin cells. Nails protect and support tips of the fingers and toes, and they help humans scratch an itch, tie a knot and pick up small objects. Nail growth is affected by illness or poor health.
Poor circulation in the hands can make them feel constantly cold. It can also cause the hands to turn white or blue. In severe cases, poor blood flow can lead to deformity, skin sores, ulcers and gangrene. To help treat this condition, it is...
