Nail fungus is a condition that often affects toenails, but occasionally affects fingernails. Symptoms of fingernail fungus include white or yellow spots on the fingernails, brittle or crumbling nails and thickening or darkening of the...
Throughout pregnancy, your health and lifestyle are connected to your baby's. When you notice calcium deposits -- white spots -- on your fingernails, you may wonder what these spots mean and if they can affect your baby. Because calcium can affect...
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,...
Your fingernails are a public, visible part of your body that give a picture of your overall health, according to MayoClinic.com. When your fingernails are healthy and strong, it may indicate you eat a well-balanced diet. However, if you...
There are few things more annoying than having a hull of popcorn stuck between your teeth. It can also be hazardous to your dental health. Popcorn hulls can easily take the shape of the crown of one of your teeth and slip between the tooth and the...
A nail fungus infection occurs when fungi contaminates one or more of your nails. The early signs of a fungal infection may be white or yellowish spots under the tip of your fingernail. As the condition progresses, the nail may thicken and change...
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...
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...
White marks on the nails can appear in a number of forms and sizes. The most common belief is that these white spots indicate a calcium deficiency, but this is simply not true. Spots appear for a number of reasons and whether they indicate a...
Selenium plays an important role in a number of body processes, including creating protein compounds found in relation to blood plasma, thyroid hormones and sperm. Your body requires only a small amount of selenium, but if you consume excess...
Nails are made keratin, a protein mainly found in your hair and skin. Toenails and fingernails are responsible for supporting skin around your hand and toes. Weak nails are often the result of an infection or improper nail care; luckily, the...
Zinc is a natural element and dietary mineral that plays an integral role in tissue growth and repair. Deficiencies occur because of inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption syndromes.
Nails are a horn-like envelope the covers the top of the fingers or toes. Nails are made up of a protein called keratin, similar to claws on animals. A deficiency in vitamins can cause nails to look unhealthy. Keeping nails strong and healthy is...
Like the hair on your head, your fingernails consist of layers of keratin protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. When your nails are healthy, your body uses nutrients and proteins to create more keratin, pushing the growing portion of the nail out...
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...
The American Academy of Dermatology says that the most common kind of nail infections is nail fungus. This condition affects approximately 12 percent of all Americans. The infection can run in families but everyone is susceptible. Consider a...
Our nails serve many roles, including to protect the tissues in our fingers and toes. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is found in skin and hair. Not taking proper care of your nails can lead to dry and brittle nails, but...
Looking at your fingernails can tell you a lot about the nutrients that you are or are not getting. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals can cause conditions such as dry, brittle nails, hangnails and fingernails that break easily. By increasing...
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nails are hardened skin cells made of a protein called keratin. A look at your nails can warn a health care professional regarding an underlying medical condition. The American Academy of Family...
Your nails are a hardened skin cell, made from a protein called keratin. Nails serve many roles such as protecting your tissues and fingernails, and allowing you to scratch objects. Nails are prone to infections, so its important to keep them...
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...
Growing long fingernails can be a frustrating challenge, especially if you work with your hands. Polishes, wraps and careful filing can only do so much. Proper nutrition can go a long way to helping you grow strong nails. There are also many...
Vitamins and minerals are beneficial for your body, as each has its own specific job or function to perform. Vitamins and minerals also help your body develop properly and can be obtained through the foods you eat. Low levels of certain vitamins...
Zinc is an essential trace mineral needed by the body for proper growth and maintenance. While zinc is involved in many functions of the body, including enzyme activity, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, it is particularly beneficial...
Zinc is an essential trace mineral -- you must consume it through food or supplements since your body does not naturally produce it. Zinc plays a role in a diverse array of cellular functions, and a deficiency is cause for concern. The Linus...
A variety of vitamins and minerals are known for nutritional growth promotion. Many can be used to help grow fingernails and hair. To easily obtain these nutrients, modify your diet to include a wide variety of nutritious foods. Supplements many...
Zinc is an essential trace element needed in minute amounts by the human body. Zinc is required for a wide variety of critical cellular functions, including growth, vision and the immune response. A deficiency in zinc can cause several different...
Zinc is a type of metal that your body requires for optimal health and growth. Inadequate amounts of zinc in your diet can lead to numerous symptoms, including hair loss. Serious zinc deficiencies are uncommon in industrialized countries, although...
Your hair and nails are prone to many conditions and infections that can cause them to become brittle or dry, interrupting the growth cycle. Fortunately, there is a variety of vitamin supplements available you can consume on a daily basis that can...