Iron is one of the essential nutrients the body needs to function normally. The body uses iron to transport oxygen throughout the body, including to tissues and muscles, and to maintain cell growth and behavior. Iron deficiency deprives the cells...
The appearance and texture of your fingernails can give your health care providers important clues related to your overall health. Many diseases and conditions may cause fingernail changes before other symptoms occur. If you experience a change...
Nail ridges are raised lines that typically run vertically across the fingernail or toenail. Although they usually develop in adulthood, they can appear in people of all ages, even babies. They often are not a cause for concern, but they can...
At first glance, a sore throat and heart disease may seem to have little to do with each other. However, sore throats can introduce bacteria into the blood stream, leading to certain types of heart disease, according to the National Institutes of...
As you age, your nails naturally become more brittle and prone to discoloration. Nails also thicken as you age, which can increase your risk of ingrown nails and fungal infections. You might also develop circulatory problems as you age or need to...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, causing inflammation in joints, tissues and organs. SLE causes visible skin changes that are one of the most recognized manifestations of the disease....
The appearance of your nails can often point to specific problems with your health. While low levels of magnesium can lead to changes in your nails, this mineral isn't the only reason for a change in nail appearance. Because nail changes and...
Weak, brittle nails are an annoying and persistent problem that affects more than 20 percent of people living in the United States, according to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology. For some people, cracking and chipping nails are just...
Bacterial and fungal infections cause infective endocarditis, or the inflammation of the innermost layer of the heart. Many bacteria and fungi can cause this heart disease, but just a small number of them cause the majority of the infections....
The appearance of nails can change because of normal events such as aging; however, MedlinePlus notes that abnormal conditions of the nails include changes in color, texture, shape or thickness caused by injury, infection, disease or poisoning....
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.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. This same protein is also found in the hair and skin. The nails are made up of several parts, including the nail beds, folds, cuticles and...
Nails are comprised of hardened, living skin cells and may be affected by illness and physical ailments. One sign of a possible problem is a change in the color of the toenail. Discoloration of the toenails may be due to a variety of reasons. Once...
