Did you know adult nails typically take 6 months to fully grow out, meaning a mark or line halfway up the nail may be due to trauma from as far back as 3 months!?! Let's explore the ins and outs of nail health so you know symtoms to keep an eye out for and supplements that can boost your nail's health.

What Are The Different Types of Nail Infections & Concerns?

Nail Infections

Infections of the nails can be both frustrating and slow to treat.

Improperly cleaned manicure and pedicure tools often cause bacterial and fungal nail infections. Toenail fungus may also signal Candida overgrowth or candidiasis. Treatment may take months or even years. Filing the nail surface can help improve treatment effectiveness. Systemic or internal treatments are usually necessary to address the root and fully treat the infection. The nails will be thick and may start to yellow and have an "eaten away" appearance. The nails may also start to come away from the underlying skin.

Clubbing of the Nails

"Clubbing of the nails" is a term used to describe swelling of the fingertips under the nail bed. It results in a loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed. Overall, it is a sign of heart and or lung problems affecting blood flow to the fingertips. It can be a sign of a serious condition and should not be ignored.

Nail Ridges & Spots

Horizontal ridges, otherwise known as "Beau's lines," are a sign of temporary stoppage of nail growth. This can be due to significant physical or emotional stress (sickness/infection, an accident, grief due to loss). Multiple, less defined horizontal ridging could be a sign of zinc deficiency.

Vertical ridges can be a normal finding, which becomes more noticeable as we age. According to Chinese medicine, it could mean an excessive consumption of carbohydrates and/or a lack of protein, or a sign of a high salt diet.

White spots: White spots on the nails can be a normal sign of trauma during nail development. They will disappear as the nail grows out. White spots on the nails may indicate zinc deficiency. Some practitioners associate white spots or bands with heavy metal detoxification. If an individual is undergoing heavy metal detoxification, they may also see an increase in these white bands. According to some, this is a sign that the organs are being effectively detoxified.

Weak Nails

Spoon-shaped nails, also called koilonychia, can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, as can an overall paleness, which may also signify poor circulation.

Brittle/Weak Nails: Hypothyroidism and Raynaud's disease often cause brittle, weak nails. These conditions can make nails split or break easily. Low iron can also play a role here. Supplementing with biotin can help to support the health and tonify the strength of the nails. Similar to peeling nails (below), this can also be caused by excessive water exposure or immersion.

Peeling Nails: Peeling away of the outer layers of the nail may not be indicative of overall health, as much as it is simply a sign of poor nail health. Chronic exposure to cold, dry air, chronic immersion in water, or improperly dried finger and toenails can cause peeling. Nail treatments aimed at locking in moisture (applied like nail polish) and increasing fatty acid intake in the diet may help remedy this problem. Also, try wearing protective gloves if immersing your hands in water or a strong cleaning solution for long periods of time.