Nail health|Fungal infections of the nail

Cause discoloration and abnormal growth, Fungal infections of the nail often cause the end of the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.

Debris (white, green, yellow, or black) may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed compltetely. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected.

Toe-nails are more prone to fungal infections because they are limited in a warm, moist environment. These make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be really difficult to treat.

Candida or yeast infections are common in fingernails, especially if the hands are regularly in water or if the person is suffering from diabetes.

Bacterial Infections cause redness, swelling, and pain of the nail skin folds. The most common cause is trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, as well as frequent exposure to water and chemicals. A green discoloration of the nail is because of infection by a bacterium called pseudomonas.

Nail disorders can affect your ability to pick up small objects, the way we walk, and our sense of touch. Nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect a high number of the elderly.

This is due to the susceptibility of the nail to fungal infections, its increased thickness with age, circulation problems, use of medication and many more.

A window on health, The nails can reveal much about a person's overall health. Many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails.

Most doctors will check the nails carefully during a physical examination. The most common health conditions and their effect on the nails are:

• Kidney Diseases : Half of nail is pink, half is white
• Heart Conditions : Nail bed is red
• Lung Diseases : Yellowing and thickening of the nail, slowed growth rate
• Anemia : Pale nail beds
• Diabetes - Yellowish nails, with a slight blush at the base

Since many nail disorders result from poor nail care, developing good nail habits early will help keep them healthy. Remember the following tips: