Using Fingernails to Spot Senior Health Problems

close up shot of a hand

Do you know that our nails are more than ornamental? Nails are a barometer of our overall health. Like our hair, they too change over time, due to disease, nutritional deficiencies, external factors, and internal processes of our bodies as it ages. An aging loved one’s nails could give us a clue to serious medical conditions such as thyroid problems, heart disease, and malnutrition.

That is why, Supportive Personal Care Services, your trusted personal care agency in Wisconsin, lists you the following nail symptoms that can help you decide if further medical attention may be necessary for your aging loved one.

  • Nail SeparationThis occurs when a fingernail or toenail lifts away from the pink nail bed. This condition is usually painless but this is prone to catching on objects, which can hurt. This may be caused by thyroid disease, psoriasis, poor blood circulation, and connective tissue disorders such as lupus. That is why personal care services in Brown Deer carefully trims affected nails.
  • Yellow NailsThis can occur for many reasons, some of which can be serious while others may be due to lifestyle choices such as smoking or frequent application of nail polish. This may be caused by diabetes, respiratory conditions, swelling due to lymphedema, etc.
  • Spoon NailsMedically known as koilonychia, spoon-shaped nails occur when the nails become extremely thin and brittle losing its natural convex structure. This may be caused by iron deficiency, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, rheumatic fever, etc.
  • Nail clubbing Nail clubbing is when the tips of the fingers become enlarged and its natural convex shape becomes so exaggerated that they curve around the fingertips. This may be caused by low blood oxygen levels, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.

Do you need home care services in Milwaukee? Call us now!

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