The state of our hair and nails can be an indicator of how well our body is functioning. Our hair and nails are made of the same type of structural protein called keratin. Most hair and nail issues are the result of some nutrient deficiency, disease, bacterial infection or fungal infection. Check our articles on hair and nail solutions to know more about the different health problems that can affect your hair and nails.

Common Causes Of Hair & Nail Problems

The factors responsible for hair and nail issues include:

Nutrient Deficiencies | Hormonal Imbalances | Genetic Disposition | Oxidative Stress | Bacterial Or Fungal Infections | Diseases Affecting The Body | Poor Lifestyle Habits | Bad Gut Health

Common Hair Problems

If you are suffering from any hair problem, consult a dermatologist who can recommend a proper hair care routine, medicated products and treatment. Here’s a list of the common hair problems you may face:

• Dandruff- The pesky white flakes and itching are caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus on the scalp.
• Dry hair- Dry weather or shampooing too often can rob your hair of its natural oils, causing your hair to become dry.
• Oily/greasy hair- When the sebaceous glands in your scalp end up overproducing sebum, you can end up with excessively greasy hair.
• Frizzy hair- Frizzy hair can be hereditary or occur when the hair’s moisture levels fall below normal.
• Dull hair- Damage from chemical or heat styling can lead to dull, lifeless looking hair.
• Split ends or breakage- Over-brushing and excessive chemical or heat styling can weaken hair and cause split ends or breakage.
• Heat damaged hair- Using a blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron every day can damage your hair.
• Colour damaged hair- The chemicals in hair dye penetrate the hair shaft, making it porous and prone to brittleness and breakage.
• Premature greying- Our hair turns grey when melanocytes at the hair base stop producing pigment.

Common Nail Problems

Healthy nails are generally smooth, shiny and strong, and have no discolouration. An abnormal texture or appearance in your nails can be a sign of malnutrition, an allergic reaction, injury, a fungal infection or even a serious underlying illness. If you notice anything amiss about the health of your nails, visit a dermatologist for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

• Soft, weak nails – can be from overexposure to moisture or harsh chemicals in detergents or nail treatments.
• Dry, brittle nails – can be due to overexposure to moisture but in some cases have been linked to thyroid disease or iron deficiency.
• Vertical ridges across nails – can be an indicator of iron deficiency.
• Horizontal ridges across nails – can signal an underlying condition such as kidney disease.
• Pitted nails – may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
• White spots on the nails – can signify a zinc deficiency.
• Pale nails – can be a sign of malnutrition, anaemia, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.
• White nails with dark rims – can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis.
• Yellow nails – can be due to a reaction from a product like nail polish, a fungal infection or in rare cases can be a sign of thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.
• Bluish nails – can mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
• Dark lines beneath the nail – can sometimes be caused by melanoma.

We hope our comprehensive articles on hair and nail solutions help you find the answer to all your hair and nail queries. In case you notice any signs of a fungal infection on your scalp or nail fungus, don’t hesitate to see a licensed dermatologist who can provide the right hair and nail solutions and treatment.