Nail brittleness is a problem similar to dry skin. It tends to be worse in the winter. Frequent immersion in water, particularly if chlorine, |soap|, or detergent is added, makes nails break. Wearing warm gloves outdoors in winter also leads to brittleness.
Discoloration:
Cigaretts, hair dyes, and even tints that sometimes leak out of nail polish can discolor your nails. Some injuries may also cause discoloration.
Ridges:
Longitudinal ridges are believed to be genetic. The condition tends to become more prominent with age. If the nails have ~transverse~ furrows, often called Beau's lines, that begin at the base of the nail, several factors may be the cause. They are often caused by excessively rigerous manicuring. Pressure with a manicure tool can cause pits or bumps in the nail. Biting your |fingernails| may also be a cause. Furrows may also appear after an illness such as measles, pneumonia, or other severe ~infections~.
Separation of nail from nailbed:
This condition, along with alterations in the nail texture, may be a sign of psoriasis, a disorder of the skin, often mild and often confined only to the |fingernails|. Like brittleness, it may be caused by exposure to water, detergents, |soaps|, and even nail hardeners. Allergic reactions to nail polish can also cause this condition.
Spoon nail:
Spoon nail, or the reversal of the normal nail curvature, may indicate and iron deficiency. It is best to consult your physician should this occur.
White Spots:
In general, white spots on the nail result from injury. They seldom indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency, as commonly believed. They will vanish as the nail grows.
