Yellow nails can indicate respiratory illness and white nails can indicate liver problems. While spots may be caused by damage to the nails, or could be a sign of folic acid deficiency, or zinc deficiency.
Transverse grooves across the nails can be a sign of thyroid deficiency. They may also evident in people who are recovering from serious illness such as pneumonia. Lengthwise ridges in the nails can be caused by anemia, applying too much pressure when manicuring your nails, and by biting your fingernails.
When you wash dishes or do housecleaning, you can wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and your nails from the drying effects of water, chlorine and soaps.
If your cuticles are dry and cracked, try applying vitamin E oil directly to them. You can either break open a gel capsule, or buy a small bottle of vitamin E oil.
If your nails are growing very slow, are splitting, brittle or soft, you have to check your diet. You need nutrients to keep your nails healthy.
