Nails

Your Complete Guide To 9 Nail Shapes

If you are a lover of nails then probably you could cut yourself on the tip with a piece of brie. Maybe you love acrylics! Well, I don’t blame you as the type of nail i.e. acrylic in nature, is the only way that could make you merry, without any signs of chipping or disintegrating and it lasts for weeks no matter what, whether there’s nail art involved or one is looking for a bridal manicure, you see longevity is the most important aspect, in fact, it’s the key.

H2

H4

Imagine entering a nail-salon, it's a battleground. Everything hangs on your nail size, shape, etc. You feel the limitations are more than the possibilities. Your nails may be too short for a colour that may be dark or maybe your lifestyle. Basically, when one selects a shape it could be a war between one's choice and what one would end up getting in the end. So, you see you try to settle for a square round shape or a square oval shape without actually knowing what you will get, says a nail technician. She further says "one should prefer modifying tried and tested styles such as round or square shape. Other shapes like ballerina or Moroccan almond may not be thought off, but it should be in your mind".

She further adds that one should look at nail styles with confidence and what would suit ones’ fingers. Here she brings nine nail shape in focus.

Nail Clubbing – Overview

Here as the term states, nail clubbing is a change in the nail. Do note, it’s a medical condition.

There is a possibility of the nail becoming sponge-like and soft in addition to a change in the angle of the nail. The medical term is called osteoarthropath.

Stages Of Nail Clubbing:

Stage 1:  Here there is a softening of the nail beds in the initial stage.

Stage 2:  In the second stage, the nail bed on the finger develops a clubbed appearance.

Stage 3:  The nail develops longitudinal ridging. One should note this process takes a year. There is clinical significance as there are different type of grading of clubbing.

Pathophysiology Of Nail Clubbing:

It’s not known as to what is the exact number of theories that are out there. Different pathways are followed by different theories. From interstitial edema, which results in size alterations, composition and configuration, to the formation of the clubbed digit, the main factor in most types of nail clubbing is distal digital vasodilation.

There is another proposed theory which is the neural mechanism, with special attention, to vagal system, from the time the regression of clubbing has been reported.

Its important that one seeks medical advice on nail clubbing as it’s an underlying problem. Timely treatment can help to control it.

What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Nail Clubbing?

Idiopathic

Inherited Trait

Secondary Clubbing

• Lung cancer
• Other cancers
• Lung conditions
• Congenital heart disease
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Endocrine problems

What Are The Symptoms That Might Occur With Nail Clubbing?

Nail clubbing may accompany other symptoms that affect the respiratory system including:

• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Coughing up clear, yellow, light brown, or green mucus.
• Cough that gets more severe over time.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Loose, wet cough that produces thick white or yellow phlegm.
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or shortness of breath.

Cardiovascular System Symptoms That May Occur Along With Nail Clubbing:

• Bluish lips, nails or skin (cyanosis).
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Irregular heart rate (arrhythmia).
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
• Squatting posture in young children.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms That May Occur Along With Nail Clubbing:

• Abdominal pain or cramping.
• Abnormally foul-smelling stools.
• Blood-streaked stools.
• Chronic or persistent diarrhea.
• Indigestion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea with or without vomiting.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Serious Symptoms That Might Indicate A Life-threatening Condition:

In some cases, nail clubbing can be a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Bluish colouration of the lips or fingernails.
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness.
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking.

How Is Nail Clubbing Diagnosed?

Most often, clubbing is noted on a physical examination and is usually based on other findings (such as the presence of lung disease or cancer).

Diagnosis:

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment Of Nail Clubbing

Can Nail Clubbing Be Prevented?

One can prevent clubbing by taking steps to prevent and manage the underlying conditions that cause it. For example, you can:

• Reduce the risk of lung cancer by not smoking and limiting your exposure to chain smokers and other exposure to tobacco.
• Lower your chances of developing bronchiectasis by getting vaccinated against measles and whooping cough, seeking prompt treatment for lung infections, and limiting your contact with toxins.
• Prevent asbestosis by using protective equipment when you’re working in an industry, such as construction, where you might be exposed to asbestos.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lung disease, follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan. That may help you maintain your blood oxygen levels and prevent clubbing.