Isla Bennett
Our nails can reveal a lot about our health, and certain nail abnormalities can be creepy. For example, white nails, known as leukonychia, can indicate trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning. Arsenic poisoning, in particular, causes white lines and horizontal ridges, while silver intake can turn your nails blue. Subungual melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, will usually appear as a dark streak down the length of the nail. In addition to health indicators, some nail art trends can be quite creepy. For instance, a bizarre manicure that makes your nail look like a hand has received mixed reviews on social media, with some users finding it sick and disgusting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Abnormalities in fingernails | Problems with color, shape, texture, or thickness |
| Color | White, yellow, blue, reddish-brown |
| White Nails (Leukonychia) | Trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, poisoning |
| Yellow Nails | Fungal infection |
| Blue Nails | Heart problems |
| Reddish-Brown Nails | Discoloration |
| Black Nails | Subungual melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer |
| Conditions | Koilonychia, Beau lines, Spoon nails, Onycholysis, Paronychia, Brittle nails |
| Koilonychia | Nails are thin, curved inward, and have raised ridges; associated with iron deficiency anemia |
| Spoon Nails | Nails are flattened and have concavities |
| Onycholysis | Nails become loose and may detach from the nail bed |
| Paronychia | Infection around the nail caused by yeast-like organism Candida; inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails |
| Brittle Nails | Aging, certain diseases and conditions, thyroid disease |
| Bizarre Manicure | Nails that look like hands |
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Nail abnormalities and health
Healthy nails are smooth and have consistent colouring. Abnormalities in nails can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts, infections, some medications, or certain medical conditions.
- Brittle nails are a common issue caused by repeatedly wetting and drying the nails. They can also be caused by underlying illnesses, iron deficiency, or normal ageing.
- Koilonychia is a condition where the nails are thin, curved inward, and have raised ridges. It is associated with iron deficiency anaemia.
- Leukonychia is characterised by white streaks or spots on the nails, often due to drugs, disease, or minor trauma. It can also be associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies.
- Pitting refers to small depressions or pits in the nail and is common in people with nail psoriasis.
- Ridges are tiny, raised lines that develop across or up and down the nail. They can be caused by crushing the base of the nail or chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the nail.
- Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed, which can cause the nail to become green, yellow, or opaque. It is often caused by local injury to the nail, psoriasis, fungal infections, or reactions to certain medications.
- Paronychia is an infection around the nail caused by the yeast-like organism Candida.
- Yellow nail syndrome is when the nails thicken and grow slower than normal. It can be a sign of disorders that affect the amount of oxygen in the blood, such as heart or lung problems.
- Subungual melanoma is a potentially deadly cancer that appears as a dark streak down the length of the nail.
- Hutchinson's sign is a darkening of the cuticle associated with a pigmented streak and may indicate aggressive melanoma or arsenic poisoning.
It is important to note that having any of these nail abnormalities is not necessarily proof of a medical condition. However, if you are concerned, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a dermatologist to determine if your condition is serious. Proper care and prevention methods, such as keeping your nails short, dry, and clean, can help correct the appearance of nail abnormalities.
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Manicure trends
Manicures have evolved from simple nail painting to intricate designs and accessories. With celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez popularising certain looks, manicurists and nail artists have become influencers in their own right.
2023 Manicure Trends
The year 2023 is all about healthy, natural-looking nails. This includes shades that enhance the look of nails, making them appear clean, well-manicured, and healthy. OPI's Bubble Bath and Love Is In The Bare are popular shades for this trend. French manicures are also making a comeback, but with a more natural, thin, and barely-there look.
Chrome nails are also predicted to be big in 2023, but with a more grown-up twist. This includes using chrome over opaque and sheer base shades, giving nails a glossy, healthy look. Silver is also making a comeback, with celebrities like Eva Longoria sporting chrome nails.
Longer nails are replacing the shorter styles of 2022, with dangling diamante add-ons and nail piercings. Nail stickers and press-ons are also gaining popularity, as they are an easy way to add fun designs without spending a lot of time at the salon.
Playful designs with textured accents, such as glitter and matte and gloss topcoats, are also expected to continue in 2023. This includes simple additions like a reverse French with a line of glitter hugging the cuticle or a crystal accent on each nail.
Additionally, the Pantone colour of the year for 2023, Viva Magenta, is expected to be a trending nail colour, as it gives an "expensive" look to the nails. Earth-inspired colours like moss green are also predicted to be popular.
Creepy Nails
While manicures often focus on enhancing the beauty of nails, there is also a trend for "creepy nails". These nails often feature dark colours, such as black, and may be inspired by gothic or emo styles. They can be handmade or press-on nails, and sometimes include 3D elements or gothic imagery. Creepy nails are often sold on sites like Etsy, where buyers can find unique and personalised designs.
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Nail biting
Fingernails are often associated with creepiness due to their connection with nail-biting, or onychophagia, an oral compulsive habit that affects a large portion of the population, especially children. Nail-biting is classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB) and is often associated with anxiety and other mental health disorders. While it may provide temporary stress relief, nail-biting can lead to various physical and psychological issues, making it a habit worth breaking.
Nail-biting typically begins in childhood, usually after the age of three or four, and can persist into adolescence and adulthood. It is often a coping mechanism for individuals feeling nervous, bored, lonely, or hungry. In addition, there may be a genetic predisposition, with a higher prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in families of nail biters. Some researchers also speculate that nail biters may have a personality trait of perfectionism or a desire for stimulation when bored or frustrated.
The act of nail-biting can lead to several short-term issues. Firstly, it can cause dental problems such as misaligned or chipped teeth. Secondly, it increases the risk of microbial and viral infections, such as paronychia, as biting can lead to broken skin on the cuticle, allowing bacteria and viruses entry. Thirdly, if the bitten-off nails are swallowed, it can cause stomach problems and intestinal infections due to the ingestion of bacteria. Lastly, in rare cases, severe nail deformation can occur due to the destruction of the nail bed over time.
To break the habit of nail-biting, it is essential to identify the triggers that lead to the behaviour. Common triggers include anxiety, boredom, and hunger. Once the triggers are identified, it is recommended to find replacement behaviours, such as squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum. Keeping nails trimmed and using clear bitter-tasting nail polish can also help reduce the temptation to bite. In more severe cases, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be effective in addressing the underlying psychological factors.
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Nail infections
Fingernails can be creepy when they exhibit certain abnormalities. These abnormalities may be indicative of nail infections or other serious underlying health conditions.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection around the nail, caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail come together. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, redness, warmth, and pus buildup under the skin. In some cases, a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. It may also appear yellow or green and become dry and brittle. Most cases of infectious paronychia result from a staph infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, although other bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, can also be responsible.
Paronychia is usually treated with antibiotics to kill the infection and, in some cases, drainage of the pus. However, it can sometimes become a chronic condition, recurring or lasting for weeks. Chronic paronychia is more commonly caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures, although it may also be due to a chronic bacterial or fungal infection.
Other Nail Infections
In addition to bacterial infections, nail infections can also be caused by fungi. Candida, a yeast-like organism, is a common cause of fungal nail infections, leading to inflammation and changes in the nail.
Underlying Health Conditions
Nail abnormalities can also indicate underlying health conditions. For example, white streaks or spots on the nails, known as leukonychia, can be caused by certain drugs or diseases. Koilonychia, an abnormal shape of the fingernail characterised by raised ridges, thinness, and a curved inward shape, is associated with iron deficiency anaemia. Ridges across or up and down the nail can be caused by crushing the base of the nail or the nail bed, while chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the nail can cause median nail dystrophy, resulting in a lengthwise split or ridged appearance of the thumbnails.
Skin cancers near the nail and fingertip can also distort the nail. Subungual melanoma, a potentially deadly form of cancer, typically appears as a dark streak down the length of the nail, while Hutchinson sign, a darkening of the cuticle associated with a pigmented streak, may indicate an aggressive melanoma.
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Nail art
While some people find nails creepy, others find them a canvas for self-expression through nail art. Nail art is a creative way to decorate nails with various colours, designs, and techniques. It can range from simple at-home manicures to intricate professional designs.
There are many ways to create nail art, from painting freehand with a small brush to using nail stamps, stickers, or water decals. Some people even hand-paint intricate designs or add 3D elements like rhinestones, beads, or metal charms. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is one's imagination.
To start creating nail art, gather your supplies, including nail polish in various colours, a small detail brush, a top coat, and any additional decorations you wish to use. First, shape your nails and apply a base coat to protect your nails and ensure the polish adheres well. Then, get creative! Paint your nails with your chosen colours and designs, and don't be afraid to experiment. Finally, seal your design with a top coat to protect it and add shine.
For inspiration, look no further than social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where nail artists and enthusiasts share their creations. You can also find step-by-step tutorials on YouTube and Reddit, with subreddits like r/NailArt dedicated to sharing nail art and tutorials. Additionally, websites like Etsy offer a plethora of nail art ideas and products, from press-on nails with gothic designs to ocean-inspired 3D nail art.
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Frequently asked questions
Long fingernails are often associated with a lack of hygiene and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. They can also be a health hazard, as they can harbour dirt and germs, and can cause injury if not properly maintained. Additionally, some people may find long fingernails visually unappealing or unsettling.
Some nail abnormalities that can occur include:
- Koilonychia: An abnormal shape of the fingernail where the nail is thin, curved inward, and has raised ridges.
- Leukonychia: White streaks or spots on the nails often due to trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or poisoning.
- Pitting: Small depressions on the nail surface associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata.
- Ridges: Tiny, raised lines that develop across or up and down the nail, which can be caused by arsenic poisoning or silver intake.
Yes, there was a bizarre manicure trend that went viral on Instagram in 2018. The trend involved shaping the nails to look like tiny hands, complete with fingers. This unnerving design received mixed reviews, with some people finding it creepy and disturbing, while others were intrigued or impressed by the craftsmanship.
