Question
My baby, who is eight months old, has noticed some white lines on his finger nails. Otherwise, he seems perfectly healthy. This has happened before and has disappeared after a while. What could be the cause of this? Is it possible that the baby is lacking in certain trace elements?
Answer
To ensure normal nail growth, it’s crucial to ensure that the baby’s nutrition is adequate, otherwise various abnormal nail phenomena may reappear. Nails can reflect health conditions, and by closely observing changes in the nails, one can understand what health issues the body may be experiencing. White nails might indicate chronic anemia or liver and kidney problems; white spots could be a sign of zinc deficiency, which can be obtained from seafood, spinach, mushrooms, grains, and sunflower seeds; easy cracking might suggest iron deficiency, which can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, fish, beans, and grains; nails that turn yellow might be due to a lack of vitamin E, or possibly issues with the lymphatic or respiratory system. Vitamin E can be obtained from dark green vegetables and fruits; if the nails are uneven with stripes, it could indicate poor liver health. How to Observe Nail Health: Nail growth is faster in summer than in winter, and finger nails grow faster than toe nails, with health conditions often reflected in the nails. The color of the nails is typically pale pink, but frequent use of nail polish and nail polish remover can cause the nails to turn yellow. The hardness of the nails can be tested by gently pressing the tip of the nail with another finger; if it bends slightly, it’s just right; if too soft, the nails may not be healthy. The nail plate should be smooth; if grooves are visible when viewed from the side, more attention should be paid to the nails to stabilize the situation. If the skin around the nails is too dry and rough, it needs to be moisturized.