Can nails predict early cancer? Don’t miss the body’s distress signal

Mr. Zhao is a pure farmer who is rooted in the land. His life is closely connected with the fields. Although he deals with the soil every day, his achievements go beyond the fields - he has successfully trained two outstanding college students. The children have achieved outstanding results on the campus of a prestigious university and have a smooth career development. However, they rarely have the opportunity to go home, and the liveliness and warmth of the family have also decreased.

On an ordinary day, Mr. Zhao began to feel tired and weak. Last year, he noticed that the black lines on his nails gradually increased. At that time, he just applied some ointment casually and didn't take it seriously. But recently, the physical discomfort began to make him feel uneasy.

Faced with health problems, Mr. Zhao finally called his son. After learning the news, his son immediately rushed home and accompanied Mr. Zhao to the hospital for a comprehensive examination.

The doctor's examination results were shocking: Mr. Zhao's right thumb nail had completely fallen off, forming an ulcer, and visible pigmentation at the end of the skin and finger. After a detailed diagnosis, Mr. Zhao was diagnosed with a malignant nevus matrix, which developed into melanoma, and had to face the cruel reality of amputation.

The nail matrix nevus, a black line that appears on the nail, is a typical symptom. If not treated properly, it may quietly evolve into a deadly skin cancer, melanoma. This change not only had a huge impact on Mr. Zhao's life, but also brought a profound warning to his family: health is no small matter, and disease prevention and timely treatment are crucial.

Black lines on nails: a warning that cannot be ignored

The black line on the nail may just be a nevus, a benign proliferation of melanocytes. But Mr. Zhao's case reminds us that in rare cases, it may turn into melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. The appearance of black lines on the nail should not be simply ignored, but we need to be vigilant and seek medical attention in time.

The secret language of nails

Nails, a seemingly insignificant part of the body, actually hide many health codes. Here are some nail changes that may indicate health problems:

Smaller nails: This may be a sign of nutritional deficiency or fungal infection that affects nail production and metabolism.

White spots: May be caused by zinc deficiency or diseases such as vitiligo and require professional diagnosis and treatment.

Pit-like depressions: may be a manifestation of local infection or skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Sudden color change: White nails may indicate malnutrition or anemia; graying may be related to long-term smoking or fungal infection; yellowing may be related to thyroid function, diabetes or liver disease; bluish purple may be a manifestation of hypoxia.

Crescent Moon and Health: Misconceptions

Regarding the lunula on the nails, there is a common misconception that the more lunulae there are, the healthier you are. In fact, the number of lunulae has no direct relationship with health. Lunulae are part of nail growth, and their number and visibility vary from person to person, and should not be used as an absolute standard to measure health.

Maintaining Healthy Nails: Everyday Tips

Eat a balanced diet: Make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals to promote healthy nail growth.

Check regularly: Pay attention to any unusual changes in your nails and consult your doctor promptly.

Maintain hygiene: Avoid soaking in water for a long time, keep your hands and nails clean and dry.

Avoid trauma: Take appropriate protective measures when engaging in activities that may injure your nails.

Although the nails are small, they are a window to our health. By observing and understanding the changes in the nails, we can promptly detect abnormal signals from the body and take corresponding preventive and therapeutic measures. Let us start from today to pay more attention to those health details that are easily overlooked and protect our health.