According to Dr. Elizabeth Miller, dermatologist and mental health expert at the Massachusetts Dermatology Institute (India), stress can affect the body in many ways, including affecting nail health. Here are some signs of stress that may appear on your nails.
Signs of tension on your nails
Broken or weak nails: Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making nails weak and prone to fracture. Nails can become thin, brittle and prone to breakage when there is a slight collision.
Cracked or peeling nails: Stress can reduce the body's ability to regenerate cells, leading to cracked, peeled nails or loss of strength. This is a clear sign of weakness due to stress.
nail bites: A common habit when you feel anxious or stressed is to bite your nails. This is a natural reflex of the body when it feels unable to control emotions or stressful situations.
Nails appear sideways or vertically: When the body is under prolonged stress, nails may appear sideways or vertically. This can be a sign of stress, or other health problems such as malnutrition or impaired blood circulation.
Nails with traces of self-screaning or damage: If you often self-injury your nails (such as scratching or naturally prolonging your nails), this could be a sign of stress or anxiety.
discolored nails: Prolonged stress can discolor nails, such as making nails light blue or pale. This can be a sign of oxygen deficiency or nutrition in the body due to stress.
Nail care and stress management
If you notice signs of stress on your nails, controlling your stress level is important. Here are some tips to help you take care of your nails and reduce stress:
Focus on nutrition: A balanced diet with enough biotin, zinc, vitamins C and E will help nails stay healthy and recover easily. These nutrients help improve nail health and minimize damage caused by stress.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is an important factor in maintaining nail health. Dehydration can easily make nails brittle and flaky. Make sure your body is always hydrated so that your nails are not dry and weak.
Practice mindfulness: Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help you manage stress effectively. These activities help reduce anxiety levels and improve overall health, including nail health.
