Dr.. Osama Abu Al-Rub
Most people have a small, white, half-moon shape at the base of each nail, called the "nail crescent." Some people cannot see the crescent of their nail, so what does this indicate?
Nails grow from a subcutaneous pocket, which doctors call a "matrix". They help create new cells. These cells then collect and exit from the skin. The crescent moon is the visible part of the matrix.
Some people notice the crescent in the thumb nail, but the color of the skin and other factors may make it more or less clear.
Since the nail crescent consists of the most recent developing part of the nail, it may provide clues about a person's health. However, his absence does not always indicate a serious health problem, but it is best to discuss the matter with the doctor.
In contrast, the disappearance or clarity of the nail crescent may indicate the following cases:
1- Malnutrition as a result of severe diets or hunger.
2- There is a problem that affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
3- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
4- Vitiligo, which is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to lose color, and this occurs when the body attacks the pigment cells, which are the skin cells that give the skin its color.
5- Anemia, and this occurs when the red blood cells do not work properly, or when the body does not produce enough of these cells, and this leads to a lack of oxygen that can lead to paleness, making the crescent of the nail invisible.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, and it usually occurs when a person loses their blood, for example, in case of severe bleeding. Iron deficiency can also occur when the body does not absorb it properly, or the person does not consume enough of the foods rich in it. Other conditions can cause anemia, such as sickle cell anemia.
6- Kidney failure. People who undergo dialysis due to kidney failure often do not have a crescent of nail.
7- Heart and lung disease, as the nail crescent may turn red in people who suffer from certain types of heart and lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.
8- Cirrhosis of the liver, which is a chronic condition that causes scarring and liver damage, which affects liver function. In patients with cirrhosis, the nail color may turn red, and the nail color will be white, making it difficult to see the nail crescent.
9- Argria silver poisoning, a type of poisoning caused by excessive exposure to silver. People who are exposed to chemicals at work or toxic chemical dust may be exposed to this poisoning, and some of them may turn the color of their nail crescent to blue.
10- Wilson disease, a genetic disorder that leads to the accumulation of dangerous levels of copper in the body.
When do we visit the doctor?
It is advised to visit the doctor when any change occurs in the crescent of the nail or nails, however it must be emphasized that some people may have a natural appearance of the crescent of nail do not have them, without that they mean the disease. But it is always advisable to see a doctor to check.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms along with a lack of color crescent or nail color change:
1- Dizziness.
2- A strong desire to eat unusual things, such as dirt or mud.
3- Fatigue.
4- Losing interest in your favorite activities.
5- Significant weight gain or loss.