Nail Disorders: What Are They & What Do They Mean?

As a nail tech, I've seen ALL kinds of different nail disorders, so as an informational tool for you (and me, it's been awhile since nail school) the following is a list of the most commons types of nail disorders and photos giving examples of how each may look like.

The most common question I get asked is "what causes theses ridges in my nails"? I'm always curious as to how long their nails have been in such state and usually it almost always was not a very long time.

This may or may not come as a surprise to you but the condition of your nails is a tell-tale sign of how healthy you are. Ever wonder why you had to take off your nail polish before any major surgical procedure? That's because the docs can monitor (among others ways) the condition of your body's circulation.

This is true for certain types of health issues you may be experiencing - your nails shall not lie.

Now, back to the "ridges" issue...

Ridges can signify a possible infection such as the flu. Horizontal ridges such as Beau's Lines are transverse depressions that occurs when growth at the nail root (matrix) is interrupted by any severe acute illness e.g. heart attack, measles, pneumonia, or fever. These lines emerge from under the nail folds weeks after acquiring such an illness:





Another horizontal ridge disorder is referred to as Mee's Lines. Again, transverse white lines that run across the nail, following the shape of the nail moon. Uncommon. Usually occurring after an acute or severe illness.






Vertical ridges may simply indicate a kidney disorder (kidney failure); associated with aging; iron deficiency (Anemia). May also indicate a tendency to develop arthritis.





Pitting

Pitting are small pits or depressions. Most common nail problem seen in 25- 50 % of people with psoriasis.






Spoon

Soft nails that look scooped out. Depression is usually large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often indicates iron deficiency such as anemia.

Onycholysis (nail fungus)

This is VERY common! Don't get this confused with nail mold, a nail fungus looks white and milky, not green. Onycholysis is the lifting of the nail from the nail bed. Most common causes are: trauma, psoriasis, drug reactions, bacterial/fungal infection, contact dermatitis from using nail hardeners, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia or syphilis.

Onychauxis (thickened nails)

Thickened nails can be a result of a variety of illnesses or diseases such as: diabetes, psoriasis, nail fungus, heart conditions or peripheral vascular disease...just to name a few.

Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white, yellow, or greenish, can result from different infections and conditions of the skin. In about 50% of cases, discolored nails are a result of infections with common fungi that can be found in the air, dust, and soil.

These are just a handful of nail disorders and their common causes... hope this clarifies any grey areas you may have had regarding any "skeptical" nail issue you may be experiencing or have experienced. Or if you're like me, this was simlpy an educational tool...and now you can say you "learned something new today".

So what Is AVEDA?

Until recently, I've only heard of Aveda. Then December '08, I applied for a position at an Aveda salon.

I got a call for an interview the very next day! Hired the next week. It was ok that I had NO clue about what Aveda was, it's products, it's mission, it's purpose...but my new boss assured me that I would be given classes that would give me all the knowledge I would need.

So what is Aveda? Aveda(a-vay-da) is Sanskrit for "all knowledge." It is the Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences, and was founded in 1978 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, botanically based products that would be better for service providers and their guests, as well as for the planet.

What does that mean? Naturally derived products from hair care, to skin care, and make-up. Aveda only uses plant and flower extracts for the production of all their products. Also, they use plantations throughout the world that are specific to each ingredient used in their products. For example, Cistus from Spain. Cistus ladaniferus, jara in Spanish, is a plant of survival, renewal and rebirth. The Cistus plant flowers once a year, opening a wrinkled, white, five-petaled blossom to the late winter sun for a few short days.

Other ingredients Aveda migrates are Argan from Morocco; Sandalwood; South African Rose Geranium; Bulgarian Rosa and Lavender...just to name a few.

Aveda loves the Earth so much and the need to reduce our environmental footprint in every package they develop. They achieve this by minimizing their packaging, maximizing the use
of post-consumer recycled materials, using materials that can be and are recyclable, and by designing their packaging so that the individual parts can be separated for recycling.

Also tying in with the "save the environment" theme, Aveda has integrated wind energy sources that generates enough wind energy to offset 100% of the electricity used by their primary manufacturing, distribution and headquarters facility in Minnesota, USA.

Wow! So since 1978 Aveda has been in the forefront of natural ingredients used in their products and helping save the Earth by their recyclable packaging and natural resources of energy to produce their product. Oh, did I mention that Aveda also helps support campaigns for Earth Month and Breast Cancer Awareness, donating proceeds of the products that are sold during such campaigns?

So, I am excited to be a part the mission at Aveda and at Spa Bleu - I work there now and I love it! Spa Bleu is in total alignment with Aveda's purpose and mission.

Spa Bleu An Aveda Concept Salon and Spa
South Barrington, IL 847.783.0703
West Dundee, IL 847.426.3656