When I think about health, my mind instinctively wanders to diet, exercise, or even mental well-being. Rarely do I consider my nails beyond their aesthetic appeal. However, as my recent conversation with renowned dermatologist Dr. Antonella Tosti reveals, our nails can be windows into our overall health, and they demand much more attention than they usually get. I started our talk with a common assumption that nail problems usually result from vitamin or mineral deficiencies. To my surprise, Dr. Tosti clarified that environmental factors primarily cause brittle nails. Much like our skin, our nails also require diligent care and moisturizing.
Dr. Tosti also addressed the controversy surrounding biotin, a popular supplement for strengthening nails. While she acknowledged its benefits, she raised concerns about its potential to interfere with critical blood tests, such as thyroid and pregnancy tests. Her advice to anyone due for these tests is to stop taking biotin three to four days beforehand. The topic of nail fungus added more intrigue to our conversation. According to Dr. Tosti, identifying nail fungus isn’t straightforward and requires a specific analysis. Even the most effective oral antifungal medication only has a success rate of around 60%. She didn’t heavily advocate for laser treatments due to their unproven effectiveness. I learned that hygiene is a critical factor in preventing the recurrence of nail fungus.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of our conversation revolved around the correlation between nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Tosti made it clear that patients with nail psoriasis should seek evaluation for potential joint problems. Her insights into the unique nail health issues faced by diabetic patients were also enlightening. As we delved into the roles of podiatrists and the importance of proper pedicures, Dr. Tosti provided a unique perspective on nail biopsies. She argued for using dermoscopy for a more accurate diagnosis and resorting to nail biopsies only when absolutely necessary. Another myth busted during our conversation was about the white spots we occasionally spot on our nails. Contrary to popular belief, they indicate trauma to the nails and not a calcium deficiency.
Discussing salon safety and nail care, Dr. Tosti advised against cutting the cuticles and suggested bringing your own tools if cuticle cutting is unavoidable. While acknowledging the aesthetic appeal of gel manicures, she cautioned me about their potential to damage the nail bed. As our discussion neared its end, we touched upon the future of nail treatments, specifically for onychomycosis (nail fungus). Although effective treatments are currently limited, Dr. Tosti gave me hope by revealing that promising clinical trials are underway. After my enlightening conversation with Dr. Antonella Tosti, I now see nails in a new light. They are not just for decoration or scratching an itch but are vital indicators of our health. Just as we heed to other signs our bodies give us, we should pay close attention to our nails. After all, they might be trying to tell us something important.
