ONE of the fastest ways to stay cool in hot weather is to pull your trainers off and chuck some sandals on – let those feet breathe!
But donning flip-flops might make you feel a little nervous if your feet aren’t in their best, summer ready shape.
Cracked heels and not-so sunkissed skin aside, this is especially true if the colour of your nails is making you worry.
And they can come in all sorts of shades – some of which could indicate an underlying medical condition.
We asked Dina Gohil, podiatrist and Nailner brand ambassador, to reveal the truth behind nail colours, and when it’s best to speak to your doctor…
YELLOW NAILS
Although discolouration might simply be a case of needing to take a break from the nail polish, Dina says thick discoloured nails are likely to mean a fungal infection.
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Discolouration can appear white, yellow, or even darker brown, depending on the individual.
She says: “When a fungal infection begins, you may start to notice discolouration on a small aspect of your nail and notice it gets larger over time.
“For chronic cases this may already have spread to the majority of the nail if not the entire nail.
“As the fungus spreads, the nail can become brittle, ‘chalky’, and you may notice it breaks easily, and there may be an odour present.
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“With chronic infection the nail may become thickened.
“The nail may start to separate from the nail bed, causing pain, and odour may be more prominent.”
Dina adds that if yellow nails continue to get worse it can also be a sign of diabetes, psoriasis, or even thyroid disorders, so visit your GP if you are concerned.
An over-the-counter anti-fungal treatment can help with fungal infections, to not only treat the infection but the appearance of the nail too.
PALE NAILS
White or nails bleached of their colour can signal a potential blood issue.
Dina says: “Pale nails could be a sign of poor circulation, anaemia or malnutrition.
“They can also be caused by malfunctions in the liver or heart, so it is important to get this issue checked out.”
BLUISH NAILS
If you have painted your nails navy and they’re still looking bruised or blue, speak to you doctor.
Dina says: “These are often an indicator that there's not enough oxygen getting to them, suggesting there may be a breathing problem associated with the lungs, or a heart disorder.”
WHITE SPOTS
Have a look at your nails – chances are you currently have, or in the past, have noticed white spots on them.
Dina says: “White spots on the nails can be down to injury or micro trauma to the nail, which is fairly common.
“They can also be associated with a zinc deficiency or fungal infection.”
BLACK NAILS
Very bruised looking, or entirely black nails are worth getting looked at.
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Dina says: “Also linked to trauma of the nails, these are caused by the blood vessels in the nail bed breaking and showing on the nail bed under the nail.
“In other cases, it can be signs of anaemia, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease.”
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