A healthy baby's nails are pink in color and have a smooth and glossy appearance. The lunula, or the half-moon shape at the base of the nail, is slightly paler in color and there are no ridges on the nail plate. When gently pressed at the tip, the nail turns white and immediately returns to its pink color when released. However, if a baby's nails show the following abnormal conditions, attention should be paid.
1. White spots and fluffy spots on the nail plate: These are often caused by compression or impact, which damages the cells at the root of the nail.
2. Abnormal nail colors such as yellow, green, gray, and black: Yellowing of the nail plate may be caused by excessive consumption of foods containing beta-carotene or genetic factors. On the other hand, yellow, green, gray, and black nails are often caused by fungal infections, as children's hands tend to be sweaty and prone to fungal infections.
3. Red or pale red lunula: The appearance of red color is often a sign of heart disease, while a pale red color is usually caused by anemia. Baby blood tonic can be taken or iron-rich foods such as soybeans, beef, spinach, and raisins can be added to the diet.
4. Raised, rough, and uneven nail plate: This is often due to a deficiency of vitamin B, so it is recommended to add egg yolks, animal liver and kidneys, mung beans, and dark green vegetables to the diet.
5. Small dents, thinning, brittleness, or thickening and roughness of the nail plate, loss of luster: These symptoms may indicate early signs of a disease, and a visit to the hospital for examination is recommended.
6. Longitudinal cracks in the nail plate: It is possible that the baby has hypothyroidism or abnormal function of the anterior pituitary.
7. Thin and brittle nail plate, easy to tear and layer: This is often caused by poor nail nutrition. It is recommended to add high-protein foods such as fish and shrimp, as well as foods containing zinc, potassium, iron, and other trace elements to the baby's diet. In addition, a moderate intake of nuts is beneficial for nail health.
8. Horizontal grooves on the nail plate: This is often caused by fever, metabolic abnormalities, or skin diseases.
9. Ingrown nails around the nail root: This is often caused by nail biting or friction with rough objects. Imbalanced nutrition and vitamin deficiency can also cause ingrown nails. It is important to have a balanced diet and timely nutrient supplementation. Do not directly pull out the ingrown nails, but use nail clippers to trim them.
