Nails, hair, skin

The package consists of 21 tests. This package of tests may help determine the possible causes of skin, hair, and nail problems.

Above all, you can contribute to the health of your skin, as well as your hair and nails, through regular hygiene. Excessive use or combination of a wide range of cosmetic products or beauty treatments may prevent the skin from breathing, may impair blood circulation, may shorten regeneration intervals, and may have a negative impact on its structure and, thus, health. Similarly, using chemical hair and nail treatments on a regular basis may harm the health of the hair and nails. A varied, balanced diet (in both quantity and quality), adequate exposure to fresh air, and quality sleep, when applied consistently and over time, may represent the basis for the health of your skin, hair, and nails.

Why should these tests be taken?

Prevalence

Skin diseases are on the rise partially due to environmental pollution. This is associated with an increase in acquired immune disorders and some of endocrine disorders (among others, endocrine disruptors in the environment and in food).

Symptoms

The water content and slightly acidic pH of the skin surface layer are important for both barrier function and the normal composition of the skin microbial film. Dry skin (caused, for example, by a poor drinking regimen) can lead to skin sensitization in various ways. The time required to restore the skin barrier function is approximately 4–8 weeks, during which the skin heals slowly and the patient experiences general symptoms (burning, itching).

General manifestations: e.g., burning, itching, soreness, increased sensitivity

Changes in skin appearance: e.g., pallor (e.g., in anaemia), yellow skin and mucous membranes (e.g., in liver and biliary tract diseases), grey skin tone (e.g., in kidney disease), brown skin in a Caucasian person with no history of sunburn (e.g.,), rough and doughy skin (e.g., in thyroid disease).

Changes in skin temperature: e.g., excessively warm skin (e.g., with increased thyroid function), or cool skin (e.g., with decreased thyroid function, in cardiovascular disease due to impaired blood circulation).

Local findings: e.g., skin-level or above-skin-level lesions of variable size, colour, and firmness, scaly and non-scaly findings, fissures, poorly healing wounds, moist lesions, age spots and pigment spots, warts, and skin growths.

Hair, body hair: e.g., changes in the intensity and shape of growth of hirsutism and diffuse alopecia; significant hair loss may occur in the post-covid period (approximately 1 to 12 months after recovery from Covid-19).

Nails: for instance, changes to the surface, shape, and growth rate.

We will now explain in greater detail what will be tested and why:

A blood count ("CBC with diff") determines the number of white and red blood cells, the amount of red blood cell dye (called haemoglobin), the number of platelets, and many other related parameters. It can point to anaemia, dehydration, infection, or immune system disorders, and suspect bleeding disorders and the risk of blood clots, often accompanying chronic inflammation. Nutritional disorders caused by an inappropriate composition of the consumed diet can lead to a lack of important elements and vitamins necessary for blood formation, including the production of white blood cells.

Haemoglobin HbA1c is also called glycated or glycosylated haemoglobin. The level is determined by many factors, most commonly food intake, physical exertion, a Long-term elevated glycated haemoglobin levels high level HbA1c are mainly sign of diabetes mellitus, may explain the increased susceptibility to chronic infections and poorly healing wounds.

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme present inside the cells (in the cytoplasm) of a number of tissues. Not only is it important for the production and degradation of amino acids and the related nitrogen metabolism, but also for glucose metabolism. A derivative of vitamin B6 helps the enzyme function properly. Increased ALT activity follows the impairment of cellular integrity, especially in the liver and red blood cells.

Proteins are among the substances responsible for a huge number of important tasks in the human body: they maintain pH, transmit various substances, inform about nutrients, provide us with immunity, participate in blood clotting, maintain the pressure in the bloodstream, promote chemical reactions through enzymes and other means, and are represented in the genes, for example in chromosomes. Proteins are mainly produced in the liver and eliminated by several organs, such as the kidneys, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

Interleukin 6 is a pro-inflammatory polypeptide. It has a very short activation time and reliably informs about the inflammatory process even in the early stages. In the human body, it is produced by M1 macrophages during the normal inflammatory response to infection and damage. In metabolic syndrome, M1 macrophages accumulate in adipose tissue (adipose tissue dysfunction) and increase the production of IL-6 and other cytokines, causing structural damage to vascular endothelial cells, consequently their function (dysfunction), and the development of atherosclerosis, which, as an inflammatory disease, is at the origin of many civilization diseases. Skin keratinocytes also produce interleukin 6 when under the effects of stress.

Zinc (Zn) is a trace element that forms part of a large number of enzymes and coenzymes, is involved in the metabolism of sugars, proteins, DNA, RNA, haemoglobin synthesis, and CO2 transport. Plays a role in the life cycle of cells, and supports bone growth, vision, and brain function. Zinc is a strong antioxidant with a significant role in making the immune system and thyroid gland function properly, and it benefits the skin in multiple ways (wound healing, and collagen production). A lack of zinc , may cause reproductive impairment, may cause skin inflammation and hair loss and , may weaken the immune system. ,Excessive zinc amounts may influence the absorption of iron and copper, which may later cause a lack of these elements.

Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are essential minerals necessary for normal physiological processes in the body. They form a balancing system that controls water management in the tissues and also contributes to proper kidney function. A more significant change in their levels can lead to changes in blood pressure and the occurrence of oedema.

Calcium (Ca) is a mineral and also an essential building block of bones and teeth. It supports the function of enzymes, coagulation, muscle functions (contractions and relaxation), and the release of hormones. The level of calcium together with allow a more comprehensive assessment of its action in metabolism.

Phosphorus (P) is present in the body in both inorganic and organic forms. In cells, it constitutes a component of membranes (phospholipids), present in nucleic acids, DNA, RNA , Phosphorus is associated with the formation and release of energy, and, in the form of hydrogen phosphates and dihydrogen phosphates, it contributes to the maintenance of an appropriate pH of the body's internal environment. Phosphorus metabolism disorders may be related to calcium and magnesium metabolism, and some hormones (especially parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and vitamin D), intestines, kidneys, and bones are involved in the maintenance of Ca-P-Mg balance.

Magnesium (magnesium, Mg) is a mineral that is related to the metabolism of bones, muscles, intestines, and kidneys, and, together with other minerals, it contributes to the maintenance of the balance of the body's internal environment. It supports the proper functions of a large number of enzymes. The level of magnesium in the blood within the reference range does not rule out its overall deficiency in the body because it is the second most important intracellular cation.

Triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels represent basic indicators of fat metabolism. Their levels depend on first overall functioning of your metabolism and then diet and fysical activity.Cholesterol s a part of almost every body cell and fulfils several irreplaceable functions in the body (e.g., it is a base substance for the formation of several steroid hormones and a building component of cell membranes). It is either exogenous (taken in from outside, through food) or endogenous (produced in the body). The cholesterol pool is divided into several parts, according to its ability to change over time. Increased blood sugar levels, typically seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, may have increased lipid deposition. A certain group of the population may suffer from congenital disorders of triacylglycerols metabolism. When cholesterol or triacylglycerol levels are elevated for a long time, skin formations called xanthomas may be formed.

IgE (immunoglobulin E) is an antibody from the group of so-called reagins. Its levels in the blood are low in a healthy person. IgE distribution in the body is selective; one part is locally bound to the lymph nodes of the respiratory and digestive systems, and the rest is bound to the surface of mast cells (mastocytes) on the mucous membranes and connective tissues. A large number of granules are found in the cytoplasm of mastocytes. When IgE comes into contact with an antigen (allergen), mast cell degranulation occurs and active substances are released, such as histamine, heparin, and serotonin. Increased IgE levels in the blood are reported in cases of allergies and parasitic infections. When immune disorders are suspected, IgE values are assessed comprehensively along with other immunoglobulin groups, subgroups, and the patients' clinical conditions.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced mainly in the adrenal cortex. It affects the metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins, has an immunosuppressive effect, and chronic higher levels caused by some disorders may contribute to bone thinning. Cortisol is released into the bloodstream to react to mental or physical stress and thus increases the blood sugar level (sugar as an energy source to cope with stress).

TSH (thyrotropin) is a hormone produced by the cells of the anterior pituitary gland. It affects the metabolism of thyroid cells and stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones. Both types of thyroid function disorders (overactive thyroid – hyperthyroidism, decreased function – hypothyroidism) may be found in some autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the thyroid gland.

Testosterone (TST) is an important representative of androgens, a steroid hormone produced in men in the Leydig cells of the testes and in women in the ovaries and adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics in men, including muscle and bone mass, the way fat is stored, typical male body hair, laryngeal growth (and related voice change), and sperm quality and quantity. With age, its level in the blood decreases. In women, testosterone is converted into the main female sexual hormone, oestradiol. . Clinically, hyperandrogenism in women may manifest as hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, and diffuse alopecia.

Vitamin A (axerophthol) is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. It affects the metabolism of rhodopsin (important in visual processing), influences the differentiation and growth of epithelial cells of the skin, mucous membranes, and haematopoietic cells, is important for the differentiation and maturation of sex cells, and also interferes with the metabolism of lipoproteins, proteins, and nucleic acids. Vitamin A exists in two natural forms - vitamin A1 and vitamin A2. Vitamin A has mild antioxidant properties. The stronger antioxidant is β-carotene, which is a provitamin A (precursor of vitamin A; one molecule of β-carotene produces 2 molecules of vitamin A). The active form of vitamin A is called 11-cis-retinol. The need for vitamin A during pregnancy is defined. Human malformations have also been linked to excessive vitamin A use during the first trimester.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. About 30% of vitamin E is absorbed from the digestive tract. Up to 90 % of the absorbed vitamin E is transported via the ductus thoracicus into the lymph, and the remainder into the blood, where it is transported by LDL, HDL and VLDL. Vitamin E represents a group of tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) with antioxidant effects. When comparing the high-level toxicity among vitamins A, D, and E, vitamin E is among the least toxic.

Vitamin C is one of the water-soluble vitamins. Most animals meet their vitamin C requirements via self-synthesis. Of the foods that contain the highest amounts of vitamin C (in declining order) are peppers, blackcurrants, parsley, broccoli, horseradish, brussels sprouts, and red cabbage. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals. All organic life is essentially based on enzymatic processes and if it were not for antioxidants, free radicals, a by-product of metabolism, as well as infections and external toxins would cause the metabolism to break down. In times of stress and illness, therefore, there is an strong demand for vitamin C, and herein lies the key to its stabilising effect on the functions of metabolism. Vitamin C can be described as an integral element of metabolism. Vitamin C is thermolabile. An absolute deficiency of vitamin C may lead to scurvy, which is an uncommon disease in our environment given the abundance of a varied diet. However, manifestations of chronic mild vitamin C deficiency are common in the population and should be addressed specifically in selected population groups (women taking oral contraceptives, pregnant women, the elderly, patients on long-term salicylates and corticosteroids. Mild vitamin C deficiency is mainly manifested by increased capillary fragility with petechiae formation, dry skin and mucous membranes, frequent infections, gingivitis, prolonged wound healing and joint disorders.

Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. Since vitamin D is produced in the body and acts through its own receptor, it should be classified as a steroid hormone rather than a vitamin. Since there are very few foods that contain vitamin D, we consider sunlight, which enables production of the vitamin in the skin, to be an invaluable tool in obtaining balanced levels – especially in summer in our climate. In addition to its known effects on bone density and dental health, vitamin D has other positive effects. I. It strengthens the immune system through increasing the so-called cytotoxicity of macrophages and the activity of immune system cells – NK-killer cells.