Make Times for Your Nails

At times, while seated in a nail salon, you may have pondered why your nails are so essential. You might consider them to be merely an accessory. Nevertheless, there is more to nails than merely being an accessory. Nail care is essential for numerous reasons. One of the most prominent benefits is that it helps your hands and feet look better overall.  

The state of one’s nails is indicative of one’s general well-being because they are an essential part of the human body. It turns out that the condition of your nails can tell a lot about your overall health, from how well you take care of yourself to the likelihood that you will contract certain diseases. Infections and injuries can occur if nails are often neglected. And probably most crucially, because keratin is the main component of fingernails, any problems with your body will likely show up on your nails first, making them a useful health indicator. 

When nails are healthy, they grow normally and will not become brittle and break. If your cuticles look healthy, it’s likely because you eat and live healthily. Manicures and pedicures aren’t your only option for keeping your nails in good condition. The nutritional experts affiliated with Sirwiss address the crucial topic of nail health in this article. Read on if you’re interested in finding out more. 

Why Nail Care Is So Important 

1. To Strengthen Your Nails.  

Manicure and pedicure treatments can help nails grow strong and healthy. The nails can be fortified with the help of a do it yourself nail kit. Manicures are a fun opportunity to treat yourself and experiment with fresh looks for your nails. Keep your fingernails short to prevent them from breaking. It’s also not a good idea to peel or bite the skin surrounding your fingernails because it can lead to bleeding and infection. To avoid splitting along the nail bed’s edges, file down your nails in a diagonal motion, starting from one side until you achieve a clean edge, and then switching sides and filing away from your cuticle towards your fingertip. Avoid using an emery board, as it weakens rather than strengthens, for this activity. 

2. Improve Your Overall Health.  

When your fingernails and toenails start to seem dull and brittle, it’s time to get a checkup. Since fingernails are largely formed of keratin, the same protein that makes up skin, they can be used as a proxy for general health. You should expect to see the first signs of a problem with your body’s ability to manufacture healthy cells, such as vitamin deficiencies or hormone imbalances, in your nails. 

3. To Keep Them Looking Healthy and Beautiful!  

The appearance of your nails and hands can be enhanced with proper nail care. Short, well-kept nails with no signs of damage, like chipping or peeling lacquer, are more attractive than longer nails with more severe flaws. Moisturizing your cuticles on a regular basis will help prevent them from drying out and splitting. Nail art or pink dip nails are a fun and simple way to make your hands look beautiful. 

4. To Avoid Injury and Infection.  

When you go barefoot through the garden, when you trim the grass, or when you open a jar at home, you run the risk of injuring yourself or getting an infection because your nails have been neglected. Keeping them brief will lessen the likelihood of this happening. Detergents and solvents are also detrimental to skin and nail health, so it’s best to limit your exposure to them if at all feasible. 

5. To Improve Your Self-Esteem and Confidence.  

Your nails and hands are nothing to be ashamed of. Taking care of your nails can make your hands seem better, so you won’t feel self-conscious about showing them in public or having to wear gloves whenever you go outside. If you let people see your manicured nails, you’ll feel more confident. Keep your nails looking fantastic to project a good image to others; this applies whether you use acrylic or poly nail kits. 

Nail care is essential for a variety of reasons. Cut your nails so they don’t rub against your skin or clothing and spread germs. Nails should be filed down as much as possible to prevent injury in the event that a person’s hand runs into one. Finally, we advise getting a manicure every two weeks at the very least to maintain your hands soft and well-kept. Taking care of your nails is an investment in yourself, and as such, you should not feel bad about doing so. Take care of your paws, and we hope these five ideas helped shine light on an often-overlooked aspect of self-care. 

Common Conditions of the Nails 

There are a wide variety of nail problems that people face, and some of them can even be treated at home. A consultation with a medical professional is recommended for more serious illnesses that may need surgical intervention. 

A person who has healthy nails will notice the following features: 

1. Uniform size and shape 

2. Smooth and shiny appearance 

3. Pink nail bed, which is the skin beneath the nail 

4. White lunula, which is the small half-moon shape at the base of the nail 

5. White nail-free margin, which is the part of the nail that grows past the fingertip  

List of Common Nail Problems 

1. Nail psoriasis  

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 50% of people with psoriasis will also have nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis can affect a person’s fingernails or toenails. 

Symptoms of nail psoriasis include: 

1. Nail pitting, where tiny dents appear in the nail 

2. White, yellow, or brown discoloration 

3. Crumbling nails 

4. Separation of the nail from the finger or toe 

5. Blood beneath the nail 

6. Nail thickening 

7. A buildup of debris beneath the nail 

8. Nail ridges 

9. Pain or tenderness 

Treatments 

A dermatologist can treat nail psoriasis by: 

1. Applying potent corticosteroids to the nail 

2. Applying calcipotriol, a cream used to treat psoriasis 

3. Applying tazarotene, a gel used to treat psoriasis  

Nail psoriasis can be challenging to treat and may require more than one type of treatment. If stronger treatments are necessary, a dermatologist may try: 

1. Injecting corticosteroids into or near the nail 

2. Performing laser treatment 

3. Performing PUVA, a therapy that involves exposing nails to UVA rays after soaking them in psoralen 

4. Using medication to treat both skin and nail psoriasis 

2. Onychoschizia 

Onychoschizia is the medical term for nails that are brittle, splitting, soft, or thin. Onychoschizia is a common nail problem and is more likely to occur in females than in males. 

Onychoschizia can occur due to: 

1. Repeated wetting and drying of nails 

2. Low humidity 

3. Frequent use of nail polish and nail polish remover 

4. Extended contact with detergent or cleaning products 

5. Aging 

6. Deficiencies of iron, zinc, or selenium 

Treatments 

A person can treat onychoschizia by: 

1. Wearing rubber gloves when washing up or using cleaning products 

2. Using less nail polish and nail polish remover 

3. Taking the vitamin biotin 

4. Using moisturizer 

3. Onychogryphosis 

Onychogryphosis, also called ram’s horn nails, describes when a person’s nail becomes thick and overgrown. Onychogryphosis commonly occurs on the big toe of older adults. 

Causes of onychogryphosis include: 

1. Genetics 

2. Trauma 

3. Peripheral circulation disorders 

4. Wearing improper footwear 

5. Foot abnormalities 

6. Skin conditions such as psoriasis or ichthyosis 

Symptoms of onychogryphosis include: 

1. Thickened nails 

2. Yellow or brown discoloration 

3. Nails that curve abnormally 

4. Pain 

Treatments 

A person who has onychogryphosis will need to see a dermatologist or podiatrist to cut their nails. Wearing suitable footwear can also help with onychogryphosis. However, onychogryphosis can reoccur, so nail removal is the only method to treat it permanently. 

4. Ingrown toenails  

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail starts to grow into the skin of the toe. 

Causes of ingrown toenails include: 

1. Cutting toenails too short or at angles 

2. Wearing shoes that are too small 

3. Experiencing nail trauma 

4. Having a family history of ingrown toenails 

5. Having fungal infections 

A person with ingrown toenails may experience the following on their toe: 

1. Pain and tenderness 

2. Swelling 

3. Redness 

4. Infection 

Treatments  

Treatments for ingrown toenails include: 

1. Soaking the foot in warm water 

2. Cutting toenail straight across 

3. Gently massaging the nail 

4. Wearing comfortable shoes 

5. Taking prescribed antibiotics 

6. Having surgery to remove part of the nail 

5. Fungal infections  

A fungal nail infection occurs when fungus enters a person’s nail, usually via a small crack. Fungal nail infections are more likely to occur on toenails than fingernails. 

Causes of fungal nail infections include: 

1. Nail injury 

2. Diabetes 

3. A weak immune system 

4. Circulation problems 

5. Athlete’s foot 

Symptoms of fungal nail infections include: 

1. Yellow, white, or brown nail 

2. Cracked or fragile nail 

3. Thickened nail 

Treatments 

Doctors can treat fungal nail infections with antifungal pills or by surgically removing the nail. 

6. Onycholysis 

Onycholysis is when a person’s nail starts to separate from their skin. There can be many causes of onycholysis, including: 

1. Fungal infection 

2. Psoriasis 

3. Nail injury from aggressive manicure 

4. Iron deficiency 

5. Overactive thyroid 

6. Prolonged immersion in water 

Onycholysis can cause white discoloration where the nail has lifted from the skin. If infection occurs, the nail may have green or yellow patches. 

Treatments 

A person can treat onycholysis by: 

1. Removing the unattached nail 

2. Keeping nails out of water 

3. Using gloves when cleaning 

4. Taking medication to treat any infection 

5. Using a prescribed drying agent, such as 3% thymol, after washing hands 

7. Paronychia 

Paronychia is an infection at the base of the nail. There are two forms of paronychia: 

Acute paronychia  

Acute paronychia occurs due to infection of the nail fold, the skin at the base of the nail. 

Symptoms of acute paronychia include: 

1. Redness and swelling of the skin at the base of the nail 

2. Pain 

3. Pus from the cuticle 

4. Fever 

5. Pain in the armpit glands 

Chronic paronychia  

Repeated contact with irritants can cause chronic paronychia. People who constantly have wet hands are more likely to have chronic paronychia. Chronic paronychia often starts on one nail and spreads to others. Symptoms of chronic paronychia include: 

1. Redness and tenderness at the base of the nail 

2. White, yellow, or green pus discharge from the cuticle 

3. Distorted, ridged nails 

4. Yellow or green nails 

5. Brittle nails 

Treatments 

A person can treat acute paronychia by: 

1. Using soaks 

2. Applying antibiotic creams 

3. Taking antibiotic tablets 

4. Lancing any abscesses 

Treatment for chronic paronychia includes: 

1. Keeping hands clean and dry 

2. Using gloves when cleaning or working with chemicals 

3. Applying topical creams or lotions 

4. Taking antifungal drugs 

8. Punctate leukonychia 

When small white spots appear on the nails, it’s called punctate leukonychia. Trauma to the nail, such as knocks or nail-biting, can cause punctate leukonychia. 

Treatments 

Punctate leukonychia will eventually disappear as the nail grows out. 

9. Subungual hematoma  

A subungual hematoma is a bruise that appears underneath the nail. Injuring the nail, such as by stubbing a toe or wearing shoes that are too tight, can cause subungual hematomas. 

A person with a subungual hematoma may notice: 

1. Pain and tenderness in the nail 

2. Lifting of the nail 

3. Spots of purple, red, brown, or black on the nail 

Treatments 

A person can treat a subungual hematoma by: 

1. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth or towel to the nail 

2. Compressing the finger or toe with a bandage 

3. Resting 

4. Elevating the injured digit 

5. Taking pain medication 

A subungual hematoma should disappear as the nail grows out, which can take 6⁠–9 months. 

A person should seek medical attention if their subungual hematoma: 

1. Keeps bleeding continuously 

2. Is incredibly painful 

3. Occurs alongside severe damage to the base of the nail 

A doctor may X-ray the nail to check for injury to the bone beneath it. The doctor may also lance the subungual hematoma if it is causing pressure to build on the nail. 

Tips for Stronger Nails 

The good news is that we can always make adjustments to our way of life and routines to help our nails become stronger and progress to the desired length.  

If you want stronger nails quickly, try these simple tricks. 

1. Take a biotin supplement  

Biotin is a B vitamin also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7. You need to make sure you have enough of it every day because the body can’t store it because of how water-soluble it is. Your hair and nails will benefit from taking biotin. The health of the body’s neurological system is also improved. You can get it through sardines, eggs, and beans, or even just a B vitamin supplement. Biotin supplements can be helpful, but before you start taking them, you should talk to your doctor. 

2. Minimize exposure to water  

Nails can become weak and brittle if they are constantly submerged in water. When doing dishes or having a bath, protect your hands by using gloves. Of course, there will be times when you need to use your hands, so keep that in mind. 

3. Stay hydrated  

Nail health is no exception to the rule that everyone should drink plenty of water. Nails grow brittle and more prone to breakage and peeling if they don’t get enough moisture. They can maintain their strength and moisture levels by drinking enough water. 

4. Pay attention to your diet  

Eat a diversified and nutrient-rich diet and supplement with a multivitamin that includes minerals. Nails aren’t immune to the effects of a diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Before beginning any new supplements, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor. They pose hazards in addition to interfering with any prescribed medications you may be taking. 

5. Be careful about the products you use 

Nail polish and remover  

Chemicals in nail polish and treatments can be too strong for your nails. Avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers since they might cause permanent harm to your nails. Look for acetone-free nail polish remover and nontoxic nail paints and soaks. Many common chemicals used in nail care treatments have been linked to health risks, and experts advise avoiding them. 

Hand sanitizer and cleaning products  

Use caution when applying hand sanitizer and avoid getting it on your fingernails. Nails (and hands) become brittle due to the alcohol in hand sanitizer. Put on some rubber gloves and get to work cleaning up the house. Chemicals included in many household cleaning supplies, such as wipes, can be detrimental to nail health. Wearing gloves protects your hands from these substances. 

Shampoo  

Nails can become thin or brittle if you use a shampoo that is drying or aimed to strip oils (that is, designed for greasy hair). If you haven’t seen improvement after using the same shampoo for a few weeks, try something new. 

6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible  

These may seem like a quick fix for people who have difficulties growing their nails but using them too often can lead to peeling and weakened nails. Keep your nails unpainted in between coats if you insist on wearing them. More research is needed; however, it appears that gel polish’s requirement for ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a potential carcinogen. The nail bed skin also ages with time spent exposed to the elements. The recommended time for putting sunscreen on your hands before exposing them to UV rays is 20 minutes. 

7. Give your nails a break from polish  

In the same way, painting your nails can be aesthetically pleasing, but it prevents your nails from breathing. The nail can become brittle from overexposure to any lacquer, including harmless ones. After a week or so of wearing nail polish, remove it with an acetone-free polish remover and give your nails a week to breathe. 

8. Keep your nails on the shorter side  

Long nails are more likely to break and be caught on things, while shorter nails are less likely to be chipped, cracked, or split, helping to keep them strong. 

9. Don’t use your nails as a tool  

Instead, use the pads of your fingers to open up a soda can or use a paper clip to reach something in a small space. Using your nails as tools can lead to breakage and chipping, which can in turn weaken the nail. 

10. Use lotion on your nails  

After removing polish, or if you think you’re not hydrated enough, use hand cream on your hands, making sure to moisturize your nails. You can do this every time you wash your hands. 

11. Change how you file your nails  

If you file your nails with a sawing motion, you can actually weaken them. Instead, arrange them in a linear fashion. Avoid filing the sides of your nails too much, since doing so might cause the nail to split. 

12. Talk with your doctor  

After several weeks of trying various remedies without success, it may be time to consult a dermatologist or other skin care specialist for help. The examiner can learn a lot about your lifestyle and health just by looking at your fingernails. They may recommend a prescription-strength nail treatment if your nails are really weak. 

Our nails transmit a variety of messages to others around us, and you may feel less confident if they are weak or brittle. The good news is that there is a plethora of options for improving and fortifying your nails. If your nails are thin or brittle, it may be because of an underlying problem that has to be addressed for the nails to grow back strong. Nails are susceptible to a wide range of diseases and disorders. Nail problems can be treated in several ways, depending on the root reason. When all else fails, and you’ve done everything, it’s time to consult a doctor.