Nail damage is a common concern for many women but with a few essential preventive measures, the 4 most common nail problems can be easily solved without expensive or complicated treatments.
1. Problem of brittle nails - this means your nail plates are dry, hard and flaky and the keratin cells in them need to be replenished so their natural fat and hydration levels are maintained. These are the binding agents, which when disintegrated cause brittleness in the nails. Wearing gloves, avoiding frequently applying and removing nail polish using harsh alcohol based removers that dehydrate keratin layers and using a clear base coat then a single top coat of nail polish can help reduce the use of nail polish removers to give you healthier nails. Also try to massage the nail base with a gentle, rejuvenating nail cream after attending to any hangnails (tears in the folds and cuticle) so no more loosening of nails from the plate takes place.
2. Problem of ingrown toenails - this issue arises from improper trimming of toenails, which may penetrate folds of the nails and lead to red, swollen and painful toes. To treat an existing condition and prevent the same occurring in the future, beauty experts recommend not cutting toenails too short or down the sides ever. Professional beauticians explain it is better to follow the natural alignment of the toe's shape for best trimming practices.
3. Problem of fungal infections - to avoid fungal infections from cropping up, which are caused due to bacteria collected under hard, thickened and ingrown toenails, basic hygiene is the best bet. A basic over the counter remedy is using griseofulvin (mild case) or ketoconazole (moderate pain); for severe pain and broken, discolored and infected toenails, it is best to seek medical help. After the pain has subsided, the affected nail fold area may be gently pushed far from the sharper regions of the skin of the foot as a damage prevention measure.
3. Problem of frequently chipped, broken nails - commonly caused due to working with unprotected hands or using the nails as 'tools,' frequent breakage and chipping of the nails can be avoided by eating a protein rich diet, taking calcium supplements to strengthen nails, wearing gloves while working with water and by using household cleaners with organic or chemical free ingredients that don't damage the hands and nails. To treat the condition with long term results, it is advisable to use a long handled mop and brushes for cleaning activities, wiping hands of excess moisture and then using a good quality hand cream gently massaged in circular motions before putting on cotton gloves for letting the goodness seal in to the hands and nails.
4. Problem of under-nourished, weak nails with slow growth - this can be treated by avoiding use of nails for common activities like opening tins, dialing a number using a classic phone machine and keeping nails short, properly trimmed, filed in one direction only and massing in a cream right after your bath (when nails are soft). Additionally, wearing thick gloves when gardening or using chemicals, wearing protective nail coverage like 'Polish-It' etc. and switching to an acetone-free remover for wiping off traces of old nail polish are part of an essential nail care and development routine. Filing in a single direction keeps nails from fraying and weakening, thus recommended by nail care experts for hands you'd love to show off.
1. Problem of brittle nails - this means your nail plates are dry, hard and flaky and the keratin cells in them need to be replenished so their natural fat and hydration levels are maintained. These are the binding agents, which when disintegrated cause brittleness in the nails. Wearing gloves, avoiding frequently applying and removing nail polish using harsh alcohol based removers that dehydrate keratin layers and using a clear base coat then a single top coat of nail polish can help reduce the use of nail polish removers to give you healthier nails. Also try to massage the nail base with a gentle, rejuvenating nail cream after attending to any hangnails (tears in the folds and cuticle) so no more loosening of nails from the plate takes place.
2. Problem of ingrown toenails - this issue arises from improper trimming of toenails, which may penetrate folds of the nails and lead to red, swollen and painful toes. To treat an existing condition and prevent the same occurring in the future, beauty experts recommend not cutting toenails too short or down the sides ever. Professional beauticians explain it is better to follow the natural alignment of the toe's shape for best trimming practices.
3. Problem of fungal infections - to avoid fungal infections from cropping up, which are caused due to bacteria collected under hard, thickened and ingrown toenails, basic hygiene is the best bet. A basic over the counter remedy is using griseofulvin (mild case) or ketoconazole (moderate pain); for severe pain and broken, discolored and infected toenails, it is best to seek medical help. After the pain has subsided, the affected nail fold area may be gently pushed far from the sharper regions of the skin of the foot as a damage prevention measure.
3. Problem of frequently chipped, broken nails - commonly caused due to working with unprotected hands or using the nails as 'tools,' frequent breakage and chipping of the nails can be avoided by eating a protein rich diet, taking calcium supplements to strengthen nails, wearing gloves while working with water and by using household cleaners with organic or chemical free ingredients that don't damage the hands and nails. To treat the condition with long term results, it is advisable to use a long handled mop and brushes for cleaning activities, wiping hands of excess moisture and then using a good quality hand cream gently massaged in circular motions before putting on cotton gloves for letting the goodness seal in to the hands and nails.
4. Problem of under-nourished, weak nails with slow growth - this can be treated by avoiding use of nails for common activities like opening tins, dialing a number using a classic phone machine and keeping nails short, properly trimmed, filed in one direction only and massing in a cream right after your bath (when nails are soft). Additionally, wearing thick gloves when gardening or using chemicals, wearing protective nail coverage like 'Polish-It' etc. and switching to an acetone-free remover for wiping off traces of old nail polish are part of an essential nail care and development routine. Filing in a single direction keeps nails from fraying and weakening, thus recommended by nail care experts for hands you'd love to show off.
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