Healthy nails are a sign of good care and health. Unfortunately, nail problems can often occur and cause discomfort. In this blog, we discuss five common nail problems and provide practical solutions to tackle them.
1. Brittle Nails
Cause: Brittle nails can result from excessive exposure to water, chemicals, or a lack of essential nutrients such as biotin.
Solution:
- Nutrition: Ensure a diet rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Think of nuts, seeds, and fish.
- Hydration: Regularly use a moisturizing nail cream or cuticle oil to prevent dryness.
- Protection: Wear gloves when cleaning or working with chemicals.
2. Ingrown Fingernails
Cause: Often caused by improper nail clipping or trauma to the nail.
Solution:
- Clipping: Cut the nails straight across and not too short.
- Protection: Avoid biting the nails and wear gloves for tasks that may damage the nails.
- Medical advice: Consult a doctor if the ingrown nail causes pain or infection. Sometimes a minor surgical procedure is necessary.
3. Fungal Nails
Cause: A fungal infection can lead to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.
Solution:
- Hygiene: Keep hands dry and wash them regularly. Wear gloves for wet tasks.
- Treatment: Use anti-fungal creams or nail polish. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe oral medication.
4. White Spots (Leukonychia)
Cause: White spots on the nails can result from minor injuries, a deficiency in zinc or calcium, or due to an allergic reaction to some nail polishes.
Solution:
- Nutrition: Ensure a balanced diet with sufficient zinc and calcium.
- Protection: Be careful when filing and cutting nails to prevent injuries.
- Allergies: Use hypoallergenic nail polish and avoid harsh nail polish removers.
5. Splitting Nails
Cause: Splitting nails can result from excessive exposure to water, chemicals, or physical damage.
Solution :
- Hydration: Use a good nail and hand cream to prevent dryness. Regularly apply cuticle oil to care for and protect the cuticles.
- Protection: Wear gloves when doing cleaning tasks and handling harsh substances.
- Care: Trim the nails regularly and file them in one direction to prevent splitting.
General Tips for Healthy Nails
- Regular trimming and filing: Keep the nails short and prevent cracking.
- Avoid nail biting: This can damage the nails and cause infections.
- Hand care: Use hand cream and cuticle oil daily to nourish the nails and surrounding skin.
Taking care of your nails doesn't have to be complicated. With these tips and solutions, you can effectively tackle common nail problems and ensure healthy, strong nails.
