Strong, healthy nails can give you a more polished and attractive appearance. Many of the tips you have heard and things you have been taught to do to care for your nails may actually be doing more harm than good. Here are some tips from dermatologists on how to get healthier nails.
The cuticle is a natural barrier that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. Cutting or pushing back the cuticles can cause them to lose that protection and make them look red, ragged, and swollen. It can also lead to an infection that can permanently damage your nails.
Moisture can make cuticles look better and prevent nail breakage. If your nails tend to break, put oil around your cuticles to add moisture to the entire nails and reduce chipping, cracking, and splitting.
If your nails are brittle, avoid acetone-based nail polish remover. It can strip your nails and make them brittle.
A lot of products that are supposed to harden nails can do more harm than good. Most claims about the effectiveness of those products do not have scientific support. Nail strengtheners do not help unless nails are extremely fragile. Healthy nails should be flexible.
Emery boards are harsh and can cause cracks and fissures in nails. Use a smooth, fine file and work slowly and evenly in one direction to prevent breakage.
Frequent hand washing can dry out your nails. If you need to wash your hands a lot, use a moisturizer as often as possible.
When you are cleaning or doing laundry, avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Wear rubber gloves if possible.
Certain shampoos, particularly ones containing detergents that are used for oily hair, can dry out both hair and nails. If you suspect that your shampoo is drying out your nails, switch to a different product.
Research has found that people who get manicures often are more likely to have dry, brittle nails, possibly because of repeated exposure to chemicals. They are also more likely to get chronic nail infections. You can reduce your risk of getting an infection from a manicure by bringing your own tools to the salon.
Nail extensions can lead to fungal or bacterial infections and can cause permanent damage. If you want to wear nail extensions, get tips. They can still cause problems, but there is less of a risk because a smaller surface area is covered.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a liquid acrylic nail compound that has been banned in many states because it can cause allergic reactions and nail damage. However, some nail salons still use it. If nail products have a noxious odor, enhancements are hard to file, or they do not soak off easily, the might contain MMA. You can report your suspicions to your state’s health board.
Supplements of biotin, a B vitamin, can increase the thickness of nails and stop breakage and splitting. If you take supplements, it is important to use a prescription strength of 2.5 milligrams per day. You can also try nail products that contain silicon and MSM to strengthen your nails. Gelatin will not strengthen nails and may actually weaken them. Products containing calcium, fluoride, and yeast have not been scientifically proven to strengthen nails.
The tips that apply to finger nails also apply to toenails. Fungus can grow more easily on feet than hands because feet are in a moist and dark environment for much of the day. If you get professional pedicures, dermatologists recommend taking your own instruments and not letting anyone dig under your toenails or around the cuticles. Toenails should be cut straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails and infection.
Certain nail conditions can be symptoms of medical problems. White nails can indicate a liver problem. Nails that are half white and half pink can be an indication of kidney disease. Lung disease can cause thick and yellow nails that grow at a slower rate. Pale nail beds can be a sign of anemia. Diabetes can cause nails to be tinged with yellow and have a slight blush at the base of the nail.