Nail Care
Does your nails look strong and healthy or do they look less-than-desirable? Unhealthy looking nails could suggest a health issue that requires medical attention. Pay particular attention to a nail problem that does not seem to go away.
Nail Problems
Be on the look out for:
- Beau's lines - Indentations that run across your nails.
- Clubbing - The tips of your fingers enlarge and curves around your fingertips.
- Nail separates from nail bed - Fingernails become loose and can separate from the nail bed.
- Pitting - Small depressions in the nails.
- Spoon nails - Soft nails that look scooped out.
- Terry's nails - Nails look opaque and the tip has a dark band.
- Yellow nail syndrome - A yellow or green discoloration in your fingernails.
For more details, visit American Academy of Dermatology. Consult your doctor if any of the above symptoms appears.
Weak Nails
If you have weak nails, your best defense is to protect them. You can do so with these simple habits:
- Apply a moisturizer each time you wash your hands.
- Apply a nail hardener, but avoid products containing toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde.
- Keep your nails short, square-shaped and slightly rounded on top.
- Trim brittle nails after a bath or a 15-minute hand-soak in bath oil.
- Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. avoid those that use acetone.
Nail Care Tips
As a general guideline, observe the following:
- Wear rubber gloves when using soap and water especially for prolonged periods or harsh chemicals.
- Do not bite your nails or pick at your cuticles.
- Do not use your nails to pry, poke or pick on things.
- Moisturize your nails frequently.
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