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Home Remedies for Nail Problems

Posted by: Admin Posted date: 10:54 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

While they can’t talk, your hands and feet say a lot about you. When they aren’t the healthiest, your nails sometimes scream at the top of their lungs. From discoloration to brittleness, there are a lot of issues that can call attention to your nails. To improve their appearance, home remedies for nail problems can help.

Common Nail Problems

Fingernails and toenails are subject to a range of changes and conditions that includes

Trauma – Could come from slamming your finger in a door to dropping something heavy on your foot.

Skin Diseases – HPV, psoriasis, and other skin conditions can cause a change in the shape, color and thickness of nails.

Infection –Infection could come from a hang nail or from fungus trapped under the nail bed.

Nutritional Deficiencies – Severe malnutrition and lack of specific vitamins can cause changes in your nails.

Issues with Appearance – Lifestyle habits, such as nervous tapping of the nails, can cause nails to become brittle, split or dull.

Overall Signs of Aging – Examples include vertical ridging and brittle nails.

Horizontal ridges – caused by anemia or malnutrition

Horizontal white lines – caused by kidney disease, Hodgkin’s disease, or heart disease

Vertical trenches – caused by kidney disorders, iron deficiency and overall aging

Vertical splitting – caused by calcium deficiency

Vertical red lines – caused by rheumatoid arthritis or high blood pressure

Pitted nails – caused by psoriasis, parasites, or eczema

Brittle nails – caused by deficiency in calcium, vitamin A, andor iron

Blue nails – caused by circulatory and pulmonary issues, such as asthma or emphysema

Yellow nails – caused by liver problems, diabetes, or lymphatic system issues

White nails – caused by liver problems, kidney disorders, or anemia

White spots on nails – caused by a lack of zinc in the body

Nails curving down at tips – caused by heart or lung problems

Nails curving up (spooning) – caused by anemia and iron deficiency

Flat nails – caused by anemia, thyroid disease, or deficiency in vitamin B12

Nail Home Remedies

When you have unhealthy nails, it could turn into much more than having to forego a pair of your favorite open-toed shoes or hide your hands. Ignoring signs of nutritional deficiencies or disease can lead to prolonged consequences. However, consider the following home remedies for nail problems to encourage healing and bring back healthy nails

Petroleum Jelly

Since your nails contain no fat, they cannot naturally hold in moisture. To lock in water and moisture, apply petroleum jelly after washing your hands.

Moist Towel

The cuticle is naturally protected from moisture and bacteria, but everyday activities can weaken your defenses. Get in the habit of soaking cuticles, and then gently pushing back using a moist towel.

Trim Your Nails

When you have shorter nails, there is less of a chance of suffering damage.

Avoid Accidents

Treat your nails with kindness by avoiding stress and accidents that can cause damage. Injuries, such as slamming your nail in the car door or accidentally hitting it with a hammer, can cause trauma, stop nail growth, bring bruises, and increase the possibility of infection.

Wear Gloves

When doing housework, wear gloves to prevent coming in contact with the cleansers, detergents, and other chemical-filled products that can make nails brittle.

Limit Use of Polish Remover

The majority of nail polish removers on the market contain acetone, which notoriously dries up nails. It is suggested to limit the amount of times your nails come in contact with such powerful chemicals. Aim for no more than once per week.

Epsom Salts

To treat the soreness of ingrown toenails, soak your foot in a tub of warm water mixed with one to two tablespoons of Epsom salts. Keep your toes in for five to ten minutes – a remedy that should be followed once or twice a day.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ingrown toenails often serve as an alert that it is time to purchase a new pair of shoes. You need a roomier fit to encourage healthy nail growth.

Avoid High Heels

To enjoy relief from pressure on the toes, slip into a lower heel and keep the high heels in the back of the closet.

Wear Sandals

When toenails are painful in your regular shoes, choose an open-toed sandal to give yourself time to heal.

Calcium

When nails are brittle or suffer vertical splitting, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough calcium in your diet. Increase the number of dairy products and calcium-rich foods (such as sesame seeds, spinach, and broccoli) that you eat.

Iron

Not getting enough iron into your system You may experience brittle nails, nails curving up, and vertical trenches. To increase the amount of iron in your diet, try eating more vitamin-fortified cereal (such as Kellogg’s all Bran), brown rice, oatmeal, oranges, and different kinds of meat.

Vitamin B12

Flat nails are sometimes caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12. Foods that contain this vitamin include clams, lobster, beef, cheese, eggs, and certain types of fish, such as salmon and tuna.

Zinc

If you’re not getting enough zinc in your diet, you may suffer from white spots on the nails. It is suggested to increase your consumption of foods, such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dark chocolate and peanuts.

Vitamin A

Being deficient in vitamin A can cause brittle nails. Take a vitamin supplement or increase your consumption of foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, and cantaloupe. When cooking you food, use cayenne pepper, paprika and red pepper to add additional vitamin A to your meals.

Dos and Don’ts For Healthy Nails

Posted by: Admin Posted date: 06:56 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Nails are the most ignored part of our body. Take a close look at your fingernails and notice… Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do they appear cracked, dented and unusual colored? Whatever be the case, you can maintain healthy nails through proper fingernail care.

Some of the Fingernail care Do’s and Don’ts are mentioned below. Know more, do more

Do

Keep your fingernails dry and clean

Make it a habit to keep your fingernails dry and clean as doing so prevents bacteria and other unwanted substances from growing below the nail surface. In addition, while washing clothes, cleaning utensils or using cleansing agents like phenol, try incorporating the habit of wearing gloves to protect your nails from any harmful exposure.

Trim and file

It is important for you to trim and file your nails on a regular basis. Doing so will keep them in the best of their health. Also, if you’re in the habit of biting your nails… quit! Make use of a nail cutter and a filer to help get your nails into shape.

Moisturize

Do not be surprised! Even your nails and cuticles require moisturization. As and
when you moisturize your hands, make sure to massage hand lotion into your fingernails and cuticles as well.

Don’t

Misusing your nails in reference to poking or picking things. Understand the fact that they are your nails and not a tool. Make use of them for the purpose they serve and nothing beyond.

Bite your fingernails

Biting your fingernails and cuticles can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut or opening alongside your fingernail can allow harmful bacteria to enter and cause an undesired infection.

Ignore nail problems

Having a nail problem for too long is something that you should avoid. If your nail problem exists for too long, make sure to visit a dermatologist to analyze the cause and treatment for the same.

Care Tips for your Nails

Keep your nails short

If you are a person with weak nails, make sure to keep them short to avoid any further complications or infections. in addition, long nails are more likely to split and break.

Moisturizer

Use a moisturizer on your hands and apply it to your nails as well. Try practicing this routine at least 2-3 times a day. At night, wear a pair of cotton gloves to keep the moisture intact.

Apply enamel

Applying nail polish is beneficial to the nails as it helps keep the moisture intact.

Use less nail polish removers

Try using less of nail polish remover that contains acetone. The reason being, acetone is a component that dries the nails.

Biotin Supplements

Visit your dermatology doctor and ask him/ her for foods that you can consume to improve the health of your nails. Consuming good amounts of biotin will better the health of your nails making them smooth and well- textured.

How to Get Rid of Brittle Nails

Posted by: Admin Posted date: 07:05 / comment : 0 , , , , ,

Weak, brittle nails are a beauty concern for many because apart from being unsightly, they are likely to chip, crack, and break off easily. In addition, they can lead to painful cuticles.

More often than not, nails tend to become brittle due to increasing age.

Plus, factors like nutritional deficiencies, improper nail care routine, long-term use of nail paint, psoriasis, excessive sun exposure, lack of moisture, prolonged exposure to harsh cleaners, etc. may give rise to this problem.

Furthermore, certain diseases and health conditions such as thyroid disorder, Raynaud’s disease, lichen planus, lung disease, infection, and so on can also cause brittle nails. Intake of certain medications like antibiotics, too, can contribute in causing the same.

How to Get Rid of Brittle Nails
Here are 6 ways to help strengthen your nails and cure dry, brittle nails.
  • Olive Oil
  • Honey and Lemon Juice
  • Vitamin E Oil
  • Argan Oil
  • Horsetail
  • Biotin Pills
Soak your fingernails in a cup of olive oil for about 15-20 minutes so that it gets absorbed in the nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. Before using the oil, you can heat it slightly in a microwave for about 20 seconds because warm oil penetrates deeper in the skin. Follow this hot oil treatment at least once a week to strengthen and moisturize your nails. Alternatively, you can saturate 10 cotton balls in warm olive oil and secure them on your nails. Remove the cotton balls after about 10 minutes. Besides, you can apply olive oil or jojoba oil daily.

Another natural remedy to heal brittle nails involves the application of a mixture of one teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Leave this solution on your nails for at least 30 minutes daily.

Apply vitamin E oil on your nails and the surrounding area to nourish brittle and weak nails. In case you do not have vitamin E oil, then you can simply prick a vitamin E capsule and apply its contents on your nails. Besides, you can take vitamin E capsules as a vitamin supplement for your nails and overall health.

Moisturize, strengthen, and protect your nails by massaging pure argan oil on your nails for about five minutes and leave it overnight. You can follow this natural cure on a daily basis. You may also add an equal amount of lemon juice in the oil and then apply for 10-15 minutes. It promotes nail growth, softens the cuticles, prevents nail splitting, and adds a natural shine to your nails.

Horsetail is useful for healing weak and brittle nails. You can prepare horsetail infusion by steeping two teaspoons of dried horsetail herb powder in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool. Next, immerse your nails in this solution for about 20 minutes. Finally, apply olive oil or a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice and leave it on your nails overnight. Follow this treatment three to four times in a week. Besides, you can take horsetail extract regularly.

Dietary supplements, particularly biotin pills are useful in maintaining strong, healthy nails. Moreover, biotin or vitamin H can help you grow nails as well as hair. Plus, you can consume almonds, walnuts, peanuts, Swiss chard, cauliflower, cucumber, and other foods containing biotin.

Tips to Prevent Brittle Nails
  • Having a nutritious diet with emphasis on foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid, etc. is highly recommended to prevent and cure brittle nails. Hence, include fresh fruits, beans, legumes, flaxseeds, and vegetables like broccoli and celery in your diet. You can take vitamin supplements as well.
  • Avoid hiding your brittle nails under nail paint too often as it does not allow the nails to breathe, thereby making them all the more brittle. However, you can use clear nail polish containing protein as it can help strengthen your nails. Avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers as they tend to dry out your nails.
  • While working with water and harsh detergents, protect your nails by wearing plastic or rubber gloves.

Symptoms and Treatment for Nail Fungus

Posted by: Medi Tricks Posted date: 08:02 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , ,

The medical term for toenail fungus is "onychomycosis," Despite the commonly used term "fungal toenails", onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women.

Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection of the nails occurring both on the hands and feet but certainly more prevalent on the feet due to the environment that feet find themselves in. Nail fungus generally thrive in dark, moist environments, so when you consider wearing shoes and socks all day along with perspiration that occurs, it ends up being a perfect growth media for nail fungus.

Unfortunately as we grow older, our chances of contracting onychomycosis increase. The condition is rare in children and young adults but the risk increases once a person reaches their thirties. In fact, nearly one in every four adults has experienced some type of nail fungus by the time they reach forty. For senior citizens the statistics are even higher with nearly half of the population having been affected by either type of nail fungus.

Causes of Nail Fungus

The primary cause of nail fungal infection is the contamination made by the fungus that comes from the family of dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are fungus that affects the skin with its parasitic attribute. Moreover, nail fungal infections is also brought about by the certain type of yeast called Candida albican as well as molds that are non-dermatophyte. These fungal parasites can live in moist and warm environment. This includes places like showers and swimming pools.


What are the symptoms of nail infection ?

Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children hardly ever get fungal nail infections. Primarily you may see, smell, or feel a nail fungus infection once ittakes hold.

Nails may look brownish, yellowish, or have little white patches.Some may even be brown or black. Nails may get flaky, brittle, and chipped.Bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails. Your nails may smell bad.

Treatment

Medications for onychomycosis fall into two categories; topical and oral. There are any number of effective topical medications available over the counter. Topical medications are most helpful in treating early, small infections and for maintaining clear nails. Since, toenails grow so slowly the complete process will take a year or more. Lactobacilli taken internally is a beneficial bacteria needed to inhibit bacteria needed to inhibit bad bacteria and fungus. The lack of sufficient friendly bacteria in the body can result in the growth of fungus under the around nails.

There have been a series of treatments for onychomycosis . A most assertive as good as in effect approach to provide a mildew is with verbal anti-fungal medications . A most usual verbal anti-fungal medications have been Itraconazole as good as Terbinafine. Both medications can be utterly costly as they need to be taken once each day for 3 months . A efficacy of a medications ranges from 60 to 80%, with a regularity rate of 15% . Lamisil appears to be some-more in effect as good as has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox.
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