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Nail problems are more common than you think. Even if you have long, healthy nails, you still need to practice good nail care to maintain them. We’ve narrowed down the most common nail problems and how to fix them with products we love.
We’ve found products with ingredients that target common nail issues, including brittle nails, ingrown nails, yellow nails, nail fungus, dry nails, split nails, products that promote nail growth, and more.
Keep reading to learn how to treat common nail problems and find out how you can fix them now.
Your nails keep breaking
There are several reasons why your nails may keep breaking. Overfilling the nail surface, biting your nails, and dehydration due to overexposure to water or the use of solvents like cuticle or nail polish removers can all cause trauma to the nails and be a reason why your nails keep breaking, experts say.
The best way to fix nails that keep breaking is by strengthening them. A study found that limiting trauma, using moisturizing creams, ointments and oils, as well as wearing gloves to avoid contact with potential irritants such as water and chemicals, can aid in healing and prevent brittle and broken nails.
Your nails have white spots
White spots on the nail are also known by their scientific name, leukonychia. They can be caused by nail trauma, nail plate abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, disease, or fungal nail infection.
Experts say that if these spots appear on your nails, it means not always Cause for concern. They recommend “gentle nail care” to remedy the situation. “Avoid contact with the skin, and limit the use of frequent or allergenic shaving products (nail polish/removal, artificial nails, and nail glue). Frequent use of moisturizer can be beneficial,” writes one expert.
The skin around your nails is swollen and red
What causes the skin around your nails to become swollen and red? There are several reasons why the skin around your nails becomes swollen and red. For example, you may have an ingrown toenail or an infection. If you bite your nails or have a cut in that area (maybe you bit a hangnail?) this could be the culprit. Problems such as nail fungus and nail psoriasis can also cause the skin around the nails to become swollen and red.
So how exactly can you treat the swollen and red skin around your nails? Well, if you have chronic nail infections or onychomycosis, also known as paronychia, experts say you should seek medical care, as it is usually treated with either incision and drainage or with antibiotics.
If you have an ingrown toenail or are recovering from a cut, experts recommend soaking your nail in warm water to help reduce swelling. These experts go on to say that you may want to apply a topical treatment to the affected area, followed by a bandage for protection.
Your nails have deep horizontal ridges
These deep horizontal bumps, grooves, or scratches are also called Beau’s lines. They can be caused by nail trauma (yes, hitting a nail too hard is nail trauma), disease, nutritional deficiencies, and even aging.
Experts say that these can form due to damage to the nail matrix, or the place where the nail begins to grow. Although you may not want or like them, Beau’s lines are not a disease and are not harmful in and of themselves.
Although there are no treatments that specifically address these deep ridges, what you can do is avoid further nail trauma from nail treatments such as gel and acrylic manicures. These lines usually grow with your nail, so be sure to follow healthy nail practices: protect your hands and nails, moisturize your hands, and trim your nails frequently to prevent tearing and breakage.
Will switching to organic nail polish solve my nail problems?
Studies have shown that the chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed by the body. But if you wear nail polish frequently, don’t worry! Experts say the exact amount of absorption, and whether it is enough to cause negative health effects, is not well established. They consider organic, non-toxic nail polish a good alternative to traditional polish for those who want to avoid certain chemicals, although the health benefits are uncertain.
What do I need for healthy nails?
In order to have healthy nails, you need to create a good nail care routine. You want to protect your nails from harm whether it be by accident, nail biting or infection. You will want to keep your nails moisturized and strong by using nail care products that strengthen and moisturize them. You may also consider switching from traditional nail polish to non-toxic color options.
We’ve rounded up a variety of nail health essentials, including nail colors, so you can create (or update) your nail care routine.
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