As a dermatologist, I am often asked about the best way to maintain healthy and strong nails. Irrespective of gender and age, nail care is an essential aspect of personal hygiene and should be practised by everyone.
While nails serve a protective function like hair, they are also an aesthetic accessory that many individuals love to experiment with. The immediate solution to unhealthy nails may seem to be a permanent gel or acrylic manicure. But it’s important to recognise that such solutions only provide temporary relief and may even cause more harm in the long run.
Nail-related problems
Leukonychia: The small white spots on your nails are actually a common form of leukonychia, often caused by nail biting and picking, especially in young children. There are two types of leukonychia: true and apparent. True leukonychia originates from the nail matrix, while apparent leukonychia is a nail bed problem. Though harmless, white spots on nails could be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as nail infections, nail fungus, or a nutritional deficiency in Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Calcium. Ensuring a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent these spots.
Nail fragility: Thin and weak nails are a sign of nail fragility. It can happen due to various reasons like injury, nutrition, or underlying health issues. When the base is damaged, the whole nail becomes thin and can even have unusual shapes. This condition can make it difficult to perform daily activities and jobs.
Onycholysis :If you have noticed a separation between your nail and the skin underneath it, then you might be experiencing onycholysis. This occurs when the connection between the two gets damaged, typically starting at the tip of the nail and moving towards the base. Onycholysis can be caused by various factors, such as trauma or nail bed disorders. It usually doesn’t cause inflammation and can appear white due to trapped air. In some cases, it may turn green or brown due to bacterial infection. Antifungal treatments alone won’t help.
Paronychia: Inflammation or swelling around your nails might be paronychia. This is usually caused by minor injuries that allow harmful bacteria or irritants to enter. Paronychia can occur in two forms — acute and chronic. It can impair the formation of a new cuticle, making the condition last for an extended period. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause changes in the nails of up to 50 per cent of people with the condition. You may notice several nails affected. It can also be the only symptom you experience. Depending on where the psoriasis is affecting your nails, you may see different signs like irregular pitting, ridges, and thickening of the nail plate. If it’s affecting the nail bed, you may see redness, splinter haemorrhages, and thickening underneath the nail. These symptoms can all occur together and even affect the same nail.
Onychomycosis: Yellowing or thickening of nails might be a sign of onychomycosis, a fungal infection. The way the infection looks can vary depending on how the fungi are affecting your nail, and it can be influenced by your susceptibility to the infection (pre-diabetics, immunity disorders, etc). It’s important to treat because it’s an infection that won’t go away on its own.
Also Read: Drastic skin changes are a tell-tale sign of diabetes. Here’s what you must watch out for
Treatment and prevention
Nails are an indicator of our overall health and well-being, and taking care of them is a crucial aspect of self-care for both men and women. It doesn’t just entail painting them with polish. Indulging in some tender loving care for your nails will never go to waste. Keeping them clean, trimmed, and moisturised is key.
Keep it short: If you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it’s essential to keep your nails clean and trimmed. It’s crucial for people of all ages to keep their nails short to avoid infections. If you have any allergies, it’s even more important to trim your nails, so you don’t scratch yourself while asleep and end up with wounds and lacerations on your skin.
Hydrate your nails: If white spots are caused by prolonged nail polish wear, you can gently buff the surface of the nail to help smooth out any bumps or ridges that may be causing the spots. Then, treating the nail with a hydrating oil or petroleum jelly can help nourish and moisturise the nail. This helps reduce the appearance of white spots.
Cut cuticles carefully: When trimming your nails, be extra careful not to damage the cuticle that attaches the nail to the bed. This is especially important for people with diabetes or a weakened immune system because damaging the cuticle can lead to severe infections.
Don’t peel nail polishes: When your nail polish starts to chip, it’s important to remove it properly to avoid damaging your nails. Peeling it can damage the nail plate and make it brittle. Use a good quality acetone nail polish remover instead.
Give your nails a break: Darker nail colours can eventually lead to discolouration of one’s nails. Taking a break from wearing nail polish for several weeks can help treat keratin granulations, which are raised bumps that can appear on the nail bed due to excessive exposure to nail polish. You can either go without any colour or use a simple base coat during this time which will help your nails recover.
Keeping nails clean and dry: After washing your hands, make sure to dry them thoroughly, including your nails. Avoid wearing wet gloves or shoes for extended periods, as this damp environment can promote infections.
Use home remedies: Pamper your nails with the power duo of glycerine and camphor. Simply apply this mixture to your hands and nails before bed and let it work its magic overnight. Both men, women and children can benefit from this easy self-care routine. For an added boost, rub a lemon slice into your nails and let the natural acids do their work. Your nails will thank you for this indulgent and nourishing treat.
Avoid nail biting and cuticle removal: Biting nails or removing the cuticle can cause damage to the nail and lead to infections. Instead, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticle. If you have a habit of biting your nails, try using bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage the behaviour.
Not using nails as tools: Using your nails as tools can cause damage and lead to breakage. Avoid using your nails to open cans, scratch surfaces, or pick at things. Instead, use the appropriate tools.
Trimming toenails regularly: Trimming toenails regularly is important to maintain healthy feet. This can help prevent ingrown nails and minimise the risk of trauma or injury. When trimming toenails, use toenail clippers and cut straight across, avoiding cutting the nails too short or too close to the skin.
Soaking feet in warm salt water: If you have thick toenails that are hard to trim, try soaking your feet in warm salt water for 5-10 minutes. After that, just make sure to dry your feet well. You’ll find that cutting your toenails becomes much easier.
Treating ingrown toenails: Ingrown nails can be painful and lead to infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, avoid digging it out, especially if it is infected and sore. See a dermatologist for proper treatment.
Wearing properly fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that fit properly is important to avoid causing trauma to the toes. Tight-fitting shoes can cause blisters or ingrown toenails, while loose-fitting shoes can cause the feet to slide around and lead to blisters or other injuries.
Wearing flip-flops at the pool and in public showers: Avoiding closed shoes in damp environments can help prevent the spread of fungal infections. Fungi thrive in such locations, so it’s important to keep feet dry and avoid walking barefoot.
I highly recommend seeking medical attention if you notice any changes, swelling, or pain in your nails. These could be symptoms of serious nail problems that require prompt attention. Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation should be especially vigilant about monitoring their nail health and seeking treatment. Remember, healthy nails are an essential part of overall health and well-being.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)