BRITTLE AND DISCOLORED NAILS AND SOME OVER THE COUNTER CUTICLE CREAMS

Hi Healthies,

When we meet someone nails are the one prospect to judge about the person's hygiene. Discolored and brittle nails are never liked by anyone. Women try to conceal it using nail wear while men do not have any option (they never show but they are equally worried about it).

There are more than one or two causes that lead to yellow nails. Wearing nail polish for long time, fungal infection, calcium deficiency, vitamin and mineral deficiency, trauma, wetting and drying nails too often, using harsh detergent, use of harsh nail polish remover, etc. and hereditary problem are certain reasons that lead to this problem. Diabetes and thyroid can also be the reasons. When in doubt look for the basic cause first.

If you are suffering from infection proper hygiene is must. Avoid wearing nail polish if you suspect fungal infection for sometime. If you have brittle and discolored nails consult your doctor and get it treated. Oral vitamin and calcium supplements and anti fungal medicine can be prescribed.

If your nails doesn't grow or you have nail-biting habit then gel based nails are the best option. They are easy to apply and gentle on nails and is the best solution to stop you from biting your nails. To strengthen the nail bed apply coconut oil every night on your nails.

If you have brittle and discolored nails for the long time you cannot avoid visiting the doctor but you can prevent them from further damaging or control them from getting damaged following these simple tips -

Trim your nails regularly. Trimming them after taking bath will be easier as they are soft at that time. It will give you even cut. Use skin softening cream every time you wash your hand.

Nail absorbs a lot of water. That make them more susceptible to wear and tear. If you work a lot in water wear plastic gloves that will act as a barrier. Nail expands when comes in contact with water and contracts when dries. So the more your nails will expand and contract, the more they get damaged. Dip your nails in vegetable oil. It is really effective in retaining the lost moisture of your nails.

Consult your doctor and take vitamins and other required nutrients if necessary. Have healthy and nutritious diet, it is necessary for all the parts of the body. Foods rich in biotin such as liver, cooked eggs, whole grains, cauliflower and avocado, among others.

Protein rich nail polish will help you strengthen your nails. Always use high quality nail polish. Chemical in cheap nail polish damage your nails and turn them yellow. Always wipe out the previous coat of nail polish before applying fresh color. Never use a nail polish remover that contains acetone, which can dry and damage nails.

Use a high quality base coat before applying any nail polish on your nail. It will protect your nail from harsh chemicals on the top coat to some extent.

For week and thin nails dip your nail in extra virgin olive oil for fifteen minutes for a month.

Apply cuticle cream with vitamin E (see below) to minimize the damage. Massage the cream into and around your nails nightly before going to bed.

Massaging your nails will increase the blood flow in that area and will help you in growing your nails longer and stronger.

Try these simple tips to keep your nails healthy and shining. If you have some more tips do share with us.

Some over the counter cuticle cream in the market -

Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail - 200 INR for 400 ml