Nail Care

Risk Factors And Complications Associated With Nail Fungus

Among all the known nail disorders, nail fungus is the most prevalent. In fact, it is responsible for almost half of the cases of nail disorder. Nail fungus is an infection that involves the nails, caused by the presence of fungi. This condition can affect both your fingernails and toenails hence proper hygiene must be observed. When you notice that spots appear on your nails, either colored white or yellow, then you might be suffering from this infection. Aside from personal cleanliness, there are other ways to cure this ailment.

Removing nail fungus can be difficult and painful. There is also the possibility of recurrence. In some instances, a foul odor may be emitted by the nails tainted with fungus. Your nails may look unsightly and unhealthy. If not addressed immediately, this affliction may deteriorate to a serious case leading to more problems. There are risk factors associated with nail fungus. Certain habits and externalities may trigger the growth of fungus under your fingertips or the tips of your toenails. Moreover, you may be committing practices that could aggravate your nail fungus. There are particular illnesses, wherein nail fungus can be its side effect. Under these circumstances, the fungus cannot be averted, only controlled.

Studies show that the occurrence of nail fungus is more prevalent in adults than in younger people. This is attributed to the difference in the skin thickness between the young and the old. Adults are said to be more susceptible to this type of fungus. Roughly 10% of the total population is suffering from nail fungus of various degrees. More men are prone to develop this infection than women. An individual who has a poor state of immune system is anticipated to experience nail fungus as a consequence of his condition. Diabetics and those with circulation problems likewise have to deal with this predicament.

The habits and externalities deemed as risk factors related to nail fungus include smoking excessively, perspiring a lot, constant exposure to a humid environment, or walking on damp floors without any foot protection. In addition, you should be cautious with the socks as well as the shoes that you wear everyday. You need to ensure that your feet are well ventilated. The perspiration from it ought to be adequately absorbed by the material to prevent the growth of nail fungus. An injury affecting your nails can also lead to this situation, thus you need to be vigilant about this. There are all-natural treatments that you can purchase from your local drugstore to eliminate this fungus permanently.

Nail fungus may result to complications especially for those with diabetes and poor immune system. Foot ulcer is a common outcome tied to this fungal infection. If undetected, the circulation of the blood may be impaired, which may immobilize your feet. Therefore, you should not ignore the signs and symptoms of nail fungus because you might regret this later on. Your state of health may be endangered and the negative effects may spread to other parts of your body.

Nail Care for Better Nails

There’s no doubt about the fact that getting your nails done professionally by a nail care expert is worth the money if only because of the pampering that comes with it. But did you know that nails are one of the last parts of our body to receive blood and nutrients during times of illness. Therefore, nail appearance is a signal of vitamin or mineral deficiency or body changes. But that is not the whole story, and nail care is also very important.

Our nails are colorless and transparent. Healthy nails would usually appear pink because of the abundance of blood vessels under the skin. The nail’s tissue is called the matrix and the white moon-like lunula is at the top of the matrix. Below that is the nail bed, where the nail attaches to the body. The cuticle grows down over the nail bed and forms a watertight seal that protects the matrix against infection or foreign objects. Watch out for manicures or pedicures that cut away the cuticle because by doing so they increase the chance of getting a nail infection.

Natural estheticians do not use chemical nail hardeners or conditioners as part of their repertoire. These products do not stimulate growth or strength. They contain clear nail polish, which must be removed with damaging solvents. The solvents strip away the nail’s natural moisture. Before you know it, the nail’s keratin, or protein, is damaged and your nails peel and chip. Natural treatments include using aloe vera for its healing properties, in combination with oils such as primrose, camellia or almond as emollients. Fruit acids are added to soften the cuticles, allowing them to be pushed back.

A diet made up of fruits and vegetables to ensure vitamin and mineral absorption is beneficial for you and your nails. It should also incorporate whole grains, nuts and foods that are high in iron and protein. Drinking fresh-squeezed carrot juice daily will provide a first-rate source of calcium and phosphorus needed to strengthen your nails. Silica is necessary for the formation of strong healthy nails. It can be obtained by brewing up a cup of herbal horsetail and oat straw tea, or from a colloidal silicea supplement. Horsetail also is high in the amino acid L-cysteine. This amino acid is additionally found in the herb coltsfoot and contains sulfur, which is required in skin and nail growth.

Nail Care and Nail Biting Advice

Nail-biting is the most common of the typical “nervous habits,” which include thumb-sucking, nose-picking, hair-twisting or -pulling, tooth-grinding, and picking at skin. Nail biting is the habit of biting one’s fingernails or toenails during periods of nervousness, stress, hunger, or boredom. It is usually not a serious problem for children. It becomes most common in adolescence when almost half of all children bite their nails to some degree. Nail biting may result in the transportation of bacteria that are buried under the surface of the nail that are hard to clean and easy to get in the mouth. Nail-biting includes biting the cuticle and soft tissue surrounding the nail as well as biting the nail itself. About 50% of children between the ages of 10 and 18 bite their nails at one time or another.

Nail-biting may occur with other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB) such as hair-pulling or skin-picking. Some patients have found behavioral therapy to be beneficial on its own. If your child is under a lot of stress, try to reduce the stress. Stimulus control therapy is used to both identify and then eliminate the stimulus that frequently triggers biting urges. Cutting long nails helps some children. Nails can also be smoothed so that they do not bother your child. Another method is to get regular manicures, as having neat, polished nails will keep some people (particularly women) from biting them. Wear gloves, adhesive bandages, or colored stickers whenever possible to remind you not to bite your nails.Taking care of your nails can help reduce your nail-biting habit and encourage you to keep your nails attractive.

Beautiful, natural nails require care and proper manicuring. Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week. Buffing nails can give them a shinier finish. Start at the cuticle and work your way down to the tip with medium pressure. Don’t use a back and forth movement as heat builds up and this can damage your nails. Some basic nail care is Wash hands with mild soap, using a nailbrush. Soak the hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles (the bits of skin at the bottom of the nails). Very gently push back the cuticles if they are long and ragged. Trim the nails to the same length, cutting off any snaggy or spiky bits. File the ends of the nails to smooth them off.

Nail Care Tips

1. Wear Gloves while washing dishes or working in detergent-based liquids.

2. Avoid harsh metal files.

3. Use a quality hand and nail lotion to protect and moisturize. Dry nails tend to crack and split.

4. Avoid clipping your nails. Instead, file them at a 45 degree angle.

5. The best time to file nails is immediately after a bath. Nails are much softer then.

6. Never file feed into the corners of your fingers. Do it from corner to the centre.

7. Always allow your polish to dry thoroughly for several minutes before you apply the next coat.

Nail Infections

Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. Nail fungus is very common.The nail fungus moves in under the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows.

The fungal organisms that cause nail infections are present almost everywhere. Once they get under the nail bed they can be difficult to cure. Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in. Examples include an injury to the nail such as getting a finger stuck in a door, or tight shoes that pinch the toes.

Most women think that because they get regular pedicures their feet and toenails are clean and safe from infections. What they don’t realize is that women are more susceptible to toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders. Think of the variety of shoes most women squeeze their feet into for the sake of looking fashionable. Most of women’s footwear sacrifice comfort and ultimately, the health of their toes.

Nail fungus usually appears on our toenails and one of the reasons for this is wearing shoes that are too tight and do not fit us correctly. Wearing shoes that our feet cannot breath in can cause our feet to perspire and build up infection.

Over the counter nail fungus treatment usually consists of oils, creams or lotions that are applied topically to the infected nail. Because nails are very thick and resistant to the penetration of these substances, these treatments do not tend to work very well, especially as toenail fungus treatment – they simply do not reach the fungus where it is growing under the nail.

One of the most important steps in preventing nail infections is to keep nails well trimmed, but not over trimming them. Cutting the nail too short can cause small cuts and tears, which could allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed. To prevent toenail fungal infections, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times

Nail fungus infections treatments are long. It is not unusual to have to wait over 12 months for a fully recovered nail. Even if you think your nail looks normal, you run the risk of a fungus reappearance, which means starting the treatment all over again. However, if you don’t have a nail fungus infection, you still have time to start taking care of what you do in order to avoid the infection.

While nail infections are common enough — about 7 percent of adults suffer from them, usually in the toenails as opposed to the fingernails — the leading cause is not Candida but fungi from the genus Trichophyton. Those fungi are responsible for the vast majority of nail infections. Still, Candida is sometimes to blame. Whatever the specific cause, if a fungus invade the nails, it is known as onychomycosis

The best way to prevent a nail fungus infection is to have a good hygiene routine for your fingernails and toenails. When you trim your nails make sure they are clean first, and cut the nail straight across. Keep good practice with keeping your hands and feet clean, if you are prone to toe nail fungus you can look at obtaining specialist socks that aren’t made from cotton, which can tend to retain moisture.
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Nail Disorders Types and Treatment

A nail disorder is a condition caused by injury to the nail or disease or imbalance in the body. Most, if not all, of you have had some type of common nail disorder. When in doubt, please see your physician for the proper diagnosis. Distorted, discoloured or otherwise unsightly ‘abnormal’ fingernails and toenails are very common problems experienced by people of all ages in the community. Damage to the nail may be caused by an injury, fungal disease, or other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. The nail unit is made up of several components which form, support, protect and frame the nail itself. These include the nail matrix, the nail plate, the cuticle, the nail bed and nail folds. The nail unit protects fingertips, enhances fine touch and is important as a cosmetic structure.

Types of Nail Disorders

Paronychia infections – of the nail fold can be caused by bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The proximal and lateral nail folds act as a barrier, or seal, between the nail plate and the surrounding tissue. If a tear or a break occurs in this seal, the bacterium can easily enter. this type of infection is characterized by pain, redness and swelling of the nail folds. If the bacteria has entered between the nail plate and the nail bed, it will cause the same discolorations and may also cause the nail plate to lift from the nail bed.

Pseudomonas bacterium – trapped between the nail plate and the nail bed.

A fungal or yeast infection which results in Onychomycosis, can invade through a tear in the proximal and lateral nail folds as well as the eponychium. This type of infection is characterized by onycholysis (nail plate separation) with evident debris under the nail plate. It normally appears white or yellowish in color, and may also change the texture and shape of the nail. The fungus digests the keratin protein of which the nail plate is comprised.

Leuconychia is evident as white lines or spots in the nail plate and may be caused by tiny bubbles of air that are trapped in the nail plate layers due to trauma. This condition may be hereditary and no treatment is required as the spots will grow out with the nail plate.

Koilonychia is usually caused through iron deficiency anemia. these nails show raised ridges and are thin and concave. Seek a physicians advice and treatment.

Melanonychia are vertical pigmented bands, often described as nail ‘moles’, which usually form in the nail matrix. Seek a physicians care should you suddenly see this change in the nail plate. It could signify a malignant melanoma or lesion. Dark streaks may be a normal occurrence in dark-skinned individuals, and are fairly common.

Onychophagy – Is the medical term for nails that have been bitten enough to become deformed. This condition can be greatly improved by regular manicures or artificial nails. It is not realistic to tell a nail biter to come back for artificial nails after they have grown a free edge. Artificial nails can help this person break the biting habit. There are also nail biting topically applied remedies available.

Leukonychia – Is a condition in which white spots appear on the nails. It is caused by air bubbles, a bruise or other injury to the nail.

Leukonchia can not be corrected but it will grow out.

Furrows – Also known as corrugations, are long ridges that run either lengthwise or across the nail. Some lengthwise ridges are normal in adults.

These ridges increase with age and can also be caused by psoriasis, poor circulation and frostbite. Ridges that run across the nail are caused by high fevers, pregnancy & measles.

Yellow nail syndrome: – Slow growing, excessively curved and thickened yellow nails which are associated with peripheral lymphoedema and exudative pleural effusions.

Paronychia is inflammation of the tissue around the finger nail, with pus accumulating between the cuticle and the nail matrix. The area may become swollen, red and tender.

Treatment and Diagnosis of Nail Disorders

Nail disorders diagnosis is by inspection. Early treatment is warm compresses or soaks and an antistaphylococcal antibiotic. Other treatment ptions include:

Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.

Eat calcium rich foods, including beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale).

Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).

Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.

Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy) or beans for protein.

Green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) standardized extract, 250 – 500 mg daily, for inflammation and antibacterial or antifungal effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.

Cat’s claw ( Uncaria tomentosa ) standardized extract, 20 mg three times a day, for antibacterial or antifungal effects.

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Nail Care Tips

For your nails to be healthy your diet should include a lot of fruits and raw vegetables so that they get the required vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eat food that is rich in silicon like broccoli, fish and onions. Eat foods rich in biotins like whole grains. Drink plenty of water and other fruit juices. Food rich in zinc and vitamin B will strengthen your nails. Fresh carrot juice rich in calcium and phosphorous is perfect for strengthening nails. In addition remember the following things:

* Lack of vitamin A and calcium in your body causes dryness and brittleness.
* Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causes hangnails.
* White bands across the nails are a result of protein deficiency.
* A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid can cause splitting nails.
* Lack of vitamin B12 can lead to dryness, very rounded and curved ends and darkening of nails.
* Insufficient zinc can cause development of white spots on the nails.
* Cuts and cracks in the nails may indicate a need for more liquids.
* Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.

It is advised to collect some guidelines to have healthy and glowing nails for your lifetime. To have good nails you should information about the following:

* Nail Treatment
* Pedicure
* Manicure
* About Nail Growth
* Facts of your foot wear: must be your nails-friendly
* Nail Problems for Diabetic
* Seasonal Nail Care
* Weekly Nail Care

Your Nails

You may not think about your nails, unless you just painted them blue or your mom says it’s time to trim them. But your nails have a job to do. The hard surface of your nails helps to protect the tips of your fingers and toes. And your fingernails make it easier to scratch an itch or remove a dog hair from your sweater.

Nails themselves are made of keratin (say: kair-uh-tin). This is the same substance your body uses to create hair and the top layer of your skin. You had fingernails and toenails before you were even born. Where do they come from?

It may look like your fingernails and toenails start growing where your U-shaped cuticle (say: kyoo-tih-kul) begins. But there’s more going on under the surface. Nails start in the nail root, hidden under the cuticle.

When cells at the root of the nail grow, the new nail cells push out the old nail cells. These old cells flatten and harden, thanks to keratin, a protein made by these cells. The newly formed nail then slides along the nail bed, the flat surface under your nails. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels that feed it and give your nails their pink color.

Your fingernails grow slowly — in fact, they grow about one tenth of an inch (2.5 millimeters) each month. At that rate it can take about 3 to 6 months to completely replace a nail.

Where your nail meets your skin is your cuticle. Cuticles help to protect the new nail as it grows out from the nail root. The lunula (say: loon-yuh-luh) — which comes from the Latin word for “moon” — is that pale half circle just above the cuticle. Your lunula is easiest to see on your thumbnails.
Nail Care

You might need an adult to help you trim your fingernails and toenails, which can be a little challenging. A nail clipper or a pair of nail scissors may be used. To smooth jagged edges, you can use a nail file or emery board, which works like sandpaper.

Fingernails should be trimmed straight across and slightly rounded at the top. Having nicely trimmed nails can keep you from biting or picking at them, which can lead to infections. It’s also a good idea to moisturize nails and cuticles regularly. A little hand lotion will do the trick.

Because toenails are slowpokes (they don’t grow nearly as fast as fingernails), they don’t need to be trimmed as often. They should be trimmed straight across, which can be difficult, so you might want to ask a parent for help.
Manicures and Pedicures

Sometimes people get their fingernails and toenails cut and polished by a professional. Manicures (done on hands and fingernails) and pedicures (done on feet and toenails) are popular services for girls and women, but if you get one, you’ll want to be sure the salon follows strict guidelines for cleaning its tools and the stations where hands and feet are washed, trimmed, buffed, and polished.

To prevent infections and other problems, experts recommend taking your own nail clippers and other tools to the manicurist or pedicurist. That’s better because you won’t be exposed to bacteria and other bad stuff that can linger on the tools that were used on other people’s hands and feet.

It can be fun to do your own manicure or pedicure at home, but you may want to ask for an adult’s help. Use special care with sharp tools, nail polish, or nail polish remover. These items can be especially dangerous if a little brother or sister gets hold of them! Also, the ingredients in some nail polishes and removers can be damaging and dry out your nails.
Common Nail Problems

Most of the time, your nails are pink and healthy, but sometimes nails have problems. Some of the most common for kids include:

* ingrown nail — when the nail curves down and into the skin, causing pain and, sometimes, an infection
* nail injury — when you drop something on your big toe or catch your finger in a drawer. A bruise may appear under the nail and sometimes the nail falls off. A new one grows in its place.
* nail deformity — when the nail isn’t smooth, like a healthy nail. People who bite or pick at their nails a lot can have this problem, but it also can occur because the person has an illness that affects the nail.
* hangnail — when a loose strip of dead skin hangs from the edge of a fingernail. Hangnails hurt if you pull them off.

Some of these problems, such as a minor nail injury or hangnail, can be handled at home by your mom or dad. But infections and more serious nail injuries need a doctor’s care. Signs of a nail infection include pain, redness, puffiness (swelling), and maybe some pus.
What Your Nails Have to Say

Don’t be surprised if your doctor takes a look at your nails at your next checkup, even if you’re having no problems with them. Fingernails provide good clues to a person’s overall health.

For instance, when the doctor presses your nails, he or she is checking your blood circulation. By looking at your nails, a doctor may find changes that may be associated with skin problems, lung disease, anemia, and other medical conditions. Your nails are in the know!

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007

Nail Tips and Care Questions

How do I avoid getting polish on my cuticles?
Instead of painting right from the cuticle, place the brush on the nail bed about 1/8″ away from the cuticle and push backwards toward it, stopping just before the skin.

That’s too much work…how do remove polish from my cuticles?
Plan ahead. Paint your nails about an hour before bedtime, leaving the messy polish on. When taking a shower the next morning, the polish will soften and peel off. Any stubborn polish still left on the skin can easily be removed by rubbing it with a soft towel. Polish not dry yet? In a rush? Use a cotton swab and nail polish remover to do a quick removal.

How do I keep my polish from peeling near the skin?
Lightly buff the top of your nail near your cuticle with a fine-grained file. This will take away the top oily enamel and allow better adhesion.

My polish doesn’t peel near the skin, it peels at the tips, what am I doing wrong?
It’s usually one of these two things…

•You’ve used two or more coats of ridge-filler and followed with a couple coats of polish. To avoid peeling, stick to only one coat of ridge-filler, and wait until it’s completely dry to apply the regular polish.

•You’ve painted a couple thick coats instead of a few thin ones. Always use thin coats, it gives better coverage, dries faster and lasts longer.
I can’t apply thin coats, my nail polish is just thick to begin with. What should I do?
If you really want your nail polish to keep well in the bottle, keep it in the refrigerator, this will extend its shelf-life.

I keep getting those darn bubbles!
Two things can cut down significantly on bubbles:
ROLL the bottle between your palms, instead of shaking it. Shaking just whips bubbles into the polish. Also, use only thin coats.

Why does my polish keep cracking?
Try applying a thin clear coat of polish every other night to avoid this.

My nails keep splitting in layers at the top, will eating gelatin and drinking milk help strengthen them?
No and no. These are just myths. Your fingernails are made of keratin, the same protein as hair. Have you ever seen conditioner brag that it has calcium in it? Probably not. What WILL help strengthen your nails is to avoid filing them as much as possible, and when you have to, file in one direction only. You know what happens if you keep bending a wire back and forth? The same thing happens to nails, just on a different level. Other tips… use gloves when washing dishes and doing other household chores. Keep exposure to harsh chemicals at a minimum, especially bleach.

People say that you need different moisturizers for your nails than for your hands…why?
Well, back to the protein thing again. Would you use hand cream on your hair? Unlikely. The fact is that your fingernails absorb water 100 times faster than your skin does…and they lose the moisture just as fast as they absorb it. So considering how much hand cream you need in the wintertime, think how thirsty your nails are, and recognize that they need just as must tenderness (if not more) than your hands do.

I work with food, so my hands are constantly in water. What can I do to keep my manicure nice?
I only see two choices really.
•Keep nails well-trimmed, and don’t wear polish to work (not even clear, it’ll just crack and peel).
•Get thee to a nail salon! In my opinion, acrylic is to fingernails what Godiva is to chocolate. Only nail enhancements will stand up to the beating your hands will take.

Nail Care

The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nails help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects. Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection. Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week. Every 4-6 weeks it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional manicurist. A professional manicurist best knows how to keep your nails looking healthy and beautiful.

Weekly Nail Care (15-20 minutes each week):

1. One of the most important parts of maintaining strong, healthy nails for life is making sure you have the vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients to maintain nail strength.

2. Remove any old nail polish. To remove the old polish, first moisten cotton with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Then with a firm movement, bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat this process until all of the polish is gone.

3. Shape the nail, using a file or emery board. File each nail tip from corner to center; do not file in a see-saw motion with the emery board because doing so can cause ridges in the nail and nail splitting.

4. Soak the hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Clean under free edge of nail with orangewood stick.

5. The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root). We recommend that the cuticle not be pushed back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection of the nail growing tissue.

6. Now apply clear nail polish. There is no reason to waste money on several different kinds of clear polishes such as a ridgefiller, base coat, top coat or nail strengthener. They all do about the same job. After the clear polish dries, apply a color polish of your choice if you wish. Let dry. You may then reapply the clear polish as a top coat. This will help strengthen the nail and prevent chipping of the nail polish.

7. Finally, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of the nails.

Nail Care Tips:

¨ A good time to do your manicure is after you have taken a shower, bath or after washing the dishes. This is because these activities remove the dirt from under the nail.

¨ Nail polish thinner can be used to thin out nail polish that has become too thick. Keep the polish in the refrigerator to make it last longer.

¨ Try not to use nail polish remover more than once a week. Nail polish remover causes the nails to dry out. Dry nails crack and split more easily than nails that are well hydrated (well-moisturized).

¨ A top coat or sealer is a liquid that is applied over the nail polish. Any clear nail polish can be used as a top coat or sealer. This will minimize chipping or cracking of the nail. On natural nails, a clear coat can be used every day for seven days to give the nail protection and keep the moisture in.

¨ After washing your hands, apply a cream or lotion. Hands and nails tend to get dried out from soaps and cleansers. You should try to keep your hands and cuticles well lubricated, with a moisturizer such as Aquaphor, Moisturel, Vaseline. You should use an oil or moisturizer at bedtime every night.

¨ Sometimes nail polish, dirt and bacteria can stain the nails. This can be removed by using a Q-tip or an orangewood stick with a cotton tip. Soak the cotton in 10 parts water mixed with 1 part bleach, then rub the nail where the stain is. This will remove most stains from the nails. Scrub under the nails with a nail brush or toothbrush with soap or bleach solution to remove stains under the nails.

¨ A vitamin called biotin makes nails stronger in animals. Some studies suggest that it may help strengthen human nails. Biotin is available at health food stores.