As people have shifted towards a healthier life in the recent past, they look out for a healthy appearance too. When we talk about healthy appearance, even the most little things matter a lot. Good nails are essential to natural beauty. If they are healthy, they contribute towards a better appearance. Dry, bitten off, cracked nails detract from the beauty of your hands and feet. So, in order to enhance your appearance, it is important to have lustrous, healthy and shiny nails.
But why exactly does the condition of our nails deteriorate? Exposure to chemicals in detergents, washing powders and bleaches are very harmful for the health of our nails. Furthermore, our hands are soaked in water several times a day while indulging in chores, it is then accompanied by incomplete drying which makes the problem much worse.
What causes the loss of fats and water?
Precautions to avoid brittle nails
Immature nail cells are soft and reflect light, thus they appear white. As the nail grows, these cells harden forming the normal cells. Damage to the growing portion of the nail due to any activity can interfere with the hardening of the cells of the nail. As a result, some cells retain their ability to reflect light and appear on the surface either as white spots or white streaks. The normal free edge of the nail also appears white because it is not attached to the nail bed and reflects light. Similarly, any nail problem which causes separation of the nail plate from the nail bed can cause the formation of whitish streaks on the nail.
Another common cause of such white patches is a fungal infection of the nail- This problem must be shown to the doctor for treatment.
Prevention of paronychia
Paronychia can easily be prevented if you-
Once the problem has set in, seek expert help — you might require medication with antibiotics and antifungal agents.
The best way to avoid an in-growing toenail is to ensure that your toenails are cut properly. There are three cardinal rules to follow when you are trimming your toenails:
• Don’t cut them too short.
• Don’t ever cut down the side of the nail.
• Always follow the shape of the toe.
Ideally, the free edge of the nail should rest on the tip of the toe so that it is not possible for it to pierce the adjoining skin as it grows. If you cut the nail too short, it is easy to push the nail fold around it and encourage problems. Also if you cut down the side of the nail plate, as the nail grows, its sharp free edge penetrates the adjacent skin causing considerable pain. Once the pain starts, try to push the nail-fold away from the sharp edge of the skin. Do this regularly till the nail has grown out. If the nail fold is swollen and there is pus discharge, it is best to call your dermatologist. The doctor would initially try to manoeuvre the nail edge out. However, if this fails, then the nail might have to be cut and removed.
Symptoms of fungal infection- You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it’s more common in toenails.
Prevention
Nail fungus can be prevented if you-
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