Save Your Nails

If the thought of flaunting your feet in sandals makes your toes curl, here’s some advice for you to ensure good nail health

Your nails are an important part of your presentation to the world. Fingernails are also important for fine touch and handwork. Toenails have a protective role, especially your big toenail. People often ask doctors about splitting, cracking, ridging, discoloration or white spots on their fingernails or toenails. While the main concern is often about the appearance of the nails, the state of your nails can also say a lot about your general health. Here are just a few of the most common problems that can affect your nails, and some advice on how to look after them.

1 Nail Injury

Toenails, especially, are prone to repeated injury over the years from footwear, sporting injuries and changes due to arthritis. Anyone who has ever hiked in boots that put pressure on the big toenail will be able to relate to this. Fingernails can be damaged by chemicals, soaps and detergents; manicures; cutting or dissolving cuticles; and using harsh chemicals to apply and remove polishes, false nails and acrylics.

2 Fungal Infection

A fungal infection in a nail (onychomycosis) can appear as yellow discolouration, a lifting of the end of the nail from the nail bed, or thickening of the nail. In some cases, the nail can be completely destroyed. You can treat the condition with an over-the-counter, anti-fungal nail polish containing terbinafine. More extensive infections need oral anti-fungal tablets.

3 Paronychia