1. Get your feet out of sweaty shoes and socks whenever you can.
Fungus loves to grow in warm moist places. Like inside you sweat socks
after exercising.
Interesting fact: About 50% the population will
have had toenail fungus by the age of 70. Toenail fungus is much more
common than fingernail fungus. Once you recognize that you have a nail
fungus, it is very important to start treatment immediately before the
fungus gets worse and spreads.
2. Use Foot powder to help keep your toes and feet dry while you are exercising. This will help absorb some of the moisture.
Interesting fact: Toenail fungus is not the product of poor personal hygiene.
3.
Always wear flip-flops in places like public showers, locker rooms, and
pools (walking on your tippy-toes across the bathroom floor won't
protect your feet).
Interesting Fact: Nails are made of a protein
called keratin (dead cells), which is also found in human hair. Toenail
fungus is attracted to keratin and likes to feed on it.
4. Never
share your toenail clippers with anyone. This is a big NO NO. Fungus
will reside on the ends of your clippers allowing it to be transferred
from one person to another.
Interesting fact: Injuring a toenail
allows for the fungus to get underneath the nail and thus the nail
becomes more susceptible.
5. Wear socks that allow the feet to
breathe, such as those made from natural fibers such as cotton. If you
have extremely sweaty feet, give them ample time to dry out during the
day, if possible.
Interesting fact: Men are twice as likely to have a toenail fungal infection than women.
6.
Do not wear toenail polish if you have a toenail infected by fungus.
There is some debate on this one whether or not it really matters. When
in doubt just don't do it.
Interesting fact: The medical term for toenail fungus is Onychmoycosis.
7.
Always keep your nails trimmed short so that you minimize the risk of
prying the nail upward and causing injury to the nail bed which in turn
allows the fungus to grow underneath the nail.
Interesting fact: It can take 18 months for a nail to be replaced completely by a new one.
8. Stop Smoking! Faster recovery period. Yet one more reason to stop.
Interesting fact: Nail Fungus is NOT the same as Athlete's Foot but can be caused by the same fungus.
9. If your toenail has become inflamed or you are experiencing pain, seek medical advice as soon as you are able to do so.
10.
Do not delay in the treatment of your toenail fungus. As the toenail
fungus continues to grow it is much harder to get rid of. If you suspect
you have toenail fungus, start treatment today.
Showing posts with label brittle nails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brittle nails. Show all posts
Friday, July 25, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
How to Cure Nail Yeast Infection
7:55:00 AM
The intended purpose of this very short article is to enlighten
you about some of the possible dangers, relating to some of the cures
and treatments on the market today, regarding yeast infection. Always,
consult with your personal doctor. Or as is properly stated, your health
care professional. Ok, I am a farmer, and I talk in farmer talk. Doctor
to me is a Dr., not my health care professional. Smile. ALSO, the
statements in this article are my thoughts and/or opinions, based on
reading, and personal experience with yeast infection.
Identification
of nail yeast infection is usually painfully easy. I do not intend to
say that it is pain, as in a hurting, rather a pain as in "oh no I have a
..." Yeast infection, as we have come to find out manifests itself in
numerous ways. A candida albicans infection of the skin around the base
and sides of the nails frequently occurs. Both our hands and our feet
are targets forget another type of yeast infection. People most at risk
are whose hands are constantly wet and children who suck their thumbs.
The skin at the base of the nail becomes red and painful over the period
of a day or so. Occasionally, there is pus discharged from the sides of
the nails. If the infection persists, the skin below the nail can
become infected. If this occurs, the nail can become irregular,
thickened and brittle, with ridges and groves in it.
We feel that
natural treatment of nail yeast infections, are simple and safe. We do
strongly suggest you consult with your personal physician, prior to any
personal use, of any idea you read here. Infections in the skin around
the edge of the nail may be successfully treated with Tea Tree Oil. This
oil should be applied twice daily and massaged into the affected area
until the infection goes away.
Now the yeast infection gone under the nail, it has now become much more difficult
to treat. This is because the area is protected by the nail surface. One method of treatment for these infections under the fingernail or toenail, a solution of Crystal Violet in alcohol should be applied, like nail polish, on the nails. We found the Crystal Violet in our local health food store. This application should continue twice a week for 3-4 months, or about a week after it has cleared up. Gentian Violet or Crystal Violet Solution is available at pharmacies or chemists.
to treat. This is because the area is protected by the nail surface. One method of treatment for these infections under the fingernail or toenail, a solution of Crystal Violet in alcohol should be applied, like nail polish, on the nails. We found the Crystal Violet in our local health food store. This application should continue twice a week for 3-4 months, or about a week after it has cleared up. Gentian Violet or Crystal Violet Solution is available at pharmacies or chemists.
Now
after having cleared up this problem area, we must now apply a
prevention of nail yeast infection recurring. Try to avoid infection by
keeping your nail, and the surrounding skin areas as dry as possible. If
your hands must be frequently in water, protect your hands, nails and
cuticles with lanolin, and hand lotion containing a good amount of
lanolin or wear gloves. If you are prone to nail yeast infection under
or around the nail, massage the nail and cuticle areas with Tea Tree Oil
prior to exposure to water.
I have attempted to share with you
what I feel are some really good treatments and/or cures for yeast
infection. There are a lot natural treatments and cures, available to
us. The choice of what to use, when to use it, and how to use it is
ours. While it is hoped you have been enlightened by these few words, I
am grateful. However, I do not hold, nor do I practice as a health care
professionals. So even, if you do not follow your physicians advice, at
least talk to them about what your doing. Among other things yeast
infections of our nails is not pleasant to look at.
By
Walter Scheu
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Brittle Nails – Causes, Symptoms and Healthy Nutrition Tips
10:22:00 AM
Brittle nails are usually not associated with a medical disease. Brittle fingernails are a common condition, occurring in about 20% of people; more women than men develop brittle nails. Brittle nails usually break or peel off in horizontal layers, starting at the nail's free end.
The signs and symptoms of brittle nails include:
• peeling at the nail tips
• easy breaking
• inability to grow the nails out
What Causes Brittle Fingernails?
Everyone has brittle nails to some extent, some more than others. Aging can cause slowed nail growth and dull, brittle, or yellowish nails as the flow of moisture and natural oils to the nail bed declines. A lack of moisture or too much moisture can worsen an already brittle condition. Dry heat, detergents, nail polish remover, or harsh chemicals encourage cracked and dry brittle nails. On the other hand, too much moisturizer, hand lotion and a lot of time underwater leaves nails too soft for tearing.
The nutrition for dry, brittle nails includes the establishment of a healthy diet and ways that continuously enhance the condition of the brittle nails of the person and the increasing desire to stay away from fatty, junk foods.
Dry, brittle nails is a problem that thousands of women face. Nails dry-out in the winter time because of intense hand washing to stay healthful and because of all the dry air that is around generated as a result of heaters. Health Nutrition aids to control your fingernail health and provide a cure for dry, brittle nails. A inadequacy of B-complex vitamins, specifically biotin, will create ridges along the nail bed. A diet deficient in calcium inflicts to dry, brittle nails. Quite a number of vitamins and minerals have been proposed for the prevention of brittle nails.
The nutrition for dry, brittle nails and hangnails through a diet rich in vitamin C, folic acid and omega-3 can be classified into four major elements: the efficacy of the nutrition control and management procedures, the level of involvement of the people concerned, the guidelines and policies for nutrition control and management, and lastly, the control of potential dangers and hazards linked with the nutrition management.
For people with mild or intermittent brittle nails, a cosmetic moisturizer may be enough to keep the skin from feeling dry. Use a glass file or an emery board instead of a metal nail file. Also, make sure you file only in one direction. Therapeutic moisturizers, which have been shown to act as a barrier that keeps water from evaporating from the nails. Calcium-rich foods include all dairy foods, especially yogurt, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, beans, and sardines.
Refrain from biting your nails. To help, kick this habit keep nails short, and paint them with a dark coloured polish. (Every-time you bite you'll be conscious of chipping the polish).
Nail polish remover. Using nail polish remover more than once a week, especially one containing acetone, can cause your nails to become dry.
Nails, should be neatly filed and shaped on a regular basis. For under the nail cleanliness use a nail brush and for smooth and shining nails use a nails buffer. Try a cuticle softener, for it might prove worthy.
Author: peterhutch
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tips on How to Grow Long, Healthy Nails
12:29:00 PM
Let's be honest, a beautiful set of, long, natural healthy nails
looks classy and sexy. Immaculately manicured long nails say a lot about
your personal style and confidence. We know growing long, healthy nails
can be a challenge. Our simple tips show how you too can have a
beautiful set of long natural nails.
First a quick biology lesson:
Your nails grow from the area under your cuticle called the matrix. The matrix is the living part of the nail. Your cuticle is the layer of skin that protects the matrix so the cuticle is very important for nail health and growth. As new nail cells grow in the matrix, older nail cells are pushed out toward your fingertips and become hard and compacted. Heredity and health determine how fast nails grow but nails typically grow about 0.1 millimeter a day, which means that it takes a fingernail about four to six months to fully regenerate. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges or grooves. They're uniform in colour and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
Did you know: Nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter, nails on your dominant hand grow faster, and men's nails grow more quickly than women's, except when a woman is pregnant when nail growth speeds up.
How long should my nails be ?
This is obviously very much a matter of personal choice but a couple of things to bear in mind:
The optimum practical length for your nails depends on your activities and your lifestyle. In general the nail tip should extend no further than one third of the body of the nail.
Nails break less often when they are all of equal length and shaped square, oval, or round.
Tips on growing, long and healthy natural nails:
Long nails tip 1: Don't use your nails as tools.
Rather than using your nails use other parts of your hand, or a pen, to perform tasks like dialing the phone. Don't pick, poke or scrape with your nails and especially avoid opening soft drink cans with your nails.
Long nails tip 2: Wear gloves.
Detergents are particularly harsh on your nails and can cause splitting and peeling. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. You should also wear gloves when gardening to protect your nails from infection and prevent dryness, damage, and loss of natural oils.
Long nails tip 3: Don't bit your nails or pick at your cuticles.
Aside from the obvious reason of biting shortening your nails these habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter the nail bed and cause an infection. Remember your nails grow slowly so an injured nail retains signs of damage for several months.
Long nails tip 4: Look after your cuticles.
The cuticle is a barrier that keeps bacteria from the nail matrix, where new cells are generated, so it should not be cut or trimmed. On the other hand you do want to keep cuticles from becoming overgrown, which suffocates nail growth. If your cuticle has grown out on to the nail plate, after sufficiently softening your cuticles in warm water, very gently use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. As well as pushing your cuticles back this will help to remove dead skin and debris that may have accumulated. Hold the cuticle pusher at an angle, and use tiny circular movements, so that you are as gentle and careful as possible and do not damage the cuticle. When you have finished doesn't forget to moisturize your hands.
Long nails tip 5: Look after your nails.
Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use manicure scissors or clippers and a nail file to smooth nail edges. Never pull off hangnails - doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.
Long nails tip 6: Caring for brittle nails.
Trim brittle nails after a bath, or a 15 minute hand soak in bath oil, and then apply a moisturiser. Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the nail polish. When you do need to use a nail polish remover avoid those that use acetone, which dries out nails. Also consider using a nail strengthener and growth formula.
Long nails tip 7: The role of diet.
Unless your diet is deficient in protein and vitamins dietary changes that supposedly strengthen nails won't work. Your nails can however offer telltale signs of dietary problems such as:
Lack of vitamin A and calcium causing dryness and brittleness.
Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causing hang nails
White bands across the nails caused by protein deficiency.
A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid causing splitting nails.
Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leading to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved ends and darkening of nails.
Insufficient zinc causing development of white spots on the nails.
Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.
If you are concerned that your diet may not be balanced and healthy you should consult a medical or nutritional professional.
Long nails tip 8: Moisturise your nails.
Nails need moisture just like your hands do. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturising your hands. Be sure to apply moisturiser each time you wash your hands
Long nails tip 9: Use coloured nail polish.
Use coloured nail polish while you are growing your nails. If you prefer a softer look, try a sheer shade. Coloured nail polish helps you become more aware of your hands and how to use them in a way that keeps your nail polish undamaged and hence your nails protected. It also makes chips easier to spot so that you can make immediate repairs.
Long, beautiful natural nails take commitment and special care to grow and maintain. Be patient, the average nail takes 3 to 6 months to grow.
Frequently asked questions:
My nails are weak. What can I do to strengthen them?
Unfortunately, if you have naturally weak nails then it's probably hereditary and you can't permanently change them. You can, however, do things to make them stronger. Try a nail strengthener and growth formula. Many women are confused about how to use these products, so here are a few tips:
Make sure you apply a thin coat. Because you'll be applying it daily you don't want it to build up too much. If you're at the very beginning stages of growing out your nails only use a strengthener and growth formula on your nail plate and apply it every day. Once your nails start to protrude, and you want to apply nail polish, use the strengthener and growth formula as a base coat and as a top coat.
Why do I have ridges in my nails?
Ridges or corrugations (referred to as beau's lines) in nails occur when nail growth is uneven, usually because of illness or injury. Gentle buffing can minimize ridges. A Ridge Filler will also help to level the nail surface, smoothing out shallow ridges and other imperfections.
What causes my nails to turn yellow and how can I get rid of the yellow stains?
Darker coloured nail polish can cause a chemical reaction between the nail polish's coloring agent and the nail plate. This can cause nails to develop a yellowish color. While it is different for every person this reaction can occur in a matter of days or within weeks of wearing the nail colour. To prevent nails from yellowing always use a base coat before applying nail polish. Not only will this prevent staining but it can also extend the life of the nail polish. For already yellow nails soak nails in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and the juice of one lemon for up to 15 minutes, once a week
Why are my nails so flaky around the cuticle beds? What causes this?
Unless you have an allergy to something you are handling it is likely to be dryness which is the cause. It is important to correct this since, as mentioned, cuticles are very important for nail health. You should regularly moisturize your cuticles, and hands.
My nails can grow, but after a while they begin to peel and stop growing. What can I do to stop this?
Many women want long, well-shaped nails, but the stresses of daily life and work may make them a challenge to grow. Your nails could potentially benefit from additional protection when they reach more vulnerable lengths. A nail strengthener and growth formula could assist.
What causes thin nails and what can make them stronger?
When your general health is good and you are not handling strong chemicals that might affect the nails, it is likely to be heredity that produces thin nails. Your nails could also potentially benefit from a nail strengthener and growth formula.
First a quick biology lesson:
Your nails grow from the area under your cuticle called the matrix. The matrix is the living part of the nail. Your cuticle is the layer of skin that protects the matrix so the cuticle is very important for nail health and growth. As new nail cells grow in the matrix, older nail cells are pushed out toward your fingertips and become hard and compacted. Heredity and health determine how fast nails grow but nails typically grow about 0.1 millimeter a day, which means that it takes a fingernail about four to six months to fully regenerate. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges or grooves. They're uniform in colour and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
Did you know: Nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter, nails on your dominant hand grow faster, and men's nails grow more quickly than women's, except when a woman is pregnant when nail growth speeds up.
How long should my nails be ?
This is obviously very much a matter of personal choice but a couple of things to bear in mind:
The optimum practical length for your nails depends on your activities and your lifestyle. In general the nail tip should extend no further than one third of the body of the nail.
Nails break less often when they are all of equal length and shaped square, oval, or round.
Tips on growing, long and healthy natural nails:
Long nails tip 1: Don't use your nails as tools.
Rather than using your nails use other parts of your hand, or a pen, to perform tasks like dialing the phone. Don't pick, poke or scrape with your nails and especially avoid opening soft drink cans with your nails.
Long nails tip 2: Wear gloves.
Detergents are particularly harsh on your nails and can cause splitting and peeling. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. You should also wear gloves when gardening to protect your nails from infection and prevent dryness, damage, and loss of natural oils.
Long nails tip 3: Don't bit your nails or pick at your cuticles.
Aside from the obvious reason of biting shortening your nails these habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter the nail bed and cause an infection. Remember your nails grow slowly so an injured nail retains signs of damage for several months.
Long nails tip 4: Look after your cuticles.
The cuticle is a barrier that keeps bacteria from the nail matrix, where new cells are generated, so it should not be cut or trimmed. On the other hand you do want to keep cuticles from becoming overgrown, which suffocates nail growth. If your cuticle has grown out on to the nail plate, after sufficiently softening your cuticles in warm water, very gently use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. As well as pushing your cuticles back this will help to remove dead skin and debris that may have accumulated. Hold the cuticle pusher at an angle, and use tiny circular movements, so that you are as gentle and careful as possible and do not damage the cuticle. When you have finished doesn't forget to moisturize your hands.
Long nails tip 5: Look after your nails.
Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use manicure scissors or clippers and a nail file to smooth nail edges. Never pull off hangnails - doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.
Long nails tip 6: Caring for brittle nails.
Trim brittle nails after a bath, or a 15 minute hand soak in bath oil, and then apply a moisturiser. Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the nail polish. When you do need to use a nail polish remover avoid those that use acetone, which dries out nails. Also consider using a nail strengthener and growth formula.
Long nails tip 7: The role of diet.
Unless your diet is deficient in protein and vitamins dietary changes that supposedly strengthen nails won't work. Your nails can however offer telltale signs of dietary problems such as:
Lack of vitamin A and calcium causing dryness and brittleness.
Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causing hang nails
White bands across the nails caused by protein deficiency.
A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid causing splitting nails.
Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leading to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved ends and darkening of nails.
Insufficient zinc causing development of white spots on the nails.
Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.
If you are concerned that your diet may not be balanced and healthy you should consult a medical or nutritional professional.
Long nails tip 8: Moisturise your nails.
Nails need moisture just like your hands do. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturising your hands. Be sure to apply moisturiser each time you wash your hands
Long nails tip 9: Use coloured nail polish.
Use coloured nail polish while you are growing your nails. If you prefer a softer look, try a sheer shade. Coloured nail polish helps you become more aware of your hands and how to use them in a way that keeps your nail polish undamaged and hence your nails protected. It also makes chips easier to spot so that you can make immediate repairs.
Long, beautiful natural nails take commitment and special care to grow and maintain. Be patient, the average nail takes 3 to 6 months to grow.
Frequently asked questions:
My nails are weak. What can I do to strengthen them?
Unfortunately, if you have naturally weak nails then it's probably hereditary and you can't permanently change them. You can, however, do things to make them stronger. Try a nail strengthener and growth formula. Many women are confused about how to use these products, so here are a few tips:
Make sure you apply a thin coat. Because you'll be applying it daily you don't want it to build up too much. If you're at the very beginning stages of growing out your nails only use a strengthener and growth formula on your nail plate and apply it every day. Once your nails start to protrude, and you want to apply nail polish, use the strengthener and growth formula as a base coat and as a top coat.
Why do I have ridges in my nails?
Ridges or corrugations (referred to as beau's lines) in nails occur when nail growth is uneven, usually because of illness or injury. Gentle buffing can minimize ridges. A Ridge Filler will also help to level the nail surface, smoothing out shallow ridges and other imperfections.
What causes my nails to turn yellow and how can I get rid of the yellow stains?
Darker coloured nail polish can cause a chemical reaction between the nail polish's coloring agent and the nail plate. This can cause nails to develop a yellowish color. While it is different for every person this reaction can occur in a matter of days or within weeks of wearing the nail colour. To prevent nails from yellowing always use a base coat before applying nail polish. Not only will this prevent staining but it can also extend the life of the nail polish. For already yellow nails soak nails in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and the juice of one lemon for up to 15 minutes, once a week
Why are my nails so flaky around the cuticle beds? What causes this?
Unless you have an allergy to something you are handling it is likely to be dryness which is the cause. It is important to correct this since, as mentioned, cuticles are very important for nail health. You should regularly moisturize your cuticles, and hands.
My nails can grow, but after a while they begin to peel and stop growing. What can I do to stop this?
Many women want long, well-shaped nails, but the stresses of daily life and work may make them a challenge to grow. Your nails could potentially benefit from additional protection when they reach more vulnerable lengths. A nail strengthener and growth formula could assist.
What causes thin nails and what can make them stronger?
When your general health is good and you are not handling strong chemicals that might affect the nails, it is likely to be heredity that produces thin nails. Your nails could also potentially benefit from a nail strengthener and growth formula.
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