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[mcfreefallin]

[mcfreefallin]

Common Nail Problems Solved!

This is a list of nail issues that almost everyone has had or will have and what you should do to fix them. (The list is too long to post all at once so check back next week for more!)

1. Fungus

Fungus is one of the most common nail problems. It can come in several forms such as discoloration of the nail, deformed nails, brittle or "crubly" nails, scaliness, or growths under the nail. It can be very painful and there is often inflammation or swelling of the skin around the nail. Nail fungus can also cause skin around the nail to get rashes or become itchy. Sometimes, the nail itself will pull away from the nail bed. Nail fungus usually appears in toenails because they are usually in shoes which are dark and moist- a good habitat for fungus. People can also acquire toenail fungus from walking barefoot or spending lots of time at places such as the pool- which is just swarming with germs and bacteria. 

Cures for fungus really depend on how bad it is. There are several creams and liquid treatments available at drugstores for nail fungus. Most work pretty well and clear the fungus. If your fungus is more severe, these drugstore treatments will just keep the fungus from getting worse. If your fungus is too severe, no topical treatment will fix it and you will have to have your doctor prescribe you an oral treatment. 

2. White Spots

Many people think that white spots on your nails mean that you have a vitamin deficiency. While this could be true, it is usually not the case. White spots are caused by trauma to the nail such as slamming your finger in a car door. Now you may be thinking, "That doesn't happen very often to me so why do I still have these white spots?!". The base of your nail, where new nail is growing in, is very sensitive. Now this doesn't mean that if you poke the bottom of your nail it will cause you immense pain. It means that part of your nail under and right above your cuticle is not as strong as the rest of your nail. Trauma to this part of your nail could mean something as small as hitting your nail on the side of a table as you walk by. You might not even know you hit your nail. After you damage your nail, the damaged part grows back white.

There isn't much you can do for this besides letting the nail grow back or painting over it. 

That's the end of this section of the list. Check back next week for more!

[mcfreefallin]

Non-Acetone nail polish remover= NOT WORTH IT

For those of you who do not know what non-acetone nail polish remover is or what the difference is between it and acetone remover, let me explain. Acetone is a clear, strong-smelling solvent that has the strength to dissolve many surfaces and finishes. This is why you are not supposed to use nail polish remover around nice furniture, hardwood floors or ceramic- it will destroy their finishes. Acetone remover should also be kept away from fake nails or nail extensions- it will destroy the glue on them and remove them off your nails. It might also make the fake nail disintegrate.

In non-acetone polishes, the active ingredient is ethyl acetate. This is gentler on nails and good for fake nails. It also isn't supposed to smell as bad.

My experience with the non-acetone removers has been horrible THEY DON'T WORK (the picture above is the non-acetone remover I own- I've tried other brands including generic drugstore brands and the results have been the same). When I use it, which happens rarely, it takes me about 2 minutes per nail just to get normal polish off. Glitter polish, however, WILL NOT EVEN COME OFF with the non-acetone remover. I don't know about you, but I honestly do not want to spend 20 minutes taking my nail polish off.

Everyone says that non-acetone is better because it's gentler on you nails and doesn't smell as bad. In my experience, I have never had any problems with acetone remover being too harsh and the non-acetone remover still stinks. If you do have a problem with the harshness of acetone, I've heard that putting lotion on your nails regularly helps. Honestly, I would just go with the acetone remover because the non-acetone remover just takes way too long. It's a waste of money and time and it's really not worth it.