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!