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| Beauty |
 Healthy, Gorgeous NailsBy Jessica Taylor of Jessica's Beauty Services Everyone is plagued by some kind of nail problem at some point in his or her life. It could be anything from a hangnail to a nail fungus. Following is a list of common nail complaints and some basic solutions to achieving beautiful, healthy looking nails: 1) Ridges - Ridges can run either lengthwise or crosswise on the nail. They can be caused by an injury to the base of the nail or may be the result of an illness. Injuring the base of the nail can cause permanent damage that results in a ridge that splits as the nail grows. To reduce the look of ridges you can gently buff the nail to smooth the ridges and apply a ridge filling base coat to fill in the ridged area. Do not over buff the nail as this will make it thin and weak. If your nail tends to split as it grows you will have to keep it short, or apply a wrap to keep the nail from splitting. 2) White Spots - White spots are harmless if they are under the nail plate. They will grow off on their own and do not require treatment. White spots can be caused by an injury or even stress. If the white spots are on the outside of the nail and can be scraped off, this is a sign of a ringworm infection and should be treated by a doctor. 3) Fungus - Nail fungus can be found in either the finger or toenail, or both. It causes the nail to get thick and yellow. Nail fungus starts when moisture and bacteria get trapped under the nail bed or under an artificial nail. To treat a fungus, use an over the counter anti-fungal liquid that is available at a pharmacy or nail salon. If the fungus does not go away or is getting worse, see a doctor who can prescribe medication to treat the condition. Important: If you do not treat a fungal infection it will continue to get worse and even spread to other nails. 4) Black Nails - Black or brown nails or spots are actually bruises under the nail. They are caused by impact to the nail by dropping something on it or stubbing it against an object. A bruise will eventually grow off your nail. Sometimes the bruise is so bad that the entire nail falls off. This is common and the nail will grow back. People that hike or run a lot often bruise their toenails and have them fall off. 5) Thick cuticles - Some people’s cuticles grow more than others. To keep thick cuticles in check, gently push them back with a towel daily after you shower or bath. Cuticle softening creams will also help to soften the cuticles making them easier to push back. 6) Nail Biting - Nail biting is a habit that can cause the nails and cuticles to become infected and inflamed. To stop nail biting, try to keep your nails and cuticles nicely manicured and polished. If all else fails, try artificial nails because it is hard to bite them off. 7) Brittle Nails - A common problem in the dry winter months, brittle nails are nails that are very hard and snap off easily. They mainly require moisture. To alleviate brittle nails, try using cuticle oil or cream several times a day to moisturize the nail plate. There are also nail treatment base coats that can help bring flexibility back to brittle nails. 8) Hangnails - A split in the cuticle surrounding the nail causes a hangnail. To prevent hangnails, keep your cuticles moist by using cuticle oil every day. If you do get a hangnail, you should clip it off using a sharp cuticle nipper. Do not try to rip or pull a hangnail, as it will tear the skin and leave the area prone to an infection. 9) Thin Nails - Some people are genetically destined to have weak, thin nails that bend and peel easily. To strengthen these nails, use a protein-enriching cream or base coat. Keeping polish on the nails may give them added strength as well. Adding more calcium to your diet may also help. 10) Ingrown Nails - Ingrown nails can occur on the fingers and toes. Nails that are very curved are prone to becoming ingrown. Sometimes the nail curves so much that it grows into the skin around the nail, breaking the skin and leaving it open to infection. You can prevent ingrown nails by refraining from cutting your nails too short. When you cut your nails down to the quick, it makes it easy for the nails to grow into the surrounding skin. File your nails straight across because rounding them makes it easier for them to grow into the skin. If you do have a painful ingrown nail, consult your doctor. With some simple steps you may be able to treat and prevent some common nail problems. If any condition looks infected or is painful, be sure to get medical attention right away. Jessica is a professional aesthetician and owner of Jessica’s Beauty Service; Calgary’s premiere mobile aesthetics company. Jessica’s Beauty Service can be contacted by phone at 403.701.2631 or email jessicamtaylor@hotmail.com www.jessicasbeautyservice.com |