Nail Care

Nails are made of a tough protein known as keratin, which also makes up hair. They are made up of the nail plate (the hard, outer layer), the nail bed (under the nail plate), the cuticle & the matrix.

Fingernails can tell us a lot about our inner health. Sickness &/or a poor diet will be reflected in the condition of our nails. For optimum nail health, it is important we nourish them from the inside & care for them on the outside.

Nail care:

• Use rubber gloves when washing the dishes. Not only will this help protect your nails, but it will also help prevent nail fungal infections.
• Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals. Wear protective gloves.
• Once a week, soak your hands in warm water & gently push back the cuticle.
• Use a moisturiser on your hands and nails after washing them.
• Trim nails regularly with a pair of sharp nail clippers. Finger nails grow approximately 0.1mm per week.
• Nail polish (lacquer) can enhance the look of nails, but regular use of nail polish & nail polish remover can be damaging to some people's nails. Try to limit the use of nail polish to special occasions.
• When filing nails, always use an emery board & file in the same direction. Do not use a sawing motion.
• Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Never:

• Open jars, remove staples, peel off labels etc., with your fingernails.
• Bite your nails, this ruins the appearance of your nails & looks awful.
• If you do wear nail polish, never pick it off. Use nail polish remover.

Common nail disorders:

Nails are susceptible to a range of problems, common nail disorders include;

• Nail infection (fungal, bacterial)
• Dry/brittle nails (Onychorrhexis)
• Separation of nail from the nail bed (Onychomadesis)
• Thickened nails (Onychauxis)
• Hangnails
• Nail ridges (horizontal & vertical)
• White spots (leukonychia)
• Psoriasis
• Splitting nails
• Trauma

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.