Nail Health 101
Part 2 of a 2 Part Series
Part 2 of a 2 Part Series
A Hard Habit to Break
Nail biting is a common problem, especially with children. While the habit typically disappears with age, it has been linked to anxiety with older children and adults. Not only does nail biting ruin the look of the nails, its also a good way to transfer infectious organisms from the fingers to the mouth and vice versa. Nail biting can also damage the skin surrounding the nails, allowing infections to enter and spread. How can one break the habit? Many people are cured by applying a bad tasting nail polish or liquid to the nail. Others just stop by other distractions or lifestyle changes.
Nail biting is a common problem, especially with children. While the habit typically disappears with age, it has been linked to anxiety with older children and adults. Not only does nail biting ruin the look of the nails, its also a good way to transfer infectious organisms from the fingers to the mouth and vice versa. Nail biting can also damage the skin surrounding the nails, allowing infections to enter and spread. How can one break the habit? Many people are cured by applying a bad tasting nail polish or liquid to the nail. Others just stop by other distractions or lifestyle changes.
Nail disorders can affect our ability to pick up small objects and our sense of touch. Infrequently in children, nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect many of the elderly. This is due to the susceptibility of the nail to fungal infections, its increased thickness with age, circulation problems, and the regular use of medications that may affect the nails.
In general, nail disorders respond very slowly to therapy because of the slow growth rate of the nail and its inability to absorb medications very well. Treatments are defined generally as surgical or non-surgical. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors or correct structural abnormalities. Non-surgical treatments include the use of topical or oral medications.
A Window On Health
The nails can reveal much about a person's overall health. Many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails. Most doctors will check the nails carefully during a physical examination. The most common health conditions and their effect on the nails can include:
*Liver disease - white nails
*Kidney disease - half of the nail is pink and half is white
*Heart conditions - nail bed is red
*Lung diseases - yellowing and thickening of the nail & slowed growth rate
*Anemia - pale nail beds
*Diabetes - slight blush at the base
Nail Care
Since many nail disorders result from poor nail care, developing good nail habits early will help keep them healthy.
* Keep nails clean and dry as this will help keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
* If toenails are thick and difficult to cut , soak them in warm salt water for 5-10 minutes.
* Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength.
* Do not remove your cuticle, it will allow infection to develop.
* Use a fine textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags.
* Avoid biting fingernails.
* Avoid digging out ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. Please seek medical attention.
* Report any irregularities to you medical doctor or dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could possibly signal a serious problem.
* Wear shoes that fit properly, alternate and change the shoes you wear daily.
Please do not ask your friendly neighborhood local nail tech to diagnose you. Respectfully, they can and will NOT do it.
This ends the 2 part series about nail care and nail health. If anyone has any questions about anything in this blog, please feel free to contact me.
With love,
Maria
source: aad.org
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