Help is at Hand for Nice Nails!

Our hands take a lot of abuse. In the summer they’re baked by the sun, and in winter they’re frozen stiff by icy winds. Household chores expose our hands to further damage from chemicals and repeated washing. All of this can lead to unsightly nails.

Splitting nails are surprisingly common, but only rarely are they an indication of a serious health problem or vitamin deficiency. If your toenails are strong but your fingernails are chipping and breaking, the cause is most likely external.

Brittle nails can be caused by too little moisture (dry and brittle), or too much (soft and brittle). If nails are dry and brittle, repeated hand washing and drying is a likely culprit, although any situation with low humidity can lead to dryness. Soft and brittle nails are usually a result of overexposure to moisture or damage from detergents, cleaners, or nail polish removers.

Boost Nail Health

For dry nails, applying and retaining moisture makes a big difference—soak nails for five minutes, then apply lotion to nails and cuticles. Wearing gloves while washing dishes or doing household chores can be helpful for brittle nails.

Basic nail hygiene will go a long way toward preventing problems. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Never bite nails or pull off hangnails; keep nails trimmed using sharp manicure scissors or clippers.
• Use an emery board to create a smooth, round edge at nail tips, and always file in one direction.
• Tea tree oil has proven to be effective at reducing the appearance and symptoms of nail fungus.
• Avoid nail polish removers that contain harsh chemicals like acetone or formaldehyde.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

Nutrients for Nail Health