Split Nails: If your nails are splitting, after soaking your hands for at least 15 minutes, remove the nearly detached layers of nail. Once your nails are dry, have them buffed. If you are planning to apply nail polish, first apply a base coat to provide a barrier that will prevent further damage.
Yellow Nails: Yellowing nails can be caused by a number of things, such as nicotine or fingernail polish. If you are sure the cause is not the result of a medical problem, you can likely correct the staining. Buff your bare nails and then soak them in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Continue your soaking sessions every couple of days until your nails look better. Don’t forget to carefully moisturize after each session because lemon juice can be drying.
Nail Nutrition
A nutritional deficiency can affect the health of your nails. If you were suffering from anemia or a zinc deficiency, your nails may bear spots, become brittle and easily break or tear. Taking vitamin or mineral supplements to restore the nutritional balance should result in improvement of your nails. However, supplements will generally do little if there are no nutritional problems. Consuming extra calcium, for example, is not a means to provide super effects to your nails.
There is a possible exception, however, a member of the B-complex called biotin. There are suggestions that taking 2.5 milligrams per day can thicken and strengthen the nails. But since fingernails grow slowly, if you decide to take biotin realize that it could take months to see the results.
Nail Health: When To See A Doctor
Don’t panic over every white spot or cracked cuticle. More often than not, unhealthy nails are simply the result of improper care and a change of habits will turn the situation around. But, realize that there are times when unhealthy nails are the sign of bigger problems, especially if an abnormality such as discoloration or thickening persists.
Nail technicians are urged to advise clients to visit a doctor if changes are seen in their nails. If you find yourself on the receiving end of this advice, do not dismiss it. An individual who works with your nails is in a good position to determine how normal any changes that occur are.
Furthermore, if you care for your own nails, always be on the lookout for differences. Try to identify harmless changes such as a trauma mark or bruise from something more serious. Harmless discolorations are not permanent and should grow toward the end of the nail. Also, take notice of whether or not any changes in your nails coincide with other symptoms. Remember that a person’s fingernails can indicate a wide range of health problems, ranging from a nail infection to hepatitis to obsessive compulsive disorder, so don’t neglect signs of trouble.