Do you have brittle, yellowed or short nails? By adopting ad hoc measures, it is possible to improve the situation over time. To get started, examine them - you need to understand how they messed up. For severe injuries, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Strengthen them by frequently applying moisturizers and natural oils. Following a healthy diet also helps to fortify the nail bed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remediate Immediate Injury
Step 1. Assess the severity of the situation
Before deciding how to proceed, thoroughly analyze your nails to understand how they are damaged. Examine the shape to determine if it has been altered. Look for the coloration, as a greenish or yellowish tone could be symptomatic of an infection. Run a finger across the surface of the nail in order to sense any bumps or roughness.
- Examine your nails thoroughly, it will be easier to see how they improve and heal over time.
- If they have turned green or yellow, it may be a fungus. Talk to a dermatologist to find out how to treat it.
- Small, white patches may be due to a buildup of keratin, but they can also be symptomatic of a vitamin or mineral deficiency (such as zinc or magnesium). A dermatologist can diagnose any deficiency by doing a complete blood count.
Step 2. Treat any injuries
If your nails have split or have cuts, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Sanitize it with a wipe soaked in alcohol solution. Apply antibiotic cream or gel to the nail bed. If you have a deep cut, cover it with a plaster. If it's just a small cut, let it air out and keep it clean.
Step 3. Make an appointment with the dermatologist
If your nails have been damaged due to impact trauma, it is a good idea to see a doctor to take an x-ray and see if the damage has extended to the bone. If you have been taking care of your nails for more than three weeks without seeing any improvement, a specialist can trace the cause that triggered the problem in the first place, for example a kidney disease.
Many diseases can affect nail health. For example, diseases affecting the kidneys cause nitrogen waste overloads on the nails, damaging them
Step 4. Prevent the spread of yeast infections
If you have been diagnosed with a fungal infection, take steps to make sure it does not spread, as it can affect your toenails, eyes, and can infect other people as well.
- Wear gloves to avoid infecting others.
- Avoid cooking or serving food to other people until you are fully cured.
- Keep your hands clean and treat skin cracks in the nail area.
- Apply antifungal cream following the instructions given to you by your doctor.
Step 5. Go to the emergency room
If you've had a deep cut in the nail bed area and the bleeding doesn't stop, or a large nail flap has separated from your skin, go to the emergency room right away to treat the wound. This will reduce the risk of getting a secondary infection.
Nail injuries happen to be symptomatic of a finger fracture. Unless the damage is visible, you will be prescribed an X-ray or MRI
Method 2 of 3: Strengthen the Nails
Step 1. Don't use nail polish for a few weeks
Constant use can prevent your nails from breathing, also causing a buildup of bacteria, fungi and deposits. Remove it and wait for two to three weeks before reapplying. See if you notice any improvements. In the future, use nail polishes fortified with vitamin A and other nutrients.
The small, white patches are symptomatic of a buildup of keratin, which can be treated by stopping the use of nail polish for some time
Step 2. Trim your nails and get them short
It may seem counterproductive, but that helps make them grow strong and long. Shorten them with a pair of scissors. Make sure you cut them following the natural arc of the nail, rather than making a clean horizontal cut. Then, file them with a gentle horizontal motion on the tips. Go slowly and apply even pressure until they shorten.
- Repeat every three to four days to make sure they only lightly touch the edges of your fingers.
- Smooth the surface of the nails with a nail file. This can improve blood circulation and polish them. Afterwards, apply a specific nail cream for a complete treatment.
Step 3. Hydrate them constantly
Look for a specific nail cream, serum, or gel. Repeat the application throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. In the evening, massage in a generous amount and put on a pair of gloves or cotton socks - they will keep your nails hydrated throughout the night and prevent the air from drying them out.
Washing your hands can make both your skin and nails dry. To protect them, keep a pack of hand cream next to each sink in your home and work. Apply it every time you wash them
Step 4. Soak them
In a medium-sized bowl, mix warm water and four teaspoons of sea salt. Leave your hands to soak for 10 minutes. You can also use warm milk or olive oil. Once the treatment is complete, apply a moisturizer directly to the nails to further promote healing.
Step 5. Make a tea pack
Take a tea bag and cut a small piece of it. Apply a clear base to the damaged nail, then place the piece you cut over the wound. Press it to remove any bubbles that have formed and apply another coat of clear nail polish. This is a quick and effective remedy for a crack, but be sure to keep an eye on it to see if any symptoms associated with an infection develop.
The piece cut from the tea bag should be left on the nail for about a week at a time. If necessary, replace it with a new one
Step 6. Apply tea tree oil
Having antifungal properties, it is great for yellowing, brittle or bad-smelling nails. Apply a few drops to the affected area twice a day. Repeat the treatment until you see improvement.
- If it irritates your nails, try applying lemon juice with a cotton ball. The acidic properties of the juice can help eliminate fungus.
- If your doctor has prescribed an antifungal for you, avoid using home remedies. Antifungal creams are more effective in getting rid of an infection.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Nails
Step 1. When cleaning the house or doing other household chores, wear a pair of latex or heavy plastic gloves to avoid coming into contact with harmful substances
Corrosive ingredients in cleansers can wear out the nail bed: using gloves will prevent possible damage.
Step 2. Clean using mild products
The chemicals in many antibacterial sprays, furniture polishes, and cleaning wipes can irritate your skin and nails. When shopping for household cleaning products, choose natural or non-irritating formulations. Avoid those based on ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, or caustic soda.
Step 3. Try not to tease, break, or eat them
If you tend to abuse your nails, this may be one of the reasons why they are damaged. Make a commitment to break the habit. To avoid temptation, coat them with lemon juice or another foul-tasting product. There are also nail polishes that help stop biting your nails.
- Some people bite their nails while they sleep. Avoid this by wearing socks or gloves before going to bed.
- If you think the addiction has resulted in a compulsion, see a therapist.
Step 4. Take a biotin supplement
Tablets or multivitamins containing biotin can be found in pharmacies and drugstores. Taking it daily will help strengthen the nail bed. It's a slow process, but your nails will get stronger and can withstand the harshest treatments without breaking or getting damaged. Biotin should be taken for at least four to six months.
Step 5. Eat right and drink lots of water
Make sure you eat a diet rich in foods containing vitamins A, B, C and E, which help strengthen nails and cuticles. These nutrients are found in foods such as olive oil and eggs, but also in multivitamins. Also, make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration, brittle nail beds, and dry cuticles.
Step 6. Remove the nail polish gently
The main ingredient found in most solvents, acetone, can easily erode the nail bed if used improperly. Apply only a minimal amount to remove the nail polish. Also, pour it on a cotton ball rather than directly on the nail.
Step 7. Contact a beautician
If your nails are damaged, it is a good idea to go to a beauty center to apply nail polish or other treatments. Explain your problems to the beautician and ask her for suggestions. Also accept hand massages if offered, as they promote blood circulation and stimulate nail healing.
A hand and nail massage with coconut or other oil is even more effective because it moisturizes the nail bed
Step 8. Try to be patient
Nail growth takes three to six months, so you'll need to be patient before you see any improvement. Resist the urge to speed up the process by trying aggressive treatments - they may do more harm than good.
Advice
- Keeping your hands clean helps prevent infections and promote healing. Just remember to apply an oil or moisturizer to your nails after washing.
- In addition to conventional medicine, you may want to consult an acupuncturist or alternative medicine expert, who often uses hands to diagnose other health problems.
