General changes and care of nails

Natural nails can look different from person to person. However, if there is any disease of the nails, the color, thickness, and growth rate of the nails will change slightly. Nail injury, other diseases, or physical changes can cause changes in the nails.

Not all changes are complex problems. Sometimes minor reasons can cause changes in nails. Which gets better only by taking care of the nails.

Several causes can lead to changes in the appearance of nails-

1. Get Older

As we age, protein deficiencies can cause nails to become thin and brittle. Again, nails can become hard, dull, or discolored due to various age-related reasons.

2. Pregnancy

Pregnant women‘s nails can become soft and break easily. Their nails sometimes become hard. However, within six months of childbirth, the nails return to their normal, healthy state.

3. If it hurts

Any injury to the nail can change the color of the nail. If the injury is severe, the nail joint becomes weak. The nail may then loosen from the flesh.

The healthy nail starts growing again within six months if the fingernail is loosened due to injury. However, in the case of toenails, new nails can take up to 18 months to grow.

4. Biting the nails with the teeth

Biting the nails with the teeth damages them and makes them break easily. It destroys the normal shape of the nails. Apart from this, if the germs from the mouth enter the nails and the skin around the nails, infection can also occur.

5. Using extra nail polish

Excessive use of nail polish or any other artificial color on the nails damages the keratin of the nails. Acetone, a chemical found in nail polish remover, can erode the top layer of the nail and weaken it. So an acetone-free nail polish remover can be used.

When removing nail polish, one must take care not to damage the relatively tough skin or ‘cuticle’ at the junction of the nail and the base of the nail. Because this skin helps the nail stick to the base.

6. If you smoke

Smokers’ nails are yellow or yellow-brown. Along with nails, teeth, and fingers can also turn yellow. This is due to the cancer-causing substance called ‘tar’ contained in e-cigarettes. But if you quit smoking, it is possible to bring back the normal color of the nails.

7. If excess water and detergent are used

Dishwashing and laundry detergents or soaps can cause nail damage. Long-term exposure to excess water and these substances can cause the nails to become soft. Then the nail can break easily.

8. If you don’t cut your nails properly

If you don’t cut your nails regularly, if you cut your nails too much, or if you cut the corners of your nails too much, it can cause nail problems.

9. If ‘wart’

A virus causes warts. In this disease, small lumps appear on the nails and around the nails. Later, it looks like cauliflower.

10. If there is an infection

Infections can occur when the nails and the skin around the nails become infected with bacteria or fungi. Then the nail color can change.

11. As a result of various diseases

The reasons mentioned so far are mostly limited to nail problems. However, in addition to these, abnormal changes in the nails may occur as a symptom of some complex and long-term diseases. Then, without treating those diseases, the nail problem cannot be cured.

Some such diseases are:

Psoriasis of the nails
Iron deficiency anemia
Diabetes
Heart, liver, and lung diseases
Thyroid hormone problems

A side effect of a medication can also cause such changes. So, if you notice any abnormal changes in the nails, do not neglect to consult a doctor.

Fungal infections of the nails

If the nail is cracked or cut around the nail, the fungus can enter and cause a fungal infection. Then there is a fungal infection in the nail. Generally, this problem is more common in toenails than fingernails. Then the changes seen in the nails

Nails are hard.
Nails break easily.
Nails appear yellow, brown, or white.
The normal shape of the nail changes.
The nails may smell bad.

Anyone can have these problems. However, the risk of infection increases if

Any injury to the nail or the surrounding area
Any nail surgery can be performed by a qualified podiatrist.
Feet sweat more
Walking barefoot on streets, toilets, bathrooms, and crowded places
Have diabetes
The immune system is weakened
There is a problem with blood flow.
Athlete’s foot, also known as fungal infections of the soles and toes

If such a problem occurs, you should go to the doctor quickly without wasting time. Because the fungus can quickly spread to the surrounding skin, Such problems do not get better without proper treatment. Sometimes surgery may be required.

Nail Care

Following some simple rules can help you avoid many nail problems.

Do Whatever

Trim fingernails and toenails regularly after bathing.
Always keep your nails clean and dry.
Clean your nails regularly with a soft brush or cloth.
Wear rubber gloves if you use too much water, detergent, or other soapy things.
Use creams or lotions for fingernails and toes.
Socks should be cleaned regularly.
When going to a salon for nail care, make sure that the tools or products used are properly sterilized. If possible, carry separate items for your use.

If you have a fungal infection (e.g., athlete’s foot), do not ignore it and seek medical advice immediately.

Cut off injured or loosely attached nails, except for the part attached to the flesh, to promote normal nail growth. This will help with normal nail growth.

However, if the nails break easily without any reason, it may be due to biotin deficiency. You can consult a doctor in this regard. To keep nails healthy, it is necessary to develop the habit of eating nutritious food regularly.

What not to do

You cannot cut the corners of both sides of the nail. When cutting the nails, only cut the head or front part of the nail. Trimming the nails too much increases the chances of ingrown toenails.
Do not clean the dirt under the nails with anything sharp (e.g., a knife or blade).
Avoid sharing nail clippers or nail clippers.
Do not wear shoes that cause pain or pressure on the nails. Comfortable shoes must be worn, especially during exercise or sports.
Do not bite the nails and the skin around the nails with the teeth.
Do not walk barefoot on the street, in the toilet, in the bathroom, or in public places.