5 Natural Solutions to Avoid Nail Issues

From scratching an itch to playing a guitar or peeling fruit, your fingernails are constantly in use. However, overuse or improper care can lead to issues like fungal infections or fragile, cracked nails.

While numerous nail problems exist, one of the most frequent concerns dermatologists encounter is brittle nails that break easily. This brittleness can result from nails being too dry, causing them to harden and crack, or too moist, making them soft and prone to tearing.

Trauma, the medical term for injury, is another significant issue for fingernails. A common example is accidentally hitting the nail with a hammer. If a bruise forms under the nail, a doctor might need to alleviate the resulting pressure.

Injuries also increase the risk of infections, particularly fungal ones. While these are more common in toenails due to the warm, damp conditions inside shoes, fungal infections can also affect fingernails, leading to unpleasant outcomes. The nail may turn white, yellow, brown, or even green, and the surrounding skin may become red and inflamed. (Consult your doctor if you suspect a nail infection.)

Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, can manifest in the nails.

On the next page, discover expert-recommended home remedies to maintain the health and appearance of your nails.

1: Avoid the Culprits

Frequent exposure to detergents, cleaning agents, or citrus fruits, depending on your occupation or daily tasks, can harm your nails. Whenever possible, wear gloves to avoid brittle nails, infections, or even nail loss. Keeping nails short also reduces the risk of damage.

Vinyl gloves. Use vinyl gloves for tasks involving water or harsh chemicals. Prolonged moisture or exposure to strong substances can weaken nails. Vinyl gloves, unlike latex or rubber, provide better protection. For added moisture control, sprinkle baby powder inside the gloves or wear cotton liners underneath.

Cotton gloves. Opt for cotton gloves during dry tasks to shield your nails from potential damage or injury.

Avoid using your nails as tools, such as for scraping or prying. Be cautious to prevent injuries like slamming them in drawers or hitting them with objects. Such actions can lead to infections, stunted nail growth, or bruising. If a nail turns black and blue, seek medical attention immediately to relieve pressure on the injured blood vessel beneath the nail.

2: Moisturize Your Nails

Since nails lack fat, they can't retain moisture naturally. Soak them in lukewarm water and then apply a moisturizer to help seal in hydration.

Consider using products with humectants like phospholipids, urea, or lactic acid. Popular options include Complex 15, Aquaderm, and Moisturel, or you can rely on the classic choice—petroleum jelly. Always reapply moisturizer after washing your hands or bathing.

However, moderation is key—excessive use of hand lotions and moisturizers can make nails overly soft and brittle. Prolonged exposure to water or repeated soaking and drying can also leave nails either too soft or excessively dry.

If a nail becomes infected, especially by yeast, it’s crucial to minimize water exposure and keep the area dry. Infecting organisms thrive in warm, moist conditions, so maintaining dryness helps prevent further issues.

3: Care for Your Cuticles

Take care of your cuticles without using mechanical tools, as these can compromise their natural barrier against bacteria and moisture. Skip orange sticks as well. Instead, soak your cuticles and gently push them back with a damp towel. For a natural approach, clean and soften cuticles by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda.

4: Don't Pick or Tear

Refrain from picking or tearing hangnails, as this can create openings for bacteria and lead to infections. Instead, use fine scissors to trim the dry part and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Regularly moisturizing your hands, nails, and cuticles can prevent future hangnails. For ingrown nails, a saltwater soak (1 tablespoon salt per quart of water for 30 minutes) can reduce pain and swelling, and soften nails for easier trimming.

Ways To Protect Your Toenails, Too

Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections, often caused by the same fungus responsible for athlete's foot, especially after an injury.

Topical antifungal treatments with clotrimazole or miconazole can effectively combat athlete's foot. Apply them at the first sign of infection to prevent the fungus from spreading to the nails.

If a toenail becomes infected, prescription medication might be required to treat it effectively.

5: Realize Nail Cosmetic Risks

Sculptured nails can trap excessive moisture, while the adhesives in nail wraps may cause allergic reactions, leading to permanent damage to the nail bed and root. A common issue is nail separation from the bed. If you experience pain or tenderness, it could indicate a reaction to the glue, requiring medical attention.

Avoid formaldehyde. While most nail polishes and hardeners claim to exclude formaldehyde, some still contain it. Allergic reactions or irritation from these products can lead to nail separation.

Limit polish remover use. Acetone in nail polish removers dries out nails. Restrict usage to once a week or less to minimize damage.