Live Healthy Live Well

Do you have splitting, cracking nails? Do you have problems getting them to grow long? How’s your health? Your nails are like a mirror to your health.

White spots in nails indicate an injury to the nail. Vertical lines can be caused by a nail injury or certain diseases or drugs. Bacterial infections of the nails are most commonly due to injury, nail biting, poor hygiene, or frequent contact with water. Heart and lung problems, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, and anemia can be signaled by changes in your nail such as discoloration or thickening of the nail. Digestive problems can cause ingrown toenails as also can improper nail trimming, tight shoes or poor posture. If you have diabetes or poor circulation you are more likely to have nail problems.

If you notice changes in color, shape and/or thickness of the nail, bleeding, discharge, pain due to swelling around the nail you should check with your doctor. About half of all nail disorders are caused by fungal infections. Fungal infections are more common in toenails due to the warm and moist environment.

Your fingernails grow faster about twice the rate as toenails with faster growth in the summer. Our health factors such as nutrition, age, activity level, heredity, disease, medications, illness, fever and age affect nail growth. As we age we also tend to have more nail problems.

Keeping your nails in good shape:
• Keep your nails clean and dry. Use rubber gloves when cleaning and using chemicals.
• Moisturize your hands and nails often as frequent hand-washing and hand sanitizers dry out nails.
• When filing or trimming your nails cut straight across with the center slightly rounded.
• If your nails split or break easily, keep them short.
• Nail polish can protect your nails.
• Only use nail polish remover once a week as it dries out nails. Try an acetone-free variety.
• Don’t bite your fingernails or pick your cuticles. Clip off hangnails.
• For toenails, don’t wear tight shoes and switch shoes regularly.
• For reoccurring problems see your doctor or dermatologist.

Be Careful at Nail Salons
Fungal Infections are easily spread at nail salons. Be sure technicians wash their hands between clients and use clean implements each time. If you are a frequent customer you may want to bring your own implements. Technicians should never cut or push back cuticles.

Written by: Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension Fayette County, Miami Valley EERA

Reviewed by: Liz Smith, Liz Smith, M.S, RDN., L.D, NE Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-ED Ohio State University Extension

References:
American Academy of Dermatology, (2013). Nails, American Academy of Dermatology, Available at http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/nails
Mayo Clinic, {2011). Fingernails: Do’s and don’ts for healthy nails, Mayo Clinic. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/WO00020